Gardasil
Gardasil is a vaccine against the human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus is a sexually-transmitted infection that can cause genital warts, pre-cancerous abnormalities of cells in the female genitals (cervix or vulva) and cervical cancer. The ... [... more]
Net Doctor |
Herceptin
Herceptin infusion contains the active ingredient trastuzumab, which is a type of medicine called a humanised monoclonal antibody. It is used to treat breast cancer. Trastuzumab is used to treat breast tumours that have large amounts of a unique ... [... more]
Net Doctor |
Palladone
Palladone capsules contain the active ingredient hydromorphone hydrochloride, which is a type of medicine called an opioid analgesic (painkiller). It is related to morphine. Hydromorphone mimicks the action of natural endorphins by combining with ... [... more]
Net Doctor |
Contraceptive coils (IUDs)
I find that a lot of women are quite confused about the subject of the IUD ('the Coil'). Partly this is because there are such a lot of names for this useful little device. But in this article, we'll call it by its most common name: 'the IUD' - ... [... more]
Net Doctor |
Contraceptve injections
Worldwide, many millions of women use the contraceptive injection. In its early years (back in the 1970s and 1980s), this injection was highly controversial. That was partly because of the thoughtless way in which some doctors had used it - often ... [... more]
Net Doctor |
Contraception - the contraceptive pill
If you're thinking of going on the Pill, you'll be joining a band of about 100 million women worldwide who use this method. More than 100 million women worldwide use the contraceptive pill- of these 3.5 million live in the UK. In the UK alone, as ... [... more]
Net Doctor |
The morning-after pill
Although lots of people talk about 'the morning-after pill' this term is actually very misleading. The morning-after Pill needs to be taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex. Why? Because in fact, you don't have to take this pill on 'the ... [... more]
Net Doctor |
Alphaderm cream
This medicine contains two active ingredients, hydrocortisone and urea. Hydrocortisone is a type of medicine called a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are medicines used for reducing inflammation. Inflammation of the skin happens due to the ... [... more]
Net Doctor |
Altacite Plus
This preparation contains hydrotalcite and activated dimeticone (previously spelt dimethicone in the UK). Hydrotalcite consists of aluminium magnesium carbonate hydroxide hydrate, which is an antacid. It decreases the acidity of the stomach's ... [... more]
Net Doctor |
Anacal
Anacal ointment and suppositories contain a combination of heparinoid and lauromacrogol. Heparinoid blocks the production of a chemical called prostaglandin which the body produces in response to injury or certain diseases. Prostaglandins are ... [... more]
Net Doctor |
Apresoline
Apresoline tablets contain the active ingredient hydralazine, which is a type of medicine known as a vasodilator. (NB. Hydralazine is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Hydralazine acts through an unknown mechanism ... [... more]
Net Doctor |
Avaxim
Avaxim is a hepatitis A vaccine that contains inactivated hepatitis A virus. It works by provoking the body's immune response, without causing the disease. The hepatitis A vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the ... [... more]
Net Doctor |
