Methotrexate (MTX) may help you manage your over-active immune response caused by your inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This pamphlet gives information about what MTX is, combination therapy in IBD, who should not take MTX, how MTX is given, and possible side effects, and what you can do to lower the chance of side effects.
An echocardiogram is a test to measure the size, shape, movement, and flow of blood through the heart. This pamphlet reviews how to get ready for the test, who will do the test, what will happen during and after the test, and how long it will take. The French version of this pamphlet 1744, "Échocardiogramme", is also available.
Kayexalate® is a medication that treats high potassium levels in the body. High potassium levels can be dangerous if you have kidney disease. This pamphlet explains why you may need this medication, how to take it, side effects, and how to store it.
Metformin is a medication used to help lower high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. This pamphlet explains how to take metformin. Symptoms that require a trip to the nearest Emergency Department are listed.
Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart failure and some types of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). This pamphlet explains how to take digoxin. Symptoms that require a trip to the nearest Emergency Department are listed.
Calcium channel blockers are medications used to treat chest pain and contro high blood pressure. This pamphlet explains how to take and store calcium channel blockers, medications and foods to avoid, possible side effects, and warnings. Symptoms that require a trip to the nearest Emergency Department are listed.
Depo-Provera® is a hormone used to prevent pregnancy. It is injected into your hip or arm using a needle. This pamphlet explains how it works, how well it works, how to get it, when it starts working, pros and cons, who should not take it, and things to remember when taking it. The French version of this pamphlet 2016, "Depo-Provera", is also available.
Birth control pills prevent pregnancy by preventing an egg from leaving your ovary each month. This prevents fertilization (when an egg and sperm join). This pamphlet explains how well the pill works, when it starts working, pros and cons, how to take it, and possible side effects. The French version of this pamphlet 2027, "La pilule contraceptive", is also available.
This pamphlet describes how radiation therapy works, why it has been recommended for you, and the different types of radiation treatment. Other information like how to get ready for each treatment, how long and how often the treatment will take place, and how to manage side effects, is also listed.
Lung cancer is 1 of the 4 most common cancers in Nova Scotia. This pamphlet explains what you can do to take care of your lung health and lists possible signs and symptoms of lung cancer.
Beta blockers are medications used to treat high blood pressure and angina (chest pain), and to lower the risk of repeated heart attacks. This pamphlet explains how to take and store these medications. Possible side effects are listed.
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are medications that can be used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions (like heart attacks, heart failure), and kidney disease. This pamphlet explains how to take and store these medications. Possible side effects are listed.
Statins are medications used to help lower high cholesterol levels. This pamphlet explains how to take and store this medication. Possible side effects are listed.
After early pregnancy loss, you may wait for the tissue to pass on its own (expectant management), take medication called misoprostol (medical management), or be scheduled for a surgery called a dilation and curettage (D and C). This pamphlet explains what will happen with each of the 3 options. Possible complications, discharge instructions, and what to do in an emergency are listed. A list of local resources is given.
Nitroglycerin (nitro) pumpspray (also called nitro spray) is used to treat chest pain or discomfort. This pamphlet explains why you may need this medication, how to take it, side effects, and how to store it. The French version of this pamphlet 1911, "Timbre de nitroglycérine", is also available.
Cyclosporine is a medication that works by lowering your body’s harmful response to immune system diseases like glomerulonephritis. This pamphlet explains how to take this medication, possible side effects, and how to store this medication.
Prednisone is a type of medication known as a corticosteroid. It works by lowering your body’s harmful response to immune system diseases like glomerulonephritis. This pamphlet explains how to take this medication, possible side effects, and how to store this medication.
Mycophenolate mofetil or mycophenolic acid is a medication that works by lowering your body’s harmful response to immune system diseases like glomerulonephritis. This pamphlet explains how to take this medication, possible side effects, and how to store this medication.
Azathioprine is a medication that works by lowering your body’s harmful response to immune system diseases like glomerulonephritis. This pamphlet explains how to take this medication, possible side effects, and how to store this medication.
Cyclophosphamide is a medication that works by lowering your body’s harmful response to immune system diseases like glomerulonephritis. This pamphlet explains how to take this medication, possible side effects, and how to store this medication.