The Awesome Power (and disregard for) the Disclaimer

This is an article based solely on disclaimers, which I personally find akin to bald-ass lying—but legally. With a disclaimer, you can CLAIM anything, and then refute the claims, or at the very least, adjust them downward to the point of ridiculousness. I am making liberal use of the “highlighter” function, changing the text color to point out some of my favorite items.

As a primer to this long article, here’s an example of a short disclaimer, mine:

Use of this article is not recommended. Use will increase blood pressure resulting in almost certain headache, stress related. Author’s opinion of the absolutely factual material presented below is to be treated solely as opinion, if not extreme sarcasm. The following disclaimers are true, pulled word for word from each corporation’s website.

Now, with that over and done with, here are some of my favorites:

First, CYMBALTA® (Duloxetine/Oral route), an anti depressant, from Lilly Pharmaceuticals (just approved for generic manufacture in 2013)
(source)

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cimetidine (Tagamet®), thioridazine (Mellaril®), tryptophan, or medicine to treat an infection (such as ciprofloxacin, enoxacin Ciloxan®, Cipro®, or Penetrex®).
Make sure your doctor knows if you are using St. John’s wort, lithium (Eskalith®, Lithane®, Lithobid®), tramadol (Ultram®), other medicines to treat depression (such as amitriptyline, desipramine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, imipramine, nortriptyline, paroxetine, Celexa®, Effexor®,
Lexapro™, Luvox®, Norpramin®, Paxil®, or Zoloft®), medicine to treat headaches (such as eletriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, Imitrex®, Relpax®, or Zomig®), medicine to treat an infection (such as linezolid, Levaquin®, Tequin®, or Zyvox®), or a phenothiazine medicine (such as prochlorperazine, Compazine®, Phenergan®, Thorazine®, or Trilafon®).
Tell your doctor if you are using a blood pressure medicine (such as atenolol, lisinopril, metoprolol, Cozaar®, Diovan®, Lotrel®, Norvasc®, or Toprol®), diuretic or “water pill” (such as hydrochlorothiazide [HCTZ], furosemide, or Lasix®), medicine for heart rhythm problems (such as flecainide, propafenone, quinidine, Rythmol®, or Tambocor®), pain or arthritis medicine, also called “NSAIDs” (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, or Motrin®), or a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®).
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or if you are using any medicine that makes you sleepy, such as allergy medicine or narcotic pain medicine.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Drinking alcohol while using this medicine may increase your risk of liver damage. If you regularly drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, tell your doctor.

When Not To Use

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to duloxetine, or if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor
(MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine, Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days.
Do not start taking an MAO inhibitor within 5 days of stopping duloxetine. You should not use this medicine if you have severe kidney disease or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma.

Warnings

It is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Your doctor may want you to join a pregnancy registry for patients taking this medicine.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including cirrhosis), bleeding problems, diabetes, narrow-angle glaucoma, problems with urination, digestion problems (slow bowels), or a history of seizures or mania. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high or low blood pressure, or low sodium in the blood. Also tell your doctor if you have been addicted to drugs or alcohol.
For some teenagers and young adults, this medicine can increase thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor right away if you start to feel more depressed and have thoughts about hurting yourself. Report any unusual thoughts or behaviors that trouble you, especially if they are new or get worse quickly. Make sure the doctor knows if you have trouble sleeping, get upset easily, have a big increase in energy, or start to act reckless. Also tell the doctor if you have sudden or strong feelings, such as feeling nervous, angry, restless, violent, or scared. Let the doctor know if you or anyone in your family has bipolar disorder (manic-depressive) or has tried to commit suicide.
Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach; pale stools; dark urine; loss of appetite; nausea; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem.
Serious skin reactions can occur during treatment with this medicine, including erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS). Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin; red skin lesions; severe acne or skin rash; sores or ulcers on the skin; or fever or chills while you are using this medicine.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert. You may also feel lightheaded when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position, so get up slowly. If these symptoms are bothering you or keeping you from doing your daily activities, tell your doctor right away.
This medicine may cause serious conditions called serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)-like reactions when it is taken with certain medicines. Check with your doctor first before taking any other medicines.
You will need to have your blood pressure measured before starting this medicine and while you are using it. If you notice any change to your recommended blood pressure, call your doctor right away. If you have questions about this, talk to your doctor.
Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you have been instructed to stop taking duloxetine, ask your doctor how to slowly decrease the dose. This will decrease your chance of having withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, vomiting, increased sweating, irritability, nightmares, or prickling or tingling feelings.
This medicine may increase your risk for bleeding problems when it is taken with certain medicines. Check with your doctor first before taking any other medicines.
After you stop using the medicine, call your doctor if you have mood or behavior changes, confusion, headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures, tingling pain, or ringing in your ears.
Hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood) may occur with this medicine. Stop using the medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have confusion, difficulty concentrating, headaches, memory problems, weakness, and unsteadiness.
This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic and notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests, check with your doctor.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach pain
area rash
blindness
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
blurred vision
change in consciousness
chills
clay-colored stools
cold sweats
confusion
convulsions
dark urine
decreased urine output
decreased vision
difficulty swallowing
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
eye pain
fainting
fast or irregular heartbeat
general tiredness or weakness
hives or welts
hives, itching, puffiness, or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
increased thirst
itching
joint or muscle pain
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
light-colored stools
loss of consciousness
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
red, irritated eyes
redness of the skin
shortness of breath
skin rash
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
tearing
tightness in the chest
unpleasant breath odor
upper right stomach pain
vomiting of blood
wheezing
yellow eyes and skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Agitation
diarrhea
fever
loss of bladder control
muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities
overactive reflexes
poor coordination
restlessness
shivering
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
sudden loss of consciousness
sweating
talking or acting with excitement you cannot control
trembling or shaking
twitching
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side
effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Body aches or pain
cough
difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
difficulty with breathing
dry mouth
ear congestion
frequent urination
headache
lack or loss of strength
loss of appetite
loss of voice
muscle aches
nausea
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
sleeplessness
sneezing
sore throat
stuffy or runny nose
sweating increased
trouble sleeping
unable to sleep
weight loss

Less common

Abnormal orgasm
acid or sour stomach
belching
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles”, or tingling feelings
change in taste
change or problem with discharge of semen
decreased interest in sexual intercourse
difficulty with moving
fear
feeling of warmth or redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
heartburn
inability to have or keep an erection
indigestion
joint pain
longer than usual time to ejaculation of semen
loose stools
loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
loss of taste
muscle aching or cramping
muscle pains or stiffness
nervousness
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
sudden sweating
swollen joints
trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

———————

Holy cow, isn’t there someone else I could simply talk to?!? Sigmund, we hardly knew ye.

Next up, another favorite from Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, LIPITOR® (Atorvastatin/Oral route)
(source)

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products,
read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Children

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of atorvastatin in children 10 to 17 years of age. However, safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 10 years of age.
Teenage girls taking atorvastatin should be counseled on appropriate birth control methods to prevent pregnancy.

Older Adults

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of atorvastatin in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related muscle problems, which may require caution in patients receiving atorvastatin.

Pregnancy

All Trimesters – Studies in animals or pregnant women have demonstrated positive evidence of fetal abnormalities. This drug should not be used in women who are or may become pregnant because the risk clearly outweighs any possible benefit.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are
taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Posaconazole

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Atazanavir
Bezafibrate
Ciprofibrate
Clarithromycin
Clofibrate
Cobicistat
Colchicine
Conivaptan
Crizotinib
Cyclosporine
Dabrafenib
Dalfopristin
Danazol
Daptomycin
Darunavir
Diltiazem
Domperidone
Erlotinib
Erythromycin
Eslicarbazepine Acetate
Fenofibrate
Fenofibric Acid
Fentanyl
Fluconazole
Fosamprenavir
Fusidic Acid
Gemfibrozil
Indinavir
Itraconazole
Ketoconazole
Lopinavir
Mibefradil
Nefazodone
Nelfinavir
Niacin
Piperaquine
Primidone
Quinupristin
Saquinavir
Telaprevir
Telithromycin
Tipranavir
Troleandomycin
Verapamil

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Amiodarone
Amprenavir
Azithromycin
Bexarotene
Black Cohosh
Boceprevir
Bosentan
Clopidogrel
Digoxin
Efavirenz
Eltrombopag
Etravirine
Fosphenytoin
Interferon Beta
Oat Bran
Pectin
Phenytoin
Pioglitazone
Quinine
Rifampin
St John’s Wort
Voriconazole

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on
the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following may cause an increased risk of certain side effects but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Alcohol abuse, or history of or
Diabetes or
Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) or
Liver disease, history—Use with caution. May cause side effects to become worse.
Convulsions (seizures), not well-controlled or
Electrolyte disorders, severe or
Endocrine disorders, severe or
Hypotension (low blood pressure) or
Kidney disease, severe or
Metabolic disorders, severe or
Sepsis (severe infection)—Patients with these conditions may be at risk of developing muscle and kidney problems.
Liver disease, active or
Liver enzymes, elevated—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
Stroke, recent or
Transient ischemic attack (TIA), recent—Atorvastatin may increase the risk of stroke in patients with these conditions.

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it or for a longer time than your doctor ordered.
In addition to this medicine, your doctor may change your diet to one that is low in fat, sugar, and cholesterol. Carefully follow your doctor’s orders about any special diet.
Take this medicine at the same time each day.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it. Take this medicine with or without food.
Do not drink large amounts of alcohol with atorvastatin. This could cause unwanted effects on the liver.
Tell your doctor if you regularly drink grapefruit juice. Drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice (more than 1.2 liters each day) while you take this medicine may increase your risk of muscle injury and could result in kidney problems.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For oral dosage form (tablets):
For high cholesterol:
Adults—At first, 10 or 20 milligrams (mg) once a day. Some patients may need to start at 40 mg per day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 80 mg per day.
Children 10 to 17 years of age—At first, 10 mg once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 20 mg per day.
Children younger than 10 years of age)—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double dose and do not take 2 doses of this medicine within 12 hours.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly to lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels and to decide if you should continue to take it. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant.
If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. These could be symptoms of serious muscle problems, such as myopathy or immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM).
Call your doctor right away if you have dark-colored urine, fever, muscle cramps or spasms, muscle pain or stiffness, or unusual tiredness or weakness. These could be symptoms of a serious muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis, which can cause kidney problems.
Call your doctor right away if you get a headache, stomach pain, vomiting, dark-colored urine, loss of appetite, weight loss, general feeling of tiredness or weakness, light-colored stools, upper right stomach pain, or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of liver damage.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine if you have a major surgery, major injury, or you develop other serious health problems.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common or rare

Cough
difficulty with swallowing
dizziness
fast heartbeat
fever
hives
itching
muscle cramps, pain, stiffness, swelling, or weakness
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
skin rash
tightness in the chest
unusual tiredness or weakness
wheezing

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
chills
dark-colored urine
diarrhea
joint pain
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
red skin lesions, often with a purple center sore
red, irritated eyes
sore throat
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Headache
hoarseness
lower back or side pain
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
painful or difficult urination
stuffy or runny nose

Less common

Abdominal or stomach pain
back pain
belching or excessive gas
constipation
general feeling of discomfort or illness
heartburn, indigestion, or stomach discomfort
lack or loss of strength
loss of appetite
nausea
shivering
sweating
trouble sleeping
vomiting

Incidence not known

Appetite increased
black, tarry stools
bloody nose
bloody or cloudy urine
blurred vision
continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
difficult, burning, or painful urination
difficulty seeing at night
excessive muscle tone or tension
fruit-like breath odor
groin or scrotum pain
inability to have or keep an erection
increased body movements
increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
increased sensitivity to touch or pain
increased thirst
increased urination
loss of bladder control
loss of sexual ability, drive, or desire
menstrual bleeding occurring earlier or lasting longer than usual
mental depression
nervousness
nightmares
pale skin
paranoia
pinpoint red spots on the skin
slurred speech
swollen or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
unable to move or feel face
unusual bleeding or bruising
weight loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

————————————————–

Wowza, just pass the red meat and allow me to expire!

Next up, LUNESTA® (Eszopiclone/Oral route) from Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co. Ltd. (sleep aid… the glowing butterfly ads)
(source)

Uses of This Medicine

Eszopiclone is used to treat insomnia (trouble in sleeping). It belongs to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which are medicines that slow down the nervous system. Eszopiclone helps you get to sleep faster and sleep through the
night. In general, when sleep medicines are used every night for a long time, they may lose their effectiveness. In most cases, sleep medicines should be used only for short periods of time, usually 7 to 10 days, and generally for no longer than 2 weeks.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Before Using This Medicine

Allergies

Children

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of eszopiclone in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Older Adults

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of eszopiclone in the elderly. However, dizziness, confusion, clumsiness, or unsteadiness are more likely to occur in the elderly, who may require a lower dose to help reduce unwanted effects.

Pregnancy/All Trimesters

Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Carbinoxamine
Fentanyl
Fospropofol
Hydrocodone
Hydromorphone
Meclizine
Oxycodone
Tapentadol
Zolpidem

Ketoconazole
Perampanel

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur.

Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Ethanol

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Alcohol or drug abuse, history of—Dependence on eszopiclone may develop.
Breathing problems or lung disease or

Depression, history of
Mental illness, history of—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.
Diseases affecting metabolism or disease involving blood circulation—Caution should be used in patients with these medical problems.
Liver disease, severe—Use with caution. Higher blood levels of eszopiclone may result, increasing the chance of side effects.

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much is taken, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence). Take eszopiclone just before going to bed, when you are ready to go to sleep. This medicine works very quickly to put you to sleep. This medicine should come with a medication guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Do not take this medicine when your schedule does not permit you to get a full night’s sleep (8 hours). If you must wake up before this, you may continue to feel drowsy and may experience memory problems, because the effects of the medicine have not had time to wear off. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
You should not take eszopiclone with or immediately after a high-fat meal or a heavy meal.

Dosing

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For oral dosage form (tablets):
For insomnia (trouble in sleeping):
Adults—At first, 2 milligrams (mg) at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
Older adults—At first, 1 milligram (mg) at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double dose.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for any unwanted effects. This medicine may cause sleep-related behaviors such as driving a car (sleep-driving), walking (sleep-walking), having sex, making phone calls, or preparing and eating food while asleep or not fully awake. If these reactions occur, tell your doctor right away.
If you think you need to take eszopiclone for more than 2 weeks, be sure to discuss it with your doctor. Insomnia that lasts longer than this may be a sign of another medical problem.
This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that makes you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping
medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; medicine for seizures or barbiturates; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine.
This medicine may cause some people, especially older persons, to become drowsy, dizzy, lightheaded, clumsy or unsteady, or less alert than they are normally. Even though eszopiclone is taken at bedtime, it may cause some people to feel drowsy or less alert on arising.
Make sure you know how you react to eszopiclone before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy, or are not alert or able to see well.
If you develop any unusual and strange thoughts or behavior while you are taking eszopiclone, be sure to discuss it with your doctor. Some changes that have occurred in people taking this medicine are like those seen in people who drink alcohol and then act in a manner that is not normal. Other changes may be more unusual and extreme, such as confusion, worsening of depression, hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there), suicidal thoughts, and unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability.
Eszopiclone may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have itching, hives, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.
If you will be taking eszopiclone for a long time, do not stop taking it without checking first with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping completely. Stopping this medicine suddenly may cause withdrawal side effects.
After taking eszopiclone for insomnia, you may have difficulty sleeping (rebound insomnia) for the first few nights after you stop taking it.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Cough or hoarseness
fever or chills
lower back or side pain
painful or difficult urination
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

Less common

Bladder pain
bloody or cloudy urine
cold flu-like symptoms
confusion
difficult, burning, or painful urination
discouragement
fear or nervousness
feeling sad or empty
frequent urge to urinate
irritability
lack of appetite
loss of interest or pleasure
nerve pain
nervousness
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
tiredness
trouble with concentrating
trouble with sleeping

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Change in consciousness
loss of consciousness
very drowsy or sleepy

More common

Acid or sour stomach
bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
belching
change in taste
dizziness
dry mouth
headache
heartburn
indigestion
nausea
pain
stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

Less common

Abnormal dreams
accidental injury
decreased interest in sexual intercourse
diarrhea
inability to have or keep an erection
pain, cramps, or heavy bleeding (females)
rash
swelling of the breasts or breast soreness (in both males and females)
vomiting

Incidence not known

Loss of memory
problems with memory

————————————————–

Why not try warm milk before bed time?

Next up, the perennial favorite, VIAGRA (Sildenafil/By mouth) from Pfizer Pharmaceuticals

Brand Name(s) in the US: Revatio, Viagra

Therapeutic: Antihypertensive, Peripheral Vasodilator; Pharmacologic: Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor

Uses of This Medicine

Sildenafil is used to treat men who have erectile dysfunction (also called sexual impotence). Sildenafil belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medicines prevent an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type-5 from working too quickly. The penis is one of the areas in the body where the phosphodiesterase enzyme works. By controlling the enzyme, sildenafil helps to maintain an erection after the penis is stroked. Without physical action to the penis, such as that occurring during sexual intercourse, sildenafil will not work to cause an erection.

Sildenafil is also used in both men and women to treat the symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension. This is a type of high blood pressure that occurs between the heart and the lungs. When hypertension occurs in the lungs, the heart must work harder to pump enough blood through the lungs. Sildenafil works on the PDE5 enzyme in the lungs to relax the blood vessels. This will increase the supply of blood to the lungs and reduce the workload of the heart.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Before Using This Medicine

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Children

Sildenafil should never be used in children for erectile dysfunction. In general, sildenafil should not be used for pulmonary arterial hypertension in children, especially for chronic use.

Older Adults

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of sildenafil in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems, which may require an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving sildenafil.

Pregnancy – All Trimesters

Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus.

Breast Feeding

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Amprenavir
Amyl Nitrite
Atazanavir
Boceprevir
Cobicistat
Darunavir
Erythrityl Tetranitrate
Fosamprenavir
Indinavir
Isosorbide Dinitrate
Isosorbide Mononitrate
Lopinavir
Molsidomine
Nelfinavir
Nitroglycerin
Nitroprusside
Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate
Riociguat
Ritonavir
Saquinavir
Telaprevir
Tipranavir

Cannabis
Dabrafenib
Dihydrocodeine
Eslicarbazepine Acetate
Nefazodone
Piperaquine
Primidone
Telithromycin
Voriconazole

Alfuzosin
Bosentan
Bunazosin
Ciprofloxacin
Delavirdine
Doxazosin
Erythromycin
Etravirine
Itraconazole
Ketoconazole
Moxisylyte
Nebivolol
Prazosin
Rifapentine
Silodosin
Tamsulosin
Terazosin
Trimazosin

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Abnormal penis, including a curved penis or birth defects or
Angina (chest pain) or
Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or
Bleeding problem, history of or
Coronary artery disease or
Heart attack (within the last 6 months) or
Heart disease or
Hypertension (high blood pressure) or
Hypotension (low blood pressure) or
Leukemia (type of blood cancer) or
Multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer) or
Priapism, history of or
Retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited eye disorder) or
Sickle-cell anemia (blood disorder) or
Stomach ulcer, history of or
Stroke (within the last 6 months)—Use with caution. May cause side effects to become worse.
Age greater than 50 years or
Coronary artery disease or
Crowded disc or low cup to disc ratio in the eye (an eye disorder) or
Diabetes or
Heart disease or
Hyperlipidemia (high fats in the blood) or
Hypertension (high blood pressure) or
Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy or NAION (serious eye condition), history of or
Smoking—May increase the chance for a serious side effect in the eye called NAION.
Kidney disease, severe or
Liver disease, severe—Use with caution. The effects may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body.
Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease or PVOD (a type of lung disease)—Use with caution. May make this condition worse.

Proper Use of This Medicine

This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully each time you get a refill of your medicine. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Use sildenafil exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. If too much is used, the chance of side effects is increased.
When using this medicine for pulmonary arterial hypertension, you may take it with or without food.
If you are using the oral liquid, shake the bottle well for at least 10 seconds before measuring each dose. Use the oral syringe provided in the package to measure each dose. Wash the oral syringe after each use.
This medicine usually begins to work for erectile dysfunction within 30 minutes after taking it. It continues to work for up to 4 hours, although its action is usually less after 2 hours.
Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way.

Dosing

For treatment of erectile dysfunction:
For oral dosage form (tablets):
Adults up to 65 years of age—50 milligrams (mg) as a single dose no more than once a day, 1 hour before sexual intercourse. Alternatively, the medicine may be taken 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual intercourse. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
Adults 65 years of age and older—25 mg as a single dose no more than once a day, 1 hour before sexual intercourse. Alternatively, the medicine may be taken 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual intercourse. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
Children—Not recommended for this age group.
For treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension:
For oral dosage forms (suspension or tablets):
Adults—20 milligrams (mg) three times a day. Each dose should be taken about 4 to 6 hours apart.
Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Throw away any unused mixed Revatio® oral liquid after 30 days.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
It is important that you tell all of your doctors that you take sildenafil. If you need emergency medical care for a heart problem, it is important that your doctor knows when you last took sildenafil.
If you will be taking this medicine for pulmonary arterial hypertension, your doctor will want to check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it.
If you take sildenafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension, do not take Viagra® or other PDE5 inhibitors, such as tadalafil (Cialis®) or vardenafil (Levitra®). Viagra® also contains sildenafil. If you take too much sildenafil or take it together with these medicines, the chance for side effects will be higher.
Sildenafil should not be used with any other medicine or device that causes erections.
If you experience a prolonged or painful erection for 4 hours or more, contact your doctor immediately. This condition may require prompt medical treatment to prevent tissue damage to the penis and possibly permanent impotence.
This medicine does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases. Use protective measures and ask your doctor if you have any questions about this.
Do not use this medicine if you are also using a nitrate medicine for chest pain (angina). Some examples of nitrate medicines are: isosorbide, nitroglycerin, Imdur®, Nitro-Bid®, Nitro-Dur®, Nitrol® ointment, Nitrolingual® spray, Nitrostat®, and Transderm Nitro®. Some illegal (“street”) drugs or “poppers” also contain nitrates, such as amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate, or nitrite.
It is important to tell your doctor about any heart problems you have now or may have had in the past. This medicine can cause serious side effects in patients with heart problems.
If you experience a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, stop using sildenafil and contact your doctor right away. This could be a symptom of a very serious eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have a sudden decrease in hearing or loss of hearing. You might also have dizziness and ringing in the ears.
If you already use medicine for high blood pressure (hypertension), sildenafil could make your blood pressure go too low. Call your doctor right away if you have more than one of these symptoms: blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly, sweating, or unusual tiredness or weakness.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Bladder pain
burning feeling in the chest or stomach
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles”, or tingling feelings
cloudy or bloody urine
dizziness
increased frequency of urination
indigestion
pain on urination
stomach upset
tenderness in the stomach area

Rare

Abnormal vision
anxiety
behavior change similar to drunkenness
bleeding of the eye
blurred vision
bone pain
breast enlargement
chest pain
chills
cold sweats
confusion
convulsions (seizures)
cool and pale skin
deafness or hearing loss
decrease in amount of urine or the frequency of urination
decreased vision
difficulty in concentrating
dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
double vision
drowsiness
dry eyes
dry mouth
dryness, redness, scaling, or peeling of the skin
excessive hunger
eye pain
fainting or faintness
fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
feeling of something in the eye
fever or chills
headache (severe or continuing)
heart failure
hives
increase in the size of the pupil
increased sweating
increased thirst
itching of the skin
lower back or side pain
migraine headache
nausea (severe or continuing)
nervousness
nightmares
numbness of the hands
painful, swollen joints
prolonged, painful erection of penis
redness, burning, or swelling of the eyes
redness, itching, or tearing of the eyes
restless sleep
seeing shades of colors differently than before
sensitivity to light
shakiness
skin lesions with swelling
skin paleness
skin rash
skin ulcers
slurred speech
sore throat
sudden weakness
swelling of the face, hands, feet, or lower legs
trouble with breathing
twitching of the muscles
unusual feeling of burning or stinging of the skin
unusual tiredness or weakness
vision changes
vision loss, temporary

Incidence not known

Blindness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Aches or pains in the muscles
bloody nose
diarrhea
difficult or labored breathing
flushing
headache
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
redness of the skin
sneezing
stomach discomfort following meals
stuffy or runny nose
trouble sleeping
unusually warm skin

Rare

Abdominal or stomach pain
abnormal dreams
anxiety
clumsiness or unsteadiness
cough
diarrhea or stomach cramps (severe or continuing)
difficulty in swallowing
ear pain
increased amount of saliva
increased skin sensitivity
lack of coordination
loss of bladder control
mental depression
nausea
numbness or tingling of the hands, legs, or feet
rectal bleeding
redness or irritation of the tongue
redness, soreness, swelling, or bleeding of the gums
ringing or buzzing in the ears
sensation of motion, usually whirling, either of one’s self or of one’s surroundings
sexual problems in men (continuing), including failure to experience a sexual orgasm
sleepiness
sores in the mouth and on the lips
tense muscles
trembling and shaking
vomiting
waking to urinate at night
worsening of asthma

————————————————–

Geez Louise. My little “disclaimer” article has highlighted only FOUR “popular” drugs on the market. For the final chapter of this article, the 3rd Quarter 2013 top 10 drugs in the United States, by sales volume:

1 Abilify / Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co.        $1,567,331,000 ($1.56Billion)
2 Nexium / AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals    $1,525,103,000 ($1.53Billion)
3 Humira / AbbVie, Inc.            $1,407,506,000 ($1.4Billion)
4 Cymbalta / Eli Lilly and Company        $1,383,170,000 ($1.38Billion)
5 Crestor / AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals    $1,275,755,000 ($1.28Billion)
6 Advair Diskus / GlaxoSmithKline        $1,215,177,000 ($1.22Billion)
7 Enbrel / Amgen Inc.            $1,172,679,000 ($1.17Billion)
8 Remicade / Centocor Ortho Biotech, Inc    $1,021,678,000 ($1.02Billion)
9 Neulasta / Amgen Inc.            $   898,539,000 ($0.90Billion)
10 Copaxone / Teva Pharmaceuticals        $   893,267,000 ($0.90Billion)

By comparison, Nike Inc. (NKE), the world’s largest sporting-goods company announced (Aug 31, 2013) domestic sales of $780,000,000.

Abilify (aripiprazole), the number one “seller”, is typed as an “Atypical antipsychotic” whose peer drugs in same class include: Quetiapine, Risperidone, Olanzapine, Ziprasidone, Clozapine, Paliperidone, Lurasidone, Asenapine, Iloperidone, Quetiapine Fumarate, Olanzapine/fluoxetine, Paliperidone palmitate, Asenapine maleate, Ziprasidone hydrochloride, Ziprasidone mesylate

“Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain. Aripiprazole is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression). It is also used together with other medications to treat major depressive disorder in adults. Aripiprazole is also used to treat irritability and symptoms of aggression, mood swings, temper tantrums, and self-injury related to autistic disorder in children who are at least 6 years old.”

The Abilify® DISCLAIMER is an epic tale.

In author Aldous Huxley’s infamous novel “A Brave New World”, a drug, SOMA was part of that dystopian culture. “All the advantages of Christianity and alcohol; none of their defects.”

We are far beyond Huxley’s wildest nightmares with our use of drugs. In 2012, the world consumption of pharmaceuticals approached $1Trillion.

Just for comparison, a trillion miles is 320 light years, or traveling at the speed of light for 320 continuous years. A trillion is large, and in charge.

We live, unfortunately, within the Disclaimer Era. It doesn’t have to be this way, we could make products and offer services that are good enough to not require them. But that takes time and shaves profits. So, what’s your disclaimer?

The Awesome Power (and disregard for) the Disclaimer

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