What is Wellbutrin XL used for. How does Wellbutrin XL work in treating depression. What are the potential side effects of Wellbutrin XL. Who should avoid taking Wellbutrin XL. How should Wellbutrin XL be taken for optimal results. What precautions should be taken when using Wellbutrin XL. When should you consult a healthcare provider while taking Wellbutrin XL.

Understanding Wellbutrin XL: An Antidepressant for Major Depressive Disorder and Seasonal Affective Disorder

Wellbutrin XL, containing the active ingredient bupropion hydrochloride, is a prescription medication designed to address specific types of depression. Its primary uses include:

• Treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults
• Prevention of autumn-winter seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

As an extended-release formulation, Wellbutrin XL provides a consistent dosage throughout the day, potentially improving patient adherence and reducing the frequency of dose administration.

How does Wellbutrin XL differ from other antidepressants?

Unlike many other antidepressants that primarily target serotonin, Wellbutrin XL works by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine. This unique mechanism of action may offer benefits for patients who have not responded well to other antidepressant medications or who experience certain side effects with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Important Safety Information: Understanding the Risks Associated with Wellbutrin XL

While Wellbutrin XL can be an effective treatment for depression, it’s crucial to be aware of potential risks and side effects. The medication carries a boxed warning, the most serious type of warning required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), regarding changes in thinking and behavior, depression, and suicidal thoughts or actions.

Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions

Antidepressants, including Wellbutrin XL, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions, particularly in children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. It’s important to note that Wellbutrin XL has not been evaluated for use in patients under 18 years of age.

Patients and their caregivers should be vigilant for any sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings, especially if they are new, worse, or cause concern. Some symptoms to watch for include:

• Thoughts about suicide or dying
• Attempts to commit suicide
• New or worsening depression or anxiety
• Feeling very agitated or restless
• Panic attacks
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• New or worsening irritability
• Acting aggressive, angry, or violent
• Acting on dangerous impulses
• Extreme increase in activity and talking (mania)
• Other unusual changes in behavior or mood

Wellbutrin XL and Smoking Cessation: Important Considerations

While Wellbutrin XL is not specifically approved for smoking cessation, it contains the same active ingredient (bupropion) as Zyban, a medication used to help patients quit smoking. Some individuals have experienced serious side effects while taking bupropion for smoking cessation, including new or worsening mental health problems.

Mental health concerns during smoking cessation

Patients using bupropion for smoking cessation may experience:

• Changes in behavior or thinking
• Aggression
• Hostility
• Agitation
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts or actions

These symptoms can occur at the beginning of treatment, after several weeks, or even after discontinuing the medication. Individuals with a history of mental health problems may be at higher risk for experiencing these side effects.

Key Precautions and Potential Side Effects of Wellbutrin XL

Before starting Wellbutrin XL, it’s essential to discuss your medical history and any current medications with your healthcare provider. Some important precautions and potential side effects to be aware of include:

Risk of seizures

Wellbutrin XL may increase the risk of seizures, especially in people with certain medical conditions or those taking specific medications. It’s crucial not to take any other medicines while using Wellbutrin XL unless approved by your healthcare provider.

High blood pressure

Some individuals may experience elevated blood pressure, which can be severe, while taking Wellbutrin XL. Regular blood pressure monitoring may be necessary during treatment.

Manic episodes

Wellbutrin XL can potentially trigger manic episodes in some patients. Symptoms of mania may include:

• Greatly increased energy
• Severe trouble sleeping
• Racing thoughts
• Reckless behavior
• Unusually grand ideas
• Excessive happiness or irritability
• Talking more or faster than usual

Unusual thoughts or behaviors

Some patients may experience unusual thoughts or behaviors while taking Wellbutrin XL, including:

• Delusions (false beliefs)
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
• Paranoia
• Confusion

Visual problems

Wellbutrin XL may increase the risk of glaucoma in some individuals. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Eye pain
• Changes in vision
• Swelling or redness around the eye

An eye examination before starting treatment may be recommended to assess the risk of glaucoma.

Proper Usage and Administration of Wellbutrin XL

To ensure the safe and effective use of Wellbutrin XL, it’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Here are some general guidelines for taking Wellbutrin XL:

1. Take Wellbutrin XL exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
2. Swallow the tablets whole; do not crush, chew, or divide them.
3. Take Wellbutrin XL at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels.
4. If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses to make up for a missed one.
5. Do not stop taking Wellbutrin XL without consulting your healthcare provider, as abrupt discontinuation may lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Dosage considerations

The appropriate dosage of Wellbutrin XL varies depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Your healthcare provider will determine the best starting dose and may adjust it over time based on your response and any side effects experienced.

Interactions and Contraindications: When to Avoid Wellbutrin XL

Certain medical conditions and medications may interact with Wellbutrin XL, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or reducing its effectiveness. It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and medical conditions before starting Wellbutrin XL.

Who should not take Wellbutrin XL?

Wellbutrin XL may not be suitable for individuals with:

• A history of seizures
• A current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa
• A history of alcohol or sedative withdrawal
• Severe liver or kidney problems
• Bipolar disorder, unless under close medical supervision
• Known allergy or sensitivity to bupropion or any ingredients in Wellbutrin XL

Potential drug interactions

Wellbutrin XL may interact with various medications, including:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Other antidepressants
• Antipsychotics
• Beta-blockers
• Certain antiarrhythmics
• Some anti-seizure medications
• Medications that affect the CYP2B6 enzyme

Always provide your healthcare provider with a complete list of all medications and supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

Monitoring and Follow-up: Ensuring Safe and Effective Treatment with Wellbutrin XL

Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments are crucial for ensuring the safe and effective use of Wellbutrin XL. Your healthcare provider will likely schedule periodic check-ups to assess your progress, monitor for side effects, and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

What should be monitored during Wellbutrin XL treatment?

During your follow-up appointments, your healthcare provider may:

• Evaluate your mood and depressive symptoms
• Check your blood pressure
• Assess for any signs of mania or hypomania
• Monitor for any unusual thoughts or behaviors
• Evaluate the need for dosage adjustments
• Discuss any side effects you may be experiencing

It’s essential to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any concerns or changes you notice while taking Wellbutrin XL.

When to seek immediate medical attention

While taking Wellbutrin XL, it’s important to be aware of symptoms that may require immediate medical attention. Contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care if you experience:

• Seizures
• Severe allergic reactions (such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing)
• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
• Severe headache or confusion
• Significant changes in mood or behavior
• Suicidal thoughts or actions

Long-term Considerations and Alternative Treatment Options for Depression

While Wellbutrin XL can be an effective treatment for depression, it’s important to consider long-term management strategies and alternative options. Your healthcare provider may recommend a comprehensive treatment plan that includes:

Psychotherapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, or other forms of talk therapy can be highly effective in treating depression, either alone or in combination with medication.

Lifestyle modifications

Incorporating regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, practicing good sleep hygiene, and managing stress can all contribute to improved mental health and may enhance the effectiveness of medication.

Alternative medications

If Wellbutrin XL is not effective or causes intolerable side effects, your healthcare provider may consider alternative antidepressants or treatment approaches, such as:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Atypical antidepressants

Complementary therapies

Some individuals may find benefit from complementary approaches to managing depression, such as:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Acupuncture
• Light therapy (particularly for seasonal affective disorder)
• Herbal supplements (under medical supervision)

It’s important to discuss any complementary therapies with your healthcare provider to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your individual situation.

Patient Education and Support: Maximizing the Benefits of Wellbutrin XL Treatment

Successful treatment with Wellbutrin XL often involves more than just taking medication as prescribed. Patient education and support play crucial roles in maximizing the benefits of treatment and minimizing potential risks.

Understanding your medication

Take the time to learn about Wellbutrin XL, including:

• How it works to treat depression
• Expected timeline for improvement
• Potential side effects and how to manage them
• Proper storage and handling of the medication

Developing a support network

Building a strong support network can be invaluable during depression treatment. Consider:

• Joining a support group for individuals with depression
• Sharing your treatment journey with trusted friends and family members
• Working with a therapist or counselor in addition to medication management

Tracking your progress

Keeping a mood journal or using a smartphone app to track your symptoms, side effects, and overall well-being can help you and your healthcare provider assess the effectiveness of your treatment.

Preparing for appointments

Make the most of your follow-up appointments by:

• Preparing a list of questions or concerns
• Bringing your mood tracking information
• Updating your healthcare provider on any changes in your medical history or medications

By actively participating in your treatment and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider, you can optimize your experience with Wellbutrin XL and work towards achieving your mental health goals.

WELLBUTRIN XL® for HCP’s, Clinical Experience in MDD & SAD

INDICATION

WELLBUTRIN XL^® (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a certain type of depression called major depressive disorder, and for the prevention of autumn-winter seasonal depression (seasonal affective disorder).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: CHANGES IN THINKING AND BEHAVIOR, DEPRESSION, AND SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR ACTIONS

Suicidal Thoughts or Actions and Antidepressant Drugs

Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, or young adults within the first few months of treatment. Depression or other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. People who have (or have a family history of) bipolar illness or suicidal thoughts or actions may have a particularly high risk. Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, impulsivity, trouble sleeping, aggressive behavior or suicidal thoughts are new, worse or worry you. WELLBUTRIN XL has not been evaluated for use in patients under the age of 18.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you or your family member has any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:

• thoughts about suicide or dying
• attempts to commit suicide
• new or worse depression
• new or worse anxiety
• feeling very agitated or restless
• panic attacks
• trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• new or worse irritability
• acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
• acting on dangerous impulses
• an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania)
• other unusual changes in behavior or mood

Although WELLBUTRIN XL is not a treatment for quitting smoking, it contains the same active ingredient (bupropion) as ZYBAN, which is used to help patients quit smoking.

Some people have had serious side effects while taking bupropion to help them quit smoking, including:

New or worse mental health problems, such as changes in behavior or thinking, aggression, hostility, agitation, depression, or suicidal thoughts or actions. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking bupropion, and others developed them after several weeks of treatment, or after stopping bupropion. These symptoms happened more often in people who had a history of mental health problems before taking bupropion than in people without a history of mental health problems.

Stop taking WELLBUTRIN XL and call your healthcare provider right away if you, your family, or caregiver notice any of these symptoms. Work with your healthcare provider to decide whether you should continue to take WELLBUTRIN XL. In many people, these symptoms went away after stopping WELLBUTRIN XL, but in some people, symptoms continued after stopping WELLBUTRIN XL. It is important for you to follow-up with your healthcare provider until your symptoms go away.

Before taking WELLBUTRIN XL, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had depression or other mental health problems. You should also tell your healthcare provider about any symptoms you had during other times you tried to quit smoking, with or without bupropion.

What Other Important Information Should I Know About WELLBUTRIN XL?

• Seizures: There is a chance of having a seizure (convulsion, fit) with WELLBUTRIN XL, especially in people with certain medical problems or who take certain medicines. Do not take any other medicines while you are taking WELLBUTRIN XL unless your healthcare provider has said it is okay to take them. If you have a seizure while taking WELLBUTRIN XL, stop taking the tablets and call your healthcare provider right away.
• High blood pressure (hypertension): Some people get high blood pressure that can be severe while taking WELLBUTRIN XL.
• Manic episodes: Some people may have periods of mania while taking WELLBUTRIN XL. If you have any of the following symptoms of mania, call your healthcare provider:
  • greatly increased energy
  • severe trouble sleeping
  • racing thoughts
  • reckless behavior
  • unusually grand ideas
  • excessive happiness or irritability
  • talking more or faster than usual
• Unusual thoughts or behaviors: Some patients may have unusual thoughts or behaviors while taking WELLBUTRIN XL, including delusions (e.g., believe you are someone else), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), paranoia (feeling that people are against you), or feeling confused. If this happens to you, call your healthcare provider.
• Visual problems: Some people are at risk of glaucoma which can present as: eye pain, changes in vision, or swelling and redness around the eye if they take WELLBUTRIN XL. You should see an eye doctor to determine whether you are at risk prior to starting therapy.
• Severe allergic reactions: Some patients have severe allergic reactions to WELLBUTRIN XL. Stop taking WELLBUTRIN XL and call your healthcare provider right away if you get a rash, itching, hives, fever, swollen lymph glands, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, swelling of the lips or tongue, chest pain, or have trouble breathing. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Do not take WELLBUTRIN XL if you:

• have or had a seizure disorder or epilepsy
• have or had an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
• are taking any other medicines that contain bupropion, including WELLBUTRIN or WELLBUTRIN SR, APLENZIN^®, ZYBAN, or FORFIVO XL. Bupropion is the same active ingredient that is in WELLBUTRIN XL
• drink a lot of alcohol and abruptly stop drinking, or use medicines called sedatives (these make you sleepy), benzodiazepines, or anti-seizure medicines, and you stop using them all of a sudden
• take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you take an MAOI, including the antibiotic linezolid
  • do not take an MAOI within 2 weeks of stopping WELLBUTRIN XL unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider
  • do not start WELLBUTRIN XL if you stopped taking an MAOI in the last 2 weeks unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider
• are allergic to the active ingredient in WELLBUTRIN XL, bupropion, or to any of the inactive ingredients

Although WELLBUTRIN XL is not a treatment for quitting smoking, it contains the same active ingredient (bupropion) as ZYBAN, which is used to help patients quit smoking. Before taking WELLBUTRIN XL, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, or other mental health problems or any symptoms you had during other times you tried to quit smoking with or without bupropion. Also, tell your healthcare provider about your other medical conditions, including if you:

• have liver problems, especially cirrhosis of the liver
• have kidney problems
• have, or have had, an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
• have had a head injury
• have had a seizure (convulsion, fit)
• have a tumor in your nervous system (brain or spine)
• have had a heart attack, heart problems, or high blood pressure
• are a diabetic taking insulin or other medicines to control your blood sugar
• drink alcohol
• abuse prescription medicines or street drugs
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risk to your unborn baby if you take WELLBUTRIN XL during pregnancy, and about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-844-405-6185
• are breastfeeding. WELLBUTRIN XL passes into your milk in small amounts

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Many medicines increase your chances of having seizures or cause other serious side effects if you take them while you are using WELLBUTRIN XL.

The most common side effects of WELLBUTRIN XL include: trouble sleeping, stuffy nose, dry mouth, dizziness, feeling anxious, nausea, constipation, and joint aches.

Click here to read the Medication Guide carefully before you start using WELLBUTRIN XL. If you have any questions about WELLBUTRIN XL, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Click here for full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide and Boxed Warning regarding suicidal thoughts and actions.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also contact Bausch Health Customer Service at 1-800-321-4576.

WELLBUTRIN XL®, HCP Information on Patient Savings Program

INDICATION

WELLBUTRIN XL^® (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a certain type of depression called major depressive disorder, and for the prevention of autumn-winter seasonal depression (seasonal affective disorder).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: CHANGES IN THINKING AND BEHAVIOR, DEPRESSION, AND SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR ACTIONS

Suicidal Thoughts or Actions and Antidepressant Drugs

Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, or young adults within the first few months of treatment. Depression or other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. People who have (or have a family history of) bipolar illness or suicidal thoughts or actions may have a particularly high risk. Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, impulsivity, trouble sleeping, aggressive behavior or suicidal thoughts are new, worse or worry you. WELLBUTRIN XL has not been evaluated for use in patients under the age of 18.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you or your family member has any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:

• thoughts about suicide or dying
• attempts to commit suicide
• new or worse depression
• new or worse anxiety
• feeling very agitated or restless
• panic attacks
• trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• new or worse irritability
• acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
• acting on dangerous impulses
• an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania)
• other unusual changes in behavior or mood

Although WELLBUTRIN XL is not a treatment for quitting smoking, it contains the same active ingredient (bupropion) as ZYBAN, which is used to help patients quit smoking.

Some people have had serious side effects while taking bupropion to help them quit smoking, including:

New or worse mental health problems, such as changes in behavior or thinking, aggression, hostility, agitation, depression, or suicidal thoughts or actions. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking bupropion, and others developed them after several weeks of treatment, or after stopping bupropion. These symptoms happened more often in people who had a history of mental health problems before taking bupropion than in people without a history of mental health problems.

Stop taking WELLBUTRIN XL and call your healthcare provider right away if you, your family, or caregiver notice any of these symptoms. Work with your healthcare provider to decide whether you should continue to take WELLBUTRIN XL. In many people, these symptoms went away after stopping WELLBUTRIN XL, but in some people, symptoms continued after stopping WELLBUTRIN XL. It is important for you to follow-up with your healthcare provider until your symptoms go away.

Before taking WELLBUTRIN XL, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had depression or other mental health problems. You should also tell your healthcare provider about any symptoms you had during other times you tried to quit smoking, with or without bupropion.

What Other Important Information Should I Know About WELLBUTRIN XL?

• Seizures: There is a chance of having a seizure (convulsion, fit) with WELLBUTRIN XL, especially in people with certain medical problems or who take certain medicines. Do not take any other medicines while you are taking WELLBUTRIN XL unless your healthcare provider has said it is okay to take them. If you have a seizure while taking WELLBUTRIN XL, stop taking the tablets and call your healthcare provider right away.
• High blood pressure (hypertension): Some people get high blood pressure that can be severe while taking WELLBUTRIN XL.
• Manic episodes: Some people may have periods of mania while taking WELLBUTRIN XL. If you have any of the following symptoms of mania, call your healthcare provider:
  • greatly increased energy
  • severe trouble sleeping
  • racing thoughts
  • reckless behavior
  • unusually grand ideas
  • excessive happiness or irritability
  • talking more or faster than usual
• Unusual thoughts or behaviors: Some patients may have unusual thoughts or behaviors while taking WELLBUTRIN XL, including delusions (e.g., believe you are someone else), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), paranoia (feeling that people are against you), or feeling confused. If this happens to you, call your healthcare provider.
• Visual problems: Some people are at risk of glaucoma which can present as: eye pain, changes in vision, or swelling and redness around the eye if they take WELLBUTRIN XL. You should see an eye doctor to determine whether you are at risk prior to starting therapy.
• Severe allergic reactions: Some patients have severe allergic reactions to WELLBUTRIN XL. Stop taking WELLBUTRIN XL and call your healthcare provider right away if you get a rash, itching, hives, fever, swollen lymph glands, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, swelling of the lips or tongue, chest pain, or have trouble breathing. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Do not take WELLBUTRIN XL if you:

• have or had a seizure disorder or epilepsy
• have or had an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
• are taking any other medicines that contain bupropion, including WELLBUTRIN or WELLBUTRIN SR, APLENZIN^®, ZYBAN, or FORFIVO XL. Bupropion is the same active ingredient that is in WELLBUTRIN XL
• drink a lot of alcohol and abruptly stop drinking, or use medicines called sedatives (these make you sleepy), benzodiazepines, or anti-seizure medicines, and you stop using them all of a sudden
• take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you take an MAOI, including the antibiotic linezolid
  • do not take an MAOI within 2 weeks of stopping WELLBUTRIN XL unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider
  • do not start WELLBUTRIN XL if you stopped taking an MAOI in the last 2 weeks unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider
• are allergic to the active ingredient in WELLBUTRIN XL, bupropion, or to any of the inactive ingredients

Although WELLBUTRIN XL is not a treatment for quitting smoking, it contains the same active ingredient (bupropion) as ZYBAN, which is used to help patients quit smoking. Before taking WELLBUTRIN XL, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, or other mental health problems or any symptoms you had during other times you tried to quit smoking with or without bupropion. Also, tell your healthcare provider about your other medical conditions, including if you:

• have liver problems, especially cirrhosis of the liver
• have kidney problems
• have, or have had, an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
• have had a head injury
• have had a seizure (convulsion, fit)
• have a tumor in your nervous system (brain or spine)
• have had a heart attack, heart problems, or high blood pressure
• are a diabetic taking insulin or other medicines to control your blood sugar
• drink alcohol
• abuse prescription medicines or street drugs
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risk to your unborn baby if you take WELLBUTRIN XL during pregnancy, and about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-844-405-6185
• are breastfeeding. WELLBUTRIN XL passes into your milk in small amounts

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Many medicines increase your chances of having seizures or cause other serious side effects if you take them while you are using WELLBUTRIN XL.

The most common side effects of WELLBUTRIN XL include: trouble sleeping, stuffy nose, dry mouth, dizziness, feeling anxious, nausea, constipation, and joint aches.

Click here to read the Medication Guide carefully before you start using WELLBUTRIN XL. If you have any questions about WELLBUTRIN XL, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Click here for full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide and Boxed Warning regarding suicidal thoughts and actions.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also contact Bausch Health Customer Service at 1-800-321-4576.

90,000 For the first time in history, an AI-developed cure for a deadly disease is being tested on humans. It was created by a native of the USSR

Digitalization
Technique

July 03, 2023 11:14 July 03, 2023 11:14

|

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Idiopathic pulmonary
fibrosis was created entirely by artificial intelligence. Now it’s already gone
Phase 2 placebo trials.

First ever AI drug

Clinical trials started
trials of the first drug entirely developed by artificial intelligence (AI),
reports CNBC. INSO18_055 is indicated for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF),
a fairly common chronic disease, as a result of which the pulmonary
tissue is covered with scars.

USA only from this
diseases now affect up to 100 thousand people. Without treatment, it can
take the patient to the grave within 2-5 years.

Applied to
To date, drugs are predominantly aimed at slowing down the development of
diseases, but often give extremely unpleasant side effects.

INSO18_055 was created with the aim of
to overcome the main problems of modern drugs for IPF.

Direct
the manufacturer of the drug is the biotechnology startup Insilico Medicine, whose headquarters
is located in Hong Kong. Its founder and CEO Alexander
Zhavoronkov was born in 1979 in Riga (then the USSR), studied in Canada and the USA,
defended his Ph.D. thesis in Moscow at the Moscow State University. M. V. Lomonosov.

Photo: en.freepik

First AI drug in clinical trials

“This is the first ever
generative AI drug that has reached the second phase of clinical
human trials, says Zhavoronkov.
“There are already other drugs developed by AI, but ours is the first where AI
determined both the key object of influence and the structure of the drug.

How to optimize the internal logistics of the enterprise?

BY

According to Zhavoronkov,
when the company was created, its founders immediately focused on algorithms
— on the development of technology capable of independently detecting and
design new molecules.

“In those days I imagine
could not imagine that our AI drugs would be undergoing clinical trials on
patients. But we realized that in order to adequately test our AI platform
it is necessary not only to create new drugs with a new mechanism of action, but also
bring them to clinical trial. Only then can we say that our
the technology works,” said Zhavoronkov.

Phase 2

Currently
the drug is being double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled
study involving 60 patients in 40 different US clinics and
China. If this phase is successful, the test will continue with more
people involved. The current study will take about 12 weeks, and its results
planned to be delivered next year.

Mobile office for medical representatives: SberCRM helped automate the business processes of a pharmaceutical company

Business

“Use of AI for
creating new drugs is one of the main arguments in favor of continuing its
developments against the backdrop of growing fears around the world, says Alexey Vodyasov , technical director
SEQ company. —
Apparently, AI will really be able to advance medicine far ahead.
The problem is that it is capable of creating new ones with the same efficiency.
poisonous substances and weapons. AI is a potential weapon in its own right.
needs tight control. As for the efforts to create with it
new means of saving lives, this is to be welcomed.”

Two more drugs,
created by Insilico Medicine
with the participation of AI, are now undergoing clinical trials: a cure for COVID-19 (in the first phase) and
drug against oncological diseases, which will have to help in
treatment of solid tumors. They were, however, created
AI only partially.

• SearchInform partner conference: “How to become a service provider in infobez”

Roman Georgiev

Therapist Sukhova explained what happens if you don’t take pills with water. Find out why water and milk are good for this purpose, but fruit juice is not.

July 5, 20231

Source:

iStockphoto

When a doctor prescribes medicine, we usually don’t think about the requirement to take it with water. What happens if you ignore this recommendation? What kind of water is best to drink drugs? These questions are answered by therapist Vera Sukhova.

Most drugs should be taken with water. This is a neutral substance that serves as an excellent medium for chemical reactions between compounds, which will help the drug to be better absorbed.

Will something terrible happen if you don’t take a pill with anything? At best, the drug will not dissolve well in the stomach and its action will simply be slower. But at worst, the pill can get stuck while passing through the esophagus.

Read also

How should I ideally take pills? The most optimal drink is purified warm water (or water at room temperature) without gas. Cold water interferes with normal absorption and can cause eating disorders: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and so on. Hot – can burn the esophagus and dissolve the tablet prematurely. The recommended volume of liquid is from 100 ml.

Read also

The use of milk is acceptable, it envelops the gastric mucosa and facilitates the absorption of the drug. This is especially important with the constant use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and certain hormones.

Mineral water increases the risk of a chemical reaction with the active substance contained in the preparation. Therefore, mineral water, especially carbonated water, is not suitable for drinking tablets.