# data[].attributes.body
1. What are the "FDA-approved" and "unapproved" indications for this drug?

Sibutramine is a Schedule IV controlled substance and is used in Meridia, a drug used in treating obesity (FDA Approved 1997). It is advised to not be used by patients with drug and/or alcohol abuse, or psychiatric conditions such as bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, serious depression, and/or pre-existing mania.

2. What is the mechanism of its therapeutic effect? Is this drug a member of an established class, or is it a brand new form of therapy?

Its mechanism of its therapeutic effect is inhibition of norepinephrine and it is part of an established class of therapy.

3. What is the appropriate standard against which to compare it? Why? Is this comparator another drug, a surgical procedure, or …?

The appropriate standard to compare it against is as a norepinephrine and serotonin induktor as it has been used for a while in the help and prevention of obesity.

# data[].attributes.body
Quinapril is a relatively new FDA-approved medication being used to manage hypertension, which puts an individual at a significant risk for coronary heart disease.

1. The FDA first approved quinapril in 1989 as a treatment for hypertension, though the drug is also used off label to treat chronic heart failure and slow the progression of kidney disease in diabetics.
2. Quinapril's mechanism causing its therapeutic effect is angiotensin ll which constricts the coronary blood vessels, increasing vascular resistance and oxygen consumption.
5. The cost for the 20 mg oral tablet is around $21 for a supply of 30 tablets, though the price varies depending on the pharmacy. The majority of hypertension patients begin with 10 to 20 mg tablets once a day, meaning the cost for a month's supply of quinapril would cost them about $21. On the other hand, those suffering from heart failure typically begin with 5 mg tablets twice a day (which cost about $42.52 for 90 tablets), meaning a month's supply of quinapril would cost them approximately $28.35. I believe the drug is worth this price as much of the data shows that quinapril is highly recommended for a multitude of patients due to the majority with which the pros seem to outweigh the cons of taking the drug for almost all the conditions which the drug is used to treat. Quinapril lowers the risk of death, hospitalization, and further damage to the heart for patients with heart failure as well as protects the kidneys, which is useful for those with diabetes or mild-to-moderate kidney disease. On the other hand, cons include that the drug had been found to cause a cough in 1 in 10 people taking the medication, a mild tickle for some but a persistent hacking cough for others.

# data[].attributes.body
1) What are the "FDA-approved" and "unapproved" indications for this drug?

The drug, Leflunomide is FDA-approved in usage for moderate to severe rheumatoid diseases, and specifically arthritis in adults. However it is FDA unapproved for children, and it is also recommended that women using the drug avoid any chance at pregnancy.

2) What is the mechanism of its therapeutic effect? Is this drug a member of an established class, or is it a brand new form of therapy?

Leflunomide is an antirheumatic drug, belonging to a class of medications called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or DMARDs for short. Taken orally, the drug's therapeutic effect is to subdue joint pain or swelling, and get rid of inflammation.

3)What is the cost to the patient (per treatment or per time period, if appropriate)? Do you think it is worth the price? Why or why not?

Sold under the brand name "Arava," the cost of Leflunomide range depending on the pharmacy use go to. The prices for 30, 20mg tablets of Arava range from $100-$250. In my opinion, the expense is way too high, and a more cost-efficient alternative to the product, such as Methotrexate or Hydroxychloroquine is better.

# data[].attributes.body
Indapamide
What are the "FDA-approved" and "unapproved" indications for this drug?
-  One FDA approved use of this drug is using it for monotherapy or in combination with other blood pressure-lowering agents to treat hypertension.
What is the mechanism of its therapeutic effect? Is this drug a member of an established class, or is it a brand new form of therapy?
- Indapamide is a thiazide like diuretic which is a water pill in the  sulfonamide diuretic category, that reduces the amount of water in a human body by increasing the flow of urine which then helps lower blood pressure.
What is the cost to the patient (per treatment or per time period, if appropriate)? Do you think it is worth the price? Why or why not?
-The average cost of this drug is $37 for 100 tablets, however it does depend on what pharmacy you go to and how many pills you need. I think its is worth the price because depending on your symptoms 100 tablets for $37 is not a lot because it could be that you may only need a few and later on you will have extra and won't need to buy more.

# data[].attributes.body
1) The FDA approves rizatriptan in the acute treatment of migraines. However, it cannot be used as prophylactic therapy, which means using it before the migraines are diagnosed, and for cluster headaches.

2) Rizatriptan is part of the triptans class. Once it is administered, it releases serotonin, narrowing blood vessels and easing pain. As a triptan, it binds to the 5-HT1B receptors and constricts the cranial arteries.

3) 12 oral tablets for 10mg of generic rizatriptan vary in price but are around $15-$50. However, the brand name Maxalt can cost up to $450 to $500. The brand name is not worth the price but the generic name is because it is around the average price. There are other alternatives to the expensive brand name that works with similar efficacy.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Lomefloxacin is FDA approved for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections in adult patients. However, it isn't approved for children younger than the age of 12 due to how the drug may interfere with bone development.

2. Lomefloxacin interferes with the activity of the bacterial enzymes DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are required for the transcription and replication of bacterial DNA. This causes the bacterial chromosome to begin breaking down, super coiling, and then resealing, inhibiting DNA replication and transcription of the bacteria. Lomefloxacin is a fluoroquinolone, which are a group of antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections.

3. A standard comparison for Lomefloxacin are other drugs that also treat bacterial infections in the lower respiratory tract and urinary tract. This may include trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, which both effectively treat various bacterial infections in the body.

# data[].attributes.body
1. What are the "FDA-approved" and "unapproved" indications for this drug?
- Some of the approved FDA indications for tramadol include for pain high enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments such as Advil are inadequate. Some unapproved indications for tramadol is the consumption of it by children. Children break down tramadol into their active forms faster than adults and that can cause the level of opioids in them to rise too high and too quickly.
2. What is the mechanism of its therapeutic effect? Is this drug a member of an established class, or is it a brand new form of therapy?
- Tramadol belongs to the class of opiod analgesics, and has a dual mechanism for  its therapeutic effect. It inhibits serotonin reuptake and also inhibits norepinephrine reuptake, enhancing inhibitory effects on pain transmisssion.
5. What is the cost to the patient (per treatment or per time period, if appropriate)? Do you think it is worth the price? Why or why not?
- Tramadol cost can vary as it can only be consumed if it is prescribed by a licensed practitioner. The price can usually be $34 for 30 tablets of 100mg which I think is a fair price because most of the time if a person has insurance then they can get it for a reduced price or even free of cost.

# data[].attributes.body
1. What are the "FDA-approved" and "unapproved" indications for this drug?

The indications for balsalazide is an FDA approved drug for the treatment of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis in patients of five years and older.

2. What is the mechanism of its therapeutic effect? Is this drug a member of an established class, or is it a brand new form of therapy?

Balsalazide is converted in the body to mesalamine and works by reducing the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, including bowel inflammation, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and stomach pain. It is a member of an established class, as an anti-inflammatory drug.

3. What is the cost to the patient (per treatment or per time period, if appropriate)? Do you think it is worth the price? Why or why not?

The cost for balsalazide oral capsule 750 mg is around $31 for a supply of 30, depending on the pharmacy you visit, but without proper health insurance, you can end up spending into the hundreds. It is worth the price since it is proven to help in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

# data[].attributes.body
1. What are the "FDA-approved" and "unapproved" indications for this drug?
Quinapril used to be FDA-approved but this has been recently recalled due to unacceptable impurity levels found in the medication specifically in nitrosamine, N-nitroso-quinapril, a potential carcinogen.

2. What is the mechanism of its therapeutic effect? Is this drug a member of an established class, or is it a brand new form of therapy?
Quinapril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently. Quinapril specifically is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and diabetic kidney disease. It is also sold under the brand name of Accupril.

3. What is the cost to the patient (per treatment or per time period, if appropriate)? Do you think it is worth the price? Why or why not?
20 mg of quinapril is around $21 for a supply of 30. I believe this price is cheap for its uses however, since this drug has recently been recalled by the FDA I would suggest looking at other options instead.

# data[].attributes.body
#1: The drug is approved for reducing post-surgical conditions or constant severe pain  It's unapproved for the breathing problems it causes when you sleep such as sleep apnea.
#2: Tramadol is classified as an opioid analgesic and works by attaching to opioid receptors located in the brain and nervous system interfering with nerve signals. This reduces the pain felt when treated with.
#5: The cost of tramadol done in this study showed that the price for tramadol was $9.14. This price can vary depending on the amount you need and whether the tablets are 50mg or 100mg.

# data[].attributes.body
1. What are the "FDA-approved" and "unapproved" indications for this drug?

--> The FDA-approved indications of meloxicam are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Juvenile Rheumatoid arthritis.

3. What is the mechanism of its therapeutic effect? Is this drug a member of an established class, or is it a brand new form of therapy?

--> Meloxicam inhibits prostaglandin synthetase enzymes, leading to a decreased synthesis of prostaglandins, which normally mediate inflammatory symptoms. It is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

5. What is the cost to the patient (per treatment or per time period, if appropriate)? Do you think it is worth the price? Why or why not?

--> The average retail price of Meloxicam is about $87.21 for 30 15Mg Capsules. Yes, I believe it is worth the price because that would make each capsule nearly $3, which I think is fair because the technology used to create these drugs is expensive and takes a long time to produce.

# data[].attributes.body
1) The FDA-approved indications for this drug is for the management of hypertension in adults. It can be used alone or with other drugs to treat high blood pressure.

2) Candesartan is an angiotensin-receptor blocker. It lowers blood pressure by antagonizing the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and its stops angiotensin II from binding to the type-1 angiotensin II receptor subtype and prevents the blood pressure increasing effects of angiotensin II.

3) Candestartan can be compared to another drug called losartan which also treats hypertension patients.

# data[].attributes.body
2. Rabeprazole decreases stomach acid, and is used to help with GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease). It is a drug member of an established class of medications called proton-pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.
4. The brand name (AcipHex) claims that their medication helps heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, helps prevent ulcers, and may help prevent cancer of the esophagus. There is evidence for rabeprazole testing in the National Library of Medicine. The study talks about the 3 phases of testing, and about the statistics of the patients that they examined. This data is from properly designed trials, and they were able to be published on a government library.
5. The cost for a rabeprazole oral delayed release tablet 20 mg is around $31 for a supply of 30 tablets. I believe it is worth it, because GERD is a very painful disease and rabeprazole will be able to lessen the symptoms of it.

# data[].attributes.body
2. The mechanism of pantoprazole  is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which causes injury to the esophagus. It is already established as being in the class of proton-pump inhibitors, which are responsible for decreasing acid in the stomach.
3. Some pantoprazole alternatives include omeprazole and nexium, but pantoprazole is one of the best choices because it is cheaper and works well. Pantoprazole is also called PROTONIX and is made from the company Pfizer. Pfizer doesn't state much about the drug, it mostly just describes what it does but I think that it has most of the same effects like any of the other alternate options.
5. The cost to the patient is an average of $173.27 for 30, 40MG Tablet. I don't think it is worth the price because it is too much money for only 30 tablets. There are many alternatives that can result in a better effect to the patient.

# data[].attributes.body
2. What is the mechanism of its therapeutic effect? Is this drug a member of an established class, or is it a brand-new form of therapy?

Miglitol is used to treat high blood sugar levels that are caused by type 2 diabetes and does this by delaying the digestion of carbohydrates in your body. This drug is a member of the antidiabetics class or the alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.

3. What is the appropriate standard against which to compare it? Why? Is this comparator another drug, a surgical procedure, or …?

To compare other drugs within the class of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, we would need to look at their usefulness in controlling blood sugar levels and also the side effects that each may have.

5. What is the cost to the patient (per treatment or per time period, if appropriate)? Do you think it is worth the price? Why or why not?

The average retail price of miglitol without insurance is $196.37 per 90, 25MG Tablet but it can depend on the pharmacy carrying it. It is recommended to take three times a day with the first bite of each meal.

# data[].attributes.body
1. According to the FDA's accessible database of indications for drugs, Zaleplon is indicated for the use of treating insomnia short-term (up to 30 days) and has not been shown to increase total sleep time or decrease the number of awakenings. Some unapproved indications for Zaleplon claim that it will put you to sleep quickly and helps you stay asleep, though the FDA has clarified that the drug does not necessarily improve the amount of time you stay asleep.
2. Zaleplon is a sedative, an already established class of therapeutics, as well as a hypnotic. It treats insomnia in patients, which aids their sleep.
3. The popular drug Ambien is another sedative that helps with patients' sleep. It is a comparator to Zaleplon because of its fast acting on the body and ability to keep patients asleep.

# data[].attributes.body
Fenoterol is a FDA-approved drug used to treat asthma. It contains beta(2)-receptors that stimulate the lungs and causes them to relax the bronchial smooth muscle and decrease bronchoconstriction. It's part of the class of adrenergic inhalants which treats airway diseases. An appropriate standard to compare this drug to is albuterol, another drug in the same class. They both have the same effect but fenoterol has a longer duration of action.

# data[].attributes.body
Drug: Perindopril

1.What are the "FDA-approved" and "unapproved" indications for this drug?
-Approved indications: Lepirudin is also advised for anticoagulation in patients with concurrent thromboembolic sickness and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in order to prevent further thromboembolic issues.
-Unapprooved indications: Causes an uncontrolled clotting abnormality that increases the risk of bleeding. spinal cord and brain damage. arterial puncture that cannot be subjected to pressure.

2. What is the mechanism of its therapeutic effect? Is this drug a member of an established class, or is it a brand new form of therapy?
-Lepirudin inhibits the procoagulant actions of thrombin by forming a stable noncovalent stoichometric complex with it. It binds to thrombin's catalytic and substrate binding sites.

3.What is the cost to the patient (per treatment or per time period, if appropriate)? Do you think it is worth the price? Why or why not?

-It was a market withdrawal for this medicine. Bayer declared that it has stopped making lepirudin.
- Lots of claims of disorders being formed due to the use of lepirudin led to it being discontinued.

# data[].attributes.body
Question 1:
The use of Tyloxapol as a lung surfactant replacement therapy in neonates with respiratory distress syndrome is an FDA-approved indication. This means that the FDA has reviewed clinical data and approved the drug for this use. However, the use of Tyloxapol as a sclerosing agent for the treatment of varicose veins is an unapproved indication. This means that the FDA has not reviewed clinical data to determine the safety and efficacy of the drug for this use.
Question 3:
The appropriate standard to compare tyloxapol against would depend on the specific medication in which it is contained and the medical condition being treated. For example, if tyloxapol is used as an ingredient in a nasal spray to treat nasal congestion, it may be compared to other nasal sprays that are commonly used for the same purpose, such as intranasal corticosteroids or antihistamines.

Question 5:
Tyloxapol is not typically sold as a standalone medication, but rather is included as an ingredient in other medications, such as inhalation solutions and nasal sprays. As a result, the cost of tyloxapol would depend on the specific medication in which it is contained and other factors such as the patient's insurance coverage.

# data[].attributes.body
1. The FDA approved indications, or uses, of zafirlukast for prophylaxis and the chronic treatment for adults with asthma or children 5+ years old. The zafirlukast brand Accolate is contraindicated for people who are hypersensitive to zafirlukast and other ingredients. It should not be taken for women who are breast feeding as it can be excreted in breast milk.
2. It's mechanism is meant be a receptor of leukotriene D4 and E4. Hence, it is part of the Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists classification, or LTRAs. It blocks the actions of those substances that would cause swelling in the airways.
5. This medicine is not worth as much as it costs. IT must be taken for long periods of time for adults with asthma, if it's not a lifelong treatment, and the cost is over $130 for only 60 20-mg tablets. There are other possible ways to treat asthma that are less costly than this, especially with the risk of liver failure in severe cases of backfiring.

# data[].attributes.body
1. The drug zileuton is used for chronic treatment of asthma in adults and in children older than 12. It's mostly used for patients who have mild-to-moderate asthma in order to decrease the symptoms and number of acute asthma attacks. You can only obtain this drug with a doctors perscription.
2. The mechanism of zileuton's therapeutic effect is that it stops certain natural substances that may cause swelling, tightening, and mucus production in the airways. It belongs to a class called leukotriene synthesis inhibitors.
3. You could compare the drug to leukotriene modifiers, they could be used but they might not be as effective as zileuton.

# data[].attributes.body
1) What are the "FDA-approved" and "unapproved" indications for this drug?
The drug, meropenem, is approved through the FDA as an antibiotic injection. However, an unapproved indication is the hypersensitivity this medication can cause.
2) What is the mechanism of its therapeutic effect? Is this drug a member of an established class, or is it a brand new form of therapy?
Meropenem binds to penicillin-binding proteins, which leads to cell death, when injected into the patient's veins. This drug comes from the carbapenem class, which is a past, established antibiotic agent class that is typically used to treat bacterial infections.
5) What is the cost to the patient (per treatment or per time period, if appropriate)? Do you think it is worth the price? Why or why not?
For 500 mg of meropenem, it costs around $40, which I think is reasonable, considering the type of antibiotic it is and the way of administration.

# data[].attributes.body
1. What are the "FDA-approved" and "unapproved" indications for this drug?

Indapamide is a water pill prescribed to reduce the swelling and fluid retention caused by heart disease, and is also used to treat hypertension. However, some symptoms and side effects (unapproved indications) include rapid, excessive weight loss, severe skin rash with itching, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. Additionally, severe cases of hyponatremia and hypokalemia have reported with recommended doses are occur primarily in elderly females.

2. What is the mechanism of its therapeutic effect? Is this drug a member of an established class, or is it a brand new form of therapy?
Indapamide is the first new class of antihypertensives or treatment used to treat high blood pressure. This drug works by reducing the amount of water in the body by increasing the flow of urine, lowering the body's blood pressure.

5. What is the cost to the patient (per treatment or per time period, if appropriate)? Do you think it is worth the price? Why or why not?

The average price for this drug costs $23.93 for 30, 1.25 mg tablets. Prices vary and are usually around the range of $10 to $50. I believe the drug is worth the price considering it is the first new class of hypertension treatment and it is an effective treatment.

# data[].attributes.body
Valsartan is FDA approved for treating patients with chronic heart failure or hypertension, however unapproved and used to protect the kidneys of people diagnosed with diabetes.

The cons of valsartan consist of recently being recalled for possibly containing carcinogens in the composition and dangerous side effects of difficulty breathing, kidney problems, and allergies. I think that the recent events of valsartan make it an option for treatment not worth the risks involved for the sake of good health.

Valsartan would be competing in efficiency and safety with other FDA-approved drugs treating heart failure or hypertension because is a drug-based treatment consisting of those targeted issues.

# data[].attributes.body
1. What are the "FDA-approved" and "unapproved" indications for this drug?

The FDA has approved the usage of valsartan for those experiencing hypertension and heart failure. However, the FDA has acknowledged that valsartan should not be taken by pregnant individuals, as well as those experiencing an activated renin-angiotensin system.

2. What is the mechanism of its therapeutic effect? Is this drug a member of an established class, or is it a brand new form of therapy?

Valsartan aims to treat high blood pressure by blocking a substance in the body that causes the tightening of blood vessels. Valsartan belongs to the class, "angiotensin II receptor blockers".

3. What is the cost to the patient (per treatment or per time period, if appropriate)? Do you think it is worth the price? Why or why not?

A 30-day supply of valsartan tablets is around $20-$40, depending on the dosage (mg). Yes, this is worth the price, as other drugs with similar effects to valsartan, such as irbesartan, also cost around the same price. Additionally, valsartan is a drug known to be effective in relieving hypertension.

# data[].attributes.body
1. What is the cost to the patient (per treatment or per time period, if appropriate)? Do you think it is worth the price? Why or why not?
The cost starts at $79.25 for 100 1 mg tablets, equating to $0.79 per tablet. I think that the drug is worth the price since the drug is so cheap, and you take one a day, spending $289.10 annually.

2.What is the appropriate standard against which to compare it? Why? Is this comparator another drug, a surgical procedure, or …?
A major competitor of trandolapril is captopril, another drug that must be taken twice a day, while trandolapril must be taken once a day.

3. What are the "FDA-approved" and "unapproved" indications for this drug?
Indicated in stable patients who have evidence of left-ventricular systolic dysfunction or who are symptomatic from congestive heart failure within the first few days after sustaining acute myocardial infarction.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Tyloxapol is a non ionic liquid polymer that is used as a surfactant to aid liquefaction and to remove both mucus and pus from bronchopulmonary secretions. Tyloxapol can also be used as a detergent agent that can influence the respiratory system. Tyloxapol is classified as a nonionic surfactant, and is not a brand new form of therapy.

2. For 5 grams of tyloxapol, it can cost as much as $118. I don't think tyloxapol is worth the price because there are other cheaper drugs that have the same effects of tyloxapol. Since tyloxapol's main uses are to remove mucus and pus from the nose section, it can be compared to something like Zyrtec or Benadryl. These drugs are less expensive, and cost about $28 for 30 tablets.

3. Tyloxapol is FDA approved for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. It is not approved for orphan indication. Tyloxapol was designated on 03/08/1995.

# data[].attributes.body
miglitol:

1. What are the "FDA-approved" and "unapproved" indications for this drug

The drug, miglitol, is FDA approved which means it has undergone various trials and is safe enough for human consumption and marketing.

2. What is the mechanism of its therapeutic effect? Is this drug a member of an established class, or is it a brand new form of therapy?

Miglitol is a part of antidiabetics. It inhibits absorption of sugars into the blood stream which helps patients with hyperglycemia where there is excessive glucose levels in the blood. It is taken orally and takes action in the small intestine through a form of enzyme.

5. What is the cost to the patient (per treatment or per time period, if appropriate)? Do you think it is worth the price? Why or why not?

Miglitol is worth it, its about 130 dollars for 180 tablets of 50 mg. The recommended dose is 3 times a day and that is enough for 2 months. This is affordable and the average working person can make more than enough money to afford this in 2 months.

# data[].attributes.body
1. What are the "FDA-approved" and "unapproved" indications for this drug?
Fosinopril, ACE inhibitor, decreases systemic blood pressure in patients.It helps with hypertension and lowers blood pressure. It is an ACE inhibitor, Angiotensin-converting-enzyme, meaning it relaxes the blood vessels.
2. What is the mechanism of its therapeutic effect? Is this drug a member of an established class, or is it a brand new form of therapy?
It is an ester prodrug that hydrolyzes in the liver to fosinoprilat which is the active metabolite form. Then binds to the ACE which ends up reducing aldosterone concentrations.
3. What is the cost to the patient (per treatment or per time period, if appropriate)? Do you think it is worth the price? Why or why not?
I personally think it may be worth it, since it is around $37.06 per 30, 40MG tablet. It will allow you to see if you like it or not, if not then you don't need to buy it again.