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Monoclonal antibodies are man-made proteins that replicate antibodies normally produced by the immune system. Part of a class of therapeutic drugs known as biologics, monoclonal antibodies are used in immunotherapy to treat autoimmune (AI) diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as certain cancers, viral infections, gastrointestinal diseases, and more. What Monoclonal Antibodies Do In a healthy immune system, antibodies are produced by white blood cells in response to foreign materials, such as bacteria....

Pain behind the eyes could have several possible causes, including eye-related causes like dry eye syndrome and problems unrelated to the eyes, like migraines. A proper diagnosis isn’t always easy. Your eye doctor or another healthcare provider will need to evaluate your eye health to find the source of the pain. This article explores the symptoms and possible causes of pain behind the eyes plus when you need to call your healthcare provider about it....

Pansexuality is a sexual orientation in which a person can be romantically and sexually attracted to all people, regardless of their gender or sex. The prefix “pan” translates to “all” in Greek. Even though the gender and sex of individuals play no role in who a pansexual person may be attracted to, they may still have preferences. This is no different than a bisexual person who may be more attracted to one gender than another....

What Is Pepcid AC? Pepcid AC (famotidine) is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug used to prevent or relieve heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach (caused by consuming particular food and drinks). This medication works by lowering acid production in the stomach. Pepcid AC is in a drug class known as histamine H2-receptor antagonists, H2 receptor antagonists, or H2 blockers. Original Strength Pepcid AC is available as a tablet that contains 10 milligrams (mg) of famotidine....

An asthma attack is a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms caused by bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the airways) as a result of inflammation, swelling, and mucus production. It can be a scary experience, causing you to feel as if a huge weight is resting on your chest and leaving you to struggle for breath. Such an episode can be fatal, so knowing what to do in case of an asthma attack could save your life or that of your child or someone around you....

Somatic experiencing (SE) and sensorimotor psychotherapy (SP) are both therapies that address trauma and stress by focusing on how the body is affected. While they are similar, the two therapies differ in some ways. Developed in the 1970s by biophysicist and psychologist Peter Levine, SE is an alternative form of trauma therapy that emphasizes experiences that are interoceptive (perception of sensations from inside the body), kinesthetic (related to movement or sensation within the body), and proprioceptive (awareness of the body, where it is in space, etc....

Trazodone is an antidepressant in the serotonin modulators class of drugs. It is used to treat depression and works by increasing the action of serotonin in your brain. In addition to being used for managing depression, it can be used to treat insomnia and anxiety. Trazodone comes in a tablet and an extended-release tablet. Common brand names include Desyrel, Desyrel Dividose, and Oleptro. Uses Trazodone is used to control symptoms of depression, but it cannot cure depression....

A urachal cyst is a sac of tissue and fluid between the bladder and the belly button (umbilicus). The cyst forms in the remnants of the urachus, a structure normally present in a fetus that usually closes up before birth. In some infants, the closure doesn’t occur, causing a urachal cyst or sinus to form. People can live comfortably with a urachal cyst their entire life without realizing it, as it usually doesn’t cause any problems....

Vaginal itching during pregnancy is common and often due hormonal changes that disrupt the pH balance of the vagina. This can lead to itch-inducing vaginal dryness and sweatiness, as well as yeast infections (which usually also cause thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge). Certain medications can also cause vaginal dryness and itching. Less commonly, bacteria vaginosis (BV) or an undiagnosed sexually transmitted infection (STI) may be the underlying cause. This is important to consider, since these can pose certain health risks to a fetus....

A vasovasostomy is a micro-surgery and one of two ways to reverse a vasectomy. During a vasectomy, the vas deferens—tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the point of ejaculation—are cut. So, a vasovasostomy involves reconnecting the two ends of the cut vas deferens. Men who have undergone a vasectomy use vasovasostomies to regain their fertility. A vasovasostomy is performed by a urologist. Learn more about the uses, side effects, procedure, and results of a vasovasostomy....

This year marks our second holiday season amidst a global pandemic. Navigating high COVID-19 cases and tough conversations about vaccines among families may be giving some people pause in traveling for the holidays. Key Takeaways: Americans are planning to travel this holiday season.Use our interactive map to check local COVID-19 case numbers, vaccination rates, mask mandates, and other key data points by state.There are other factors like masking and boosters you should take into consideration before you travel....

A cyst is a closed, sac-like pocket of tissue that most commonly contains fluid, pus, or air. Most cysts are benign (not cancerous) and can appear almost anywhere in the body. Overview Cysts are recognizable as lumps under the skin, but they can also form on internal organs where they may go unnoticed. They can appear quickly or grow slowly over time. A cyst is different from a tumor. A tumor is an abnormal mass of swelling or tissue....

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays important roles in your body well beyond the process it’s named for, which is interacting with cannabis, also known as marijuana. Did you realize we had a whole system named after pot? We do. That’s because the substances that come from the marijuana plant—cannabinoids—were discovered first. What Is the Endocannabinoid System? Let’s look at the word “endocannabinoid.” “Cannabinoid” comes from “cannabis,” and “endo” is short for “endogenous,” which means that it is produced naturally inside of your body....

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid or bile flows up from the stomach into the esophagus, resulting in irritation. This is a common digestive condition, but your risk of it goes up if you are receiving or have completed chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs are strong, and your gastrointestinal tract is not spared from related side effects. Acid reflux is one of these side effects, and symptoms can include indigestion and heartburn....

Acute means sudden (i.e., sudden onset of symptoms). The causes of acute appendicitis are said to involve factors causing a blockage. This blockage creates bacteria collection in the appendix, resulting in inflammation, infection, and/or severe pain in your lower right abdomen area. Untreated, acute appendicitis can cause the appendix to burst or rupture, causing bacteria to spill into your bloodstream, which can cause sepsis and even death. For this reason, acute appendicitis should always be treated as a medical emergency....

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) symptoms can come on suddenly and may initially be from infection caused by a weakened immune system rather than the cancer itself. Early on, those with this condition may believe they are just feeling unwell or have the flu, with general symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, and fever. They may also find that they are losing weight for no apparent reason. In this article, learn about the frequent and rare symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia, how they differ for children or people who are pregnant, and the complications of acute myeloid leukemia....

What Is Benlysta? Benlysta (belimumab) is a prescription rheumatologic medication used to treat an autoimmune condition called lupus and lupus nephritis, a form of lupus that affects the kidneys. It belongs to a class of medications known as monoclonal antibodies. Certain cells that react against the body are known as autoreactive B cells. One of the important proteins for the growth of these B cells is called B-lymphocyte stimulator, or BLyS....

Though breast cancer doesn’t appear to affect your menstrual cycle’s flow or timing, research shows a link between breast cancer risk and the age at which a person starts and stops menstruating. In addition, specific breast cancer treatments can impact your period by temporarily pausing or sometimes stopping it permanently. This article discusses the link between breast cancer risk and the menstrual cycle. Early Onset of Menstruation Estrogen is important for sexual development and other major bodily functions....

By 2030, it is estimated that globally over 500 million people will be living with type 2 diabetes. Receiving a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and learning to manage your condition can be overwhelming and confusing. People with diabetes spend an estimated 8,000 hours per year self-managing their condition in addition to the time they spend within a medical setting. Support groups can be a helpful addition to your diabetes management team, along with guidance and care from your healthcare providers....

Finding ways to conserve energy throughout the day can become an almost constant focus for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The airway inflammation and damage caused by COPD makes it harder for oxygen to reach the lungs and feed the muscles. As a result, people often feel weighed down by fatigue and have greater difficulty managing day-to-day tasks. The emotional impact of this chronic disease can also be draining....