About Medicines

Anticoagulant

Warfarin beginning August 2012

Warfarin (brand names Coumadin, Jantoven, Marevan, Lawarin, Waran, and Warfant) is an anticoagulant normally used in the prevention of thrombosis and thromboembolism, the formation of blood clots. Used due to mechanical aortic valve replacement August 2012.

Diabetes (Type 2)

Glimepiride

Glimepiride is a medication used in the management and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is in the sulfonylurea class of drugs. Glimepiride acts at ATPase-dependent potassium channels in β cells of the pancreas to stimulate insulin release.

Metformin

Metformin (brand name Glucophage) is an oral antidiabetic drug in the biguanide class. Metformin works by suppressing glucose production by the liver.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)

Tirzepatide (brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound) is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic
control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Metoprolol Succinate (brand name Lopressor)

a once-daily, extended-release beta-blocker (beta1-selective (cardioselective) adrenoceptor blocking agent) primarily used to treat high blood pressure, manage chest pain (angina), and reduce mortality in heart failure patients. By blocking the effects of adrenaline, it naturally slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure.

Guanfacine

Guanfacine (brand name Tenex) reduces blood pressure. It is a sympatholytic. It is a selective α2A receptor agonist.

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)

Hydrochlorothiazide, abbreviated HCTZ, HCT, or HZT, is a calcium-sparing diuretic drug of the thiazide class that acts by inhibiting the kidney's ability to retain water. Hydrochlorothiazide is a calcium-sparing diuretic, meaning it can help the body get rid of excess water while still keeping calcium.

High Cholesterol

Atorvastatin

Atorvastatin (brand name Lipitor) is a lipid-lowering drug used to control elevated cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia. It is one of the statin drugs.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Omeprazole (brand name Prilosec)

Omeprazole is a Proton Pump Inhibitor. Binds to H+/K+-exchanging ATPase (proton pump) in gastric parietal cells, resulting in suppression of basal and stimulated acid secretion.

On-X Mechanical Aortic Valve Replacement

The On-X Aortic Valve is a newer generation heart valve made of a unique material and design characteristics compared with earlier generations of mechanical heart valves. The On-X Aortic Valve is the only mechanical valve with FDA and CE approval to be used safely with less blood thinner (warfarin). The AHA and ACC guidelines state that less blood thinner may be reasonable for patients with the mechanical On-X Aortic Valve. In a prospective randomized clinical trial, On-X Aortic Valve patients with a reduced blood thinner dose had > 60% fewer bleeding events without an increase in risk of stroke. The On-X Aortic Valve, as a mechanical heart valve, has a much lower risk of reoperation than tissue (bioprosthetic) valves, with the additional benefit of less bleeding risk than other mechanical aortic valves because of the significantly lower amount of blood thinner required.