CARRIE L RICHARDSON M.D.
Prescription History 1477817021
Internal Medicine - Rheumatology in Chicago, IL

About Mycophenolate Mofetil: Mycophenolate is used in combination with other medications to keep your body from attacking and rejecting your transplanted organ (such as kidney, liver, heart). Show more ▾

It belongs to a class of medications called immunosuppressants. It works by weakening your body's defense system (immune system) to help your body accept the new organ as if it were your own. Compound derived from Penicillium stoloniferum and related species. It blocks de novo biosynthesis of purine nucleotides by inhibition of the enzyme inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMP DEHYDROGENASE). Mycophenolic acid exerts selective effects on the immune system in which it prevents the proliferation of T-CELLS, LYMPHOCYTES, and the formation of antibodies from B-CELLS. It may also inhibit recruitment of LEUKOCYTES to sites of INFLAMMATION.

About Prednisone: Prednisone is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood disorders, breathing problems, severe allergies, skin diseases, cancer, eye problems, and immune system disorders. Show more ▾

Prednisone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It decreases your immune system's response to various diseases to reduce symptoms such as swelling and allergic-type reactions. A synthetic anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid derived from CORTISONE. It is biologically inert and converted to PREDNISOLONE in the liver.

About Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate: Hydroxychloroquine is used to prevent or treat malaria caused by mosquito bites. Show more ▾

The United States Center for Disease Control provides updated guidelines and travel recommendations for the prevention and treatment of malaria in different parts of the world. Discuss the most recent information with your doctor before traveling to areas where malaria occurs. This medication is also used to treat certain auto-immune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis). It belongs to a class of medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It can reduce skin problems in lupus and prevent swelling/pain in arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine is not recommended for coronavirus infection, also known as COVID-19, unless you are enrolled in a study. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. A chemotherapeutic agent that acts against erythrocytic forms of malarial parasites. Hydroxychloroquine appears to concentrate in food vacuoles of affected protozoa. It inhibits plasmodial heme polymerase. (From Gilman et al., Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed, p970)

About Sildenafil Citrate: Sildenafil is used to treat high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). Show more ▾

It works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels in your lungs which allows the blood to flow more easily. Decreasing high blood pressure in the lungs allows your heart and lungs to work better and improves your ability to exercise. This medication is not recommended for use in children. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with the doctor. A PHOSPHODIESTERASE TYPE-5 INHIBITOR; VASODILATOR AGENT and UROLOGICAL AGENT that is used in the treatment of ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION and PRIMARY PULMONARY HYPERTENSION.

About Omeprazole: Omeprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux, ulcers). Show more ▾

It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. It relieves symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and cough. This medication helps heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, helps prevent ulcers, and may help prevent cancer of the esophagus. Omeprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). If you are self-treating with this medication, over-the-counter omeprazole products are used to treat frequent heartburn (occurring 2 or more days a week). Since it may take 1 to 4 days to have full effect, these products do not relieve heartburn right away. For over-the-counter products, carefully read the package instructions to make sure the product is right for you. Check the ingredients on the label even if you have used the product before. The manufacturer may have changed the ingredients. Also, products with similar brand names may contain different ingredients meant for different purposes. Taking the wrong product could harm you. A 4-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyridyl, 5-methoxybenzimidazole derivative of timoprazole that is used in the therapy of STOMACH ULCERS and ZOLLINGER-ELLISON SYNDROME. The drug inhibits an H(+)-K(+)-EXCHANGING ATPASE which is found in GASTRIC PARIETAL CELLS.

About Amlodipine Besylate: Amlodipine is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure. Show more ▾

Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Amlodipine is also used to prevent certain types of chest pain (angina). It may help to increase your ability to exercise and decrease the frequency of angina attacks. It should not be used to treat attacks of chest pain when they occur. Use other medications (such as sublingual nitroglycerin) to relieve attacks of chest pain as directed by your doctor. A long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. It is effective in the treatment of ANGINA PECTORIS and HYPERTENSION.

About Losartan Potassium: Losartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes. Show more ▾

It is also used to lower the risk of strokes in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Losartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily. An antagonist of ANGIOTENSIN TYPE 1 RECEPTOR with antihypertensive activity due to the reduced pressor effect of ANGIOTENSIN II.

About Methotrexate: Methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer (such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) or to control severe psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis that has not responded to other treatments. Show more ▾

It may also be used to control juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate belongs to a class of drugs known as antimetabolites. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells and suppressing the immune system. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with more aggressive therapy such as methotrexate helps to reduce further joint damage and to preserve joint function. An antineoplastic antimetabolite with immunosuppressant properties. It is an inhibitor of TETRAHYDROFOLATE DEHYDROGENASE and prevents the formation of tetrahydrofolate, necessary for synthesis of thymidylate, an essential component of DNA.

About Gabapentin: Gabapentin is used with other medications to prevent and control seizures. Show more ▾

It is also used to relieve nerve pain following shingles (a painful rash due to herpes zoster infection) in adults. Gabapentin is known as an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug. A cyclohexane-gamma-aminobutyric acid derivative that is used for the treatment of PARTIAL SEIZURES; NEURALGIA; and RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME.

About Celecoxib: This medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), specifically a COX-2 inhibitor, which relieves pain and swelling (inflammation). Show more ▾

It is used to treat arthritis, acute pain, and menstrual pain and discomfort. The pain and swelling relief provided by this medication helps you perform more of your normal daily activities. If you are treating a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat your pain. See also Warning section. This drug works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling. A pyrazole derivative and selective CYCLOOXYGENASE 2 INHIBITOR that is used to treat symptoms associated with RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS; OSTEOARTHRITIS and JUVENILE ARTHRITIS, as well as the management of ACUTE PAIN.

About Pantoprazole Sodium: Pantoprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux). Show more ▾

It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. This medication relieves symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and cough. It helps heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, helps prevent ulcers, and may help prevent cancer of the esophagus. Pantoprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). 2-pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazole proton pump inhibitor that is used in the treatment of GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX and PEPTIC ULCER.

About Actemra Actpen: This medication is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in adults and in children (such as systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis-SJIA, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis-PJIA). Show more ▾

It helps to reduce pain and swelling due to rheumatoid arthritis. Tocilizumab can also be used to treat giant cell arteritis. It helps to reduce swelling in your blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Tocilizumab may also be used to treat a reaction (Cytokine Release Syndrome-CRS) caused by certain cancer treatments. Tocilizumab belongs to a class of drugs known as Interleukin-6 (IL-6) blockers. It works by blocking IL-6, a substance made by the body that causes swelling (inflammation). Tocilizumab is used in combination with a corticosteroid (such as dexamethasone) to treat coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in hospitalized patients who need supplemental oxygen (including patients on a mechanical ventilator). The FDA is allowing tocilizumab to be used to treat coronavirus disease in human studies and for emergency use. Tocilizumab is approved to be used in Canada to treat coronavirus disease. If tocilizumab is used to treat coronavirus disease, more information about the drug is available from the patient information sheet provided by your health care professional. If you are enrolled in a study, information should be provided by the doctor via the Informed Consent Form.

About Leflunomide: This medication is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a condition in which the body's defense system (immune system) fails to recognize the body as itself and attacks the healthy tissues around the joints. Show more ▾

Leflunomide helps to reduce the joint damage/pain/swelling and helps you to move better. It works by weakening your immune system and decreasing swelling (inflammation). An isoxazole derivative that inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, the fourth enzyme in the pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway. It is used an immunosuppressive agent in the treatment of RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS and PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS.

About Mycophenolic Acid: Mycophenolate is used in combination with other medications to keep your body from attacking and rejecting your transplanted kidney. Show more ▾

It belongs to a class of medications called immunosuppressants. It works by weakening your body's defense system (immune system) to help your body accept the new kidney as if it were your own. Compound derived from Penicillium stoloniferum and related species. It blocks de novo biosynthesis of purine nucleotides by inhibition of the enzyme inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMP DEHYDROGENASE). Mycophenolic acid exerts selective effects on the immune system in which it prevents the proliferation of T-CELLS, LYMPHOCYTES, and the formation of antibodies from B-CELLS. It may also inhibit recruitment of LEUKOCYTES to sites of INFLAMMATION.

About Humira(Cf): Adalimumab is used to reduce pain and swelling due to certain types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid, psoriatic, juvenile idiopathic, ankylosing spondylitis). Show more ▾

This medication is also used to treat certain skin disorders (such as plaque-type psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa). It works by blocking a protein (tumor necrosis factor or TNF) found in the body's immune system that causes joint swelling and damage in arthritis as well as red scaly patches in psoriasis. Adalimumab belongs to a class of drugs known as TNF blockers. By reducing joint swelling, this medication helps to reduce further joint damage and preserve joint function. Adalimumab is also used to treat certain bowel conditions (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) and a certain eye disease (uveitis). A humanized monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to TNF-ALPHA and blocks its interaction with endogenous TNF RECEPTORS to modulate INFLAMMATION. It is used in the treatment of RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS; PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS; CROHN'S DISEASE and ULCERATIVE COLITIS.

About Meloxicam: Meloxicam is used to help relieve moderate to severe pain. Show more ▾

Meloxicam is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This effect helps to decrease swelling or pain. A benzothiazine and thiazole derivative that acts as a NSAID and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor. It is used in the treatment of RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS; OSTEOARTHRITIS; and ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS.

About Methylprednisolone: Methylprednisolone is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood disorders, severe allergic reactions, certain cancers, eye conditions, skin/kidney/intestinal/lung diseases, and immune system disorders. Show more ▾

It decreases your immune system's response to various diseases to reduce symptoms such as swelling, pain, and allergic-type reactions. This medication is a corticosteroid hormone. Methylprednisolone may also be used with other medications in hormone disorders. A PREDNISOLONE derivative with similar anti-inflammatory action.

About Nifedipine Er: This medication is used to prevent certain types of chest pain (angina). Show more ▾

It may allow you to exercise more and decrease the frequency of angina attacks. Nifedipine belongs to a class of medications known as calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. This medication must be taken regularly to be effective. It should not be used to treat attacks of chest pain when they occur. Use other medications (such as sublingual nitroglycerin) to relieve attacks of chest pain as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Older adults should discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with their doctor or pharmacist, as well as other possibly safer forms of nifedipine (such as the long-acting tablets). A potent vasodilator agent with calcium antagonistic action. It is a useful anti-anginal agent that also lowers blood pressure.

About Humira(Cf) Pen: Adalimumab is used to reduce pain and swelling due to certain types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid, psoriatic, juvenile idiopathic, ankylosing spondylitis). Show more ▾

This medication is also used to treat certain skin disorders (such as plaque-type psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa). It works by blocking a protein (tumor necrosis factor or TNF) found in the body's immune system that causes joint swelling and damage in arthritis as well as red scaly patches in psoriasis. Adalimumab belongs to a class of drugs known as TNF blockers. By reducing joint swelling, this medication helps to reduce further joint damage and preserve joint function. Adalimumab is also used to treat certain bowel conditions (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) and a certain eye disease (uveitis). A humanized monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to TNF-ALPHA and blocks its interaction with endogenous TNF RECEPTORS to modulate INFLAMMATION. It is used in the treatment of RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS; PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS; CROHN'S DISEASE and ULCERATIVE COLITIS.

About Actemra: This medication is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in adults and in children (such as systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis-SJIA, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis-PJIA). Show more ▾

It helps to reduce pain and swelling due to rheumatoid arthritis. Tocilizumab can also be used to treat giant cell arteritis. It helps to reduce swelling in your blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Tocilizumab may also be used to treat a reaction (Cytokine Release Syndrome-CRS) caused by certain cancer treatments. Tocilizumab belongs to a class of drugs known as Interleukin-6 (IL-6) blockers. It works by blocking IL-6, a substance made by the body that causes swelling (inflammation). Tocilizumab is used in combination with a corticosteroid (such as dexamethasone) to treat coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in hospitalized patients who need supplemental oxygen (including patients on a mechanical ventilator). The FDA is allowing tocilizumab to be used to treat coronavirus disease in human studies and for emergency use. Tocilizumab is approved to be used in Canada to treat coronavirus disease. If tocilizumab is used to treat coronavirus disease, more information about the drug is available from the patient information sheet provided by your health care professional. If you are enrolled in a study, information should be provided by the doctor via the Informed Consent Form.

About Xeljanz: Tofacitinib is used to treat certain types of arthritis (such as psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis-pcJIA). Show more ▾

It helps to decrease pain/tenderness/swelling in the joints. Tofacitinib is also used to treat a certain bowel disease (ulcerative colitis). It helps to reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and stomach pain.

About Atorvastatin Calcium: Atorvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower bad cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. Show more ▾

It belongs to a group of drugs known as statins. It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. Lowering bad cholesterol and triglycerides and raising good cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details. A pyrrole and heptanoic acid derivative, HYDROXYMETHYLGLUTARYL-COA REDUCTASE INHIBITOR (statin), and ANTICHOLESTEREMIC AGENT that is used to reduce serum levels of LDL-CHOLESTEROL; APOLIPOPROTEIN B; and TRIGLYCERIDES. It is used to increase serum levels of HDL-CHOLESTEROL in the treatment of HYPERLIPIDEMIAS, and for the prevention of CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES in patients with multiple risk factors.

About Hydroxyzine Hcl: Hydroxyzine is used to treat itching caused by allergies. Show more ▾

It is an antihistamine and works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. Hydroxyzine may also be used short-term to treat anxiety or to help you feel sleepy/relaxed before and after surgery.

About Diclofenac Sodium: See also Warning section. Show more ▾

This medication is used to relieve joint pain from arthritis. Diclofenac belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If you are treating a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat your pain. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) with antipyretic and analgesic actions. It is primarily available as the sodium salt.

About Mupirocin: Mupirocin is used to treat certain skin infections (such as impetigo). Show more ▾

It is an antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of certain bacteria. A topically used antibiotic from a strain of Pseudomonas fluorescens. It has shown excellent activity against gram-positive staphylococci and streptococci. The antibiotic is used primarily for the treatment of primary and secondary skin disorders, nasal infections, and wound healing.

About Colchicine: This medication is used to prevent or treat gout attacks (flares). Show more ▾

Usually gout symptoms develop suddenly and involve only one or a few joints. The big toe, knee, or ankle joints are most often affected. Gout is caused by too much uric acid in the blood. When uric acid levels in the blood are too high, the uric acid may form hard crystals in your joints. Colchicine works by decreasing swelling and lessening the build up of uric acid crystals that cause pain in the affected joint(s). This medication is also used to prevent attacks of pain in the abdomen, chest, or joints caused by a certain inherited disease (familial Mediterranean fever). It is thought to work by decreasing your body's production of a certain protein (amyloid A) that builds up in people with familial Mediterranean fever. Colchicine is not a pain medication and should not be used to relieve other causes of pain. A major alkaloid from Colchicum autumnale L. and found also in other Colchicum species. Its primary therapeutic use is in the treatment of gout, but it has been used also in the therapy of familial Mediterranean fever (PERIODIC DISEASE).

About Esomeprazole Magnesium: Esomeprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux, ulcers). Show more ▾

It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. It relieves symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and cough. This medication helps heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, helps prevent ulcers, and may help prevent cancer of the esophagus. Esomeprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). If you are self-treating with this medication, over-the-counter esomeprazole products are used to treat frequent heartburn (occurring 2 or more days a week). Since it may take 1 to 4 days to have full effect, these products do not relieve heartburn right away. For over-the-counter products, carefully read the package instructions to make sure the product is right for you. Check the ingredients on the label even if you have used the product before. The manufacturer may have changed the ingredients. Also, products with similar brand names may contain different ingredients meant for different purposes. Taking the wrong product could harm you. The S-isomer of omeprazole.

About Morphine Sulfate Er: This medication is used to treat severe pain. Show more ▾

Morphine belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics. It works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain. The principal alkaloid in opium and the prototype opiate analgesic and narcotic. Morphine has widespread effects in the central nervous system and on smooth muscle.

About Orencia Clickject: This medication is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a condition in which the body's own defense system (immune system) attacks healthy tissue. Show more ▾

This leads to swelling in the joints, which causes pain and makes it harder to move. Abatacept works by weakening your immune system. This effect helps to slow down joint damage and reduce joint pain and swelling so you can move better. This medication is also used to treat other types of arthritis (such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis). A fusion protein immunoconjugate of the extracellular domain of CTLA4 and the Fc domain of human IgG1. It functions as a T-cell co-stimulation blocker that inhibits TNF-ALPHA and prevents the activation of T-LYMPHOCYTES. It is used in the treatment of RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS.

About Cyclobenzaprine Hcl: Cyclobenzaprine is used short-term to treat muscle spasms. Show more ▾

It is usually used along with rest and physical therapy. It works by helping to relax the muscles. This medication is not recommended for use in older adults because they may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug. Ask the doctor or pharmacist for details.

About Pilocarpine Hcl: This medication is used to treat symptoms of dry mouth due to a certain immune disease (Sjogren's syndrome) or from saliva gland damage due to radiation treatments of the head/neck for cancer. Show more ▾

Pilocarpine belongs to a class of drugs known as cholinergic agonists. It works by stimulating certain nerves to increase the amount of saliva you produce, making it easier and more comfortable to speak and swallow. A slowly hydrolyzed muscarinic agonist with no nicotinic effects. Pilocarpine is used as a miotic and in the treatment of glaucoma.