Global AIDS Bill To Be Considered By House

The House Rules Committee on Tuesday by voice vote allowed a bill ( HR 5501 ) that would reauthorize U. S. global HIV/AIDS program to be considered by full House, CQ Today reports. According to CQ Today , compromises reached on bill in House Foreign Affairs Committee appear to be " alive and well " after Rules Committee rejected floor consideration of several amendments ( Graham-Silverman, CQ Today , 4/1 ) .

The bill would authorize $50 billion for President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief over next five years. The measure reflects a compromise reached between House leaders from both parties and White House. Although it removes a provision included in PEPFAR's original mandate that would have required one-third of HIV prevention funding to be spent on abstinence-only education, bill includes new language requiring " balanced funding " for prevention programs that ensure that abstinence and faithfulness teachings " are implemented and funded in a meaningful way. " Under measure, countries that spend less than 50% of funding for prevention of the sexual transmission of HIV on abstinence and fidelity programs will be required to explain decision to Congress.

The bill retains so-called " anti-prostitution " pledge. In addition, the compromise bill would allow funding for HIV testing and education in family planning clinics. PEPFAR money cannot be used for contraception or abortion. In final negotiations over committee bill, language was dropped that would have authorized use of PEPFAR funds for contraceptive services in programs where HIV-positive women are receiving treatment. The compromise bill also would fund loans to women whose husbands have died of the disease or who have been ostracized for being HIV-positive ( Daily Women's Health Policy Report , 2/28 ) .

The Rules Committee on Tuesday rejected an amendment offered by Rep. Betty McCollum ( D-Minn. ) that would have eliminated a phrase in bill that advocates say could cut off funding for HIV/AIDS services provided by family planning groups that already receive PEPFAR money. Forty-five public health groups last week signed a letter supporting McCollum's efforts, according to CQ Today . The committee also rejected amendments offered by Reps. John Campbell ( R-Calif. ) and Dave Weldon ( R-Fla. ) that would have reduced funding authorization level. The House is expected to begin floor debate on the measure Wednesday. The Senate's version of the bill ( S 2731 ) is awaiting floor action ( CQ Today , 4/1 ) .

Reprinted with kind permission from http: //www. nationalpartnership. org. We can view entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.

2007 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.

Medical advisor tips for everybody

The medicine we use: Citalopram.

Citalopram: uses

Citalopram is an antidepressant ( selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-SSRI ) used to treat depression. It works by restoring balance of certain natural substances ( neurotransmitters such as serotonin ) in brain. Citalopram may improve your feelings of well-being and energy level.

Citalopram: how to use

Read Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before we start using Citalopram and each time we get a refill. If we have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take Citalopram once daily in the morning or evening, with or without food or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If we are using liquid form of Citalopram, measure dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because we may not get the correct dose.

To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct we to start taking Citalopram at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Don't take more or less medication or take it more frequently than prescribed. Your condition won't improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Use this medication regularly in order to get most benefit from it. To help we remember, use it at same time each day.

It's important to continue taking Citalopram even if we feel well. Do not stop taking Citalopram without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Citalopram may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for an extended time or if it has been used in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal reactions ( e. g. , nervousness, headache, numbness, tingling, trouble sleeping, nightmares ) may occur while use Citalopram if we suddenly stop this drug. To prevent withdrawal when stopping extended/regular treatment with this drug, gradually reduce dosage as directed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

It may take 1 to 2 weeks to feel a benefit from Citalopram and 4 weeks to feel full benefit of Citalopram. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Citalopram: other used

This section contains uses of Citalopram that aren't listed in approved professional labeling for drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use Citalopram for a condition that's listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

Citalopram is also used to treat other mental conditions ( obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder ) .

Citalopram: side effects

See also Warning section.

Nausea, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, weakness, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, increased sweating, blurred vision, or yawning may occur while use Citalopram. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed Citalopram because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than risk of side effects. Many people using Citalopram don't have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

Citalopram may rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome. The risk increases when Citalopram is used with certain other drugs such as " triptans " used to treat migraine headaches ( e. g. , sumatriptan, eletriptan ) , certain antidepressants including other SSRIs ( e. g. , fluoxetine, paroxetine ) and SNRIs ( e. g. , venlafaxine ) , lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, or a certain drug to treat obesity ( sibutramine ) . See also Drug Interactions section. Before taking Citalopram, tell your doctor if we take any of these medications. Serotonin syndrome may be more likely when we start or increase dose of any of these medications. Seek immediate medical attention if we develop some of following symptoms:

For males, in the very unlikely event we have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using Citalopram and seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur.

A very serious allergic reaction to Citalopram is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Citalopram: precautions

Before taking Citalopram, tell your doctor or pharmacist if we are allergic to it; or to esCitalopram; or if we have any other allergies.

Before using Citalopram, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

Citalopram may make you dizzy or drowsy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any other activity that requires alertness. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Caution is advised when using Citalopram in elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects. The elderly are more likely to lose too much salt ( hyponatremia ) , especially if they're also taking " water pills " ( diuretics ) with Citalopram.

Citalopram is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Also, babies born to mothers who have used Citalopram during last 3 months of pregnancy may infrequently develop withdrawal symptoms such as feeding/breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, tell doctor promptly.

Since untreated depression can be a serious condition, do not stop taking Citalopram unless directed by your doctor. If we are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think we may be pregnant, immediately discuss the benefits and risks of using Citalopram during pregnancy with your doctor.

Citalopram passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding isn't recommended while using Citalopram. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Citalopram: interactions

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring we for them. Don't start, stop, or change dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Taking certain medications with Citalopram could result in serious ( rarely fatal ) drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors ( e. g. , furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine ) with Citalopram for 2 weeks before treatment, during treatment, or for 2 weeks after your last dose of Citalopram.

Citalopram shouldn't be used with following medications because very serious interactions may occur while use Citalopram:

If we are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Citalopram.

Before using Citalopram, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products we may use, especially of:

Aspirin can increase risk of bleeding when used with Citalopram ( see above ) . If your doctor has directed we to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention ( usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day ) , we should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.

Also tell your doctor if we take any other drugs that increase serotonin, such as buspirone, dextromethorphan, lithium, meperidine, propoxyphene, phentermine, other SSRIs ( e. g. , paroxetine ) , SNRIs ( e. g. , duloxetine ) , tryptophan, St. John's wort, drugs used to treat migraines such as " triptans " and dihydroergotamine, street drugs such as MDMA/ " ecstasy, " amphetamine. ( See also Side Effects section. )

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if we also take drugs that cause drowsiness, such as certain antihistamines ( e. g. , diphenhydramine ) , anti-seizure drugs ( e. g. , carbamazepine ) , medicine for sleep or anxiety ( e. g. , lorazepam, zolpidem ) , muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers ( e. g. , codeine ) , psychiatric medicines ( e. g. , chlorpromazine, quetiapine, nortriptyline, trazodone ) . Check the labels on all your medicines ( e. g. , cough-and-cold products ) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness.

Cimetidine is a nonprescription drug that is commonly used to treat extra stomach acid. Because it may cause undesirable interactions when used with Citalopram, ask your pharmacist about other products to treat stomach acid.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Citalopram, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all products we use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Citalopram with US shipping