Medication Risks and Benefits Follow
Tadalafil (generic Cialis®) Protective or Combination
Benefits
- Relieves difficulty in beginning urination
- Improves weak stream
- Reduces need to urinate frequently or urgently
- Helps achieve and maintain an erection
Side-effects
- Back/limb pain
- Cold-like symptoms
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Flushing
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Nasal congestion
- Ringing in the ears
- Prolonged painful erection
- Reflux
- Fatigue
- Allergic reactions
Note: Tadalafil should not be taken in conjunction with nitrates, alpha blockers, or Riociguat. Please take it as prescribed by your doctor.
Tadalafil (generic Cialis®) Performance
Benefits
- Helps achieve and maintain an erection
Side-effects
- Back/limb pain
- Cold-like symptoms
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Flushing
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Nasal congestion
- Ringing in the ears
- Prolonged painful erection
- Reflux
- Fatigue
- Allergic reactions
Note: Tadalafil should not be taken in conjunction with nitrates, alpha blockers, or Riociguat. Please take it as prescribed by your doctor.
Sildenafil (generic VIAGRA®) Performance
Benefits
- Helps achieve and maintain an erection
Side-effects
- Back/limb pain
- Cold-like symptoms
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Flushing
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Nasal congestion
- Ringing in the ears
- Prolonged painful erection
- Reflux
- Fatigue
- Allergic reactions
Note: Sildenafil should not be taken in conjunction with nitrates, alpha blockers, or Riociguat. Please take it as prescribed by your doctor.
Metformin (Brand Name: Glucophage)
Benefits
- May enhance healthspan and extend lifespan
- Delay or prevent type 2 diabetes
- Help with weight loss
- Decrease inflammation
- Reduce blood glucose levels
- Increase insulin sensitivity
- Improve prognosis for cancer patients and may even help prevent cancer
- Help with cardiovascular disease
- Reduce risk of cognitive impairment and dementia
- Ease negative effects of stopping testosterone replacement therapy
Side-effects
- Rash
- Dizziness
- Itching/swelling
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Chest discomfort
- Infections
- Weight loss
- Metallic taste in the mouth
Note: Metformin may decrease vitamin B12 absorption, which can rarely cause anemia. Vitamin B12 supplementation may be recommended. Metformin comes as a capsule or tablet and is to be taken orally with food daily. Your dosage will be based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you’re taking. Please take it as advised by your provider.
Glutathione (GSH, Gamma-L-Glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine)
Benefits
- May extend lifespan
- Reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which is linked to serious diseases like cancer
- Help with cognition and neurodegenerative disorders
- Better skin
- Support immune system
- Improve liver health
- Boost strength and physical performance
- Advantages of administration via injection: May be more effective than oral supplementation by bypassing digestion, less expensive and more convenient than intravenous infusions, routinely tested for purity and potency
Side-effects
- Abdominal cramps
- Increased flatulence
- Loose stools
- Rotten egg (sulfur) taste in mouth
- Flushing, redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site
Note: Glutathione comes as a liquid and is injected subcutaneously. Your dosage will be based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you’re taking. Please take it as advised by your provider.
Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
Benefits
- Benefits mood by reducing stress
- Supports central nervous system function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis
- Reduces risk of vision loss from age-related macular degeneration when taken with folic acid and vitamin B6
- Lowers homocysteine levels, which is associated with cardiovascular disease and stroke, when taken with folic acid and vitamin B6
- May reduce risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease
- Treats pernicious anemia from vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause nerve damage and increases risk of stomach cancer
Side-effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Tingling sensation in the feet or hands
- Redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site
Advantages of administration via injection: May be more effective than oral supplementation by bypassing digestion, less expensive and more convenient than intravenous infusions, routinely tested for purity and potency. Note: Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) comes as a liquid and is injected intramuscularly. Your dosage will be based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you’re taking. Please take it as advised by your provider.
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)
Benefits
- May enhance healthspan and extend lifespan
- Boost strength and physical performance
- Help with weight loss
- Support immune system
- May delay neurodegenerative diseases
- Improve blood vessel function and blood flow while reducing elastic artery stiffness
- Reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which is linked to serious diseases like cancer
- Protect vital organs like the liver and kidneys
Side-effects
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Constipation
- Increased plasma bilirubin
- Nausea
- Brain fog
- Cramping during therapy
- Redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site
Advantages of administration via injection: More effective than oral supplementation due to low bioavailability after digestion, less expensive and more convenient than intravenous infusions, routinely tested for purity and potency. Note: NAD+ comes as a liquid and is injected subcutaneously. Your dosage will be based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you’re taking. Please take it as advised by your provider.
Levothyroxine (T4)
Benefits
- Restoration of thyroid hormone levels
- Metabolism regulation
- Symptom relief of hypothyroidism
- Improved energy levels
- Maintaining body weight
- Prevention of complications from untreated hypothyroidism
Side-effects
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Restlessness, excitability, or sleep problems
- Flushing or sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Shaking, usually of the hands
- Rare but possible serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
Black Box Warning: Thyroid hormone should not be used to treat obesity in patients with normal thyroid function. Levothyroxine is ineffective for weight reduction in normal thyroid patients and may cause serious or life-threatening toxicity, especially when taken with amphetamines. Talk to your doctor about the potential risks associated with this medication.
NP Thyroid®
Benefits
- Correction of hypothyroid symptoms
- Improved energy levels
- Regulation of metabolism
- Enhanced mental function
- Maintenance of body temperature
- Support for cardiovascular health
- Improvement in skin and hair health
Side-effects
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Tiredness
- Muscle weakness
- Heat intolerance
- Trouble sleeping
- Shaky hands
- Fast heartbeat
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Mood swings
- Chest pain
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat or pulse
- Symptoms of overdose: headache, irritability, nervousness, sweating, increased bowel motility, menstrual irregularities
Black Box Warning: Thyroid hormone should not be used to treat obesity in patients with normal thyroid function. Liothyronine is ineffective for weight reduction in normal thyroid patients and may cause serious or life-threatening toxicity, especially when taken with amphetamines. Talk to your doctor about the potential risks associated with this medication.
Liothyronine Sodium (T3)
Benefits
- Correction of hypothyroidism symptoms
- Metabolism boost
- Rapid onset of action
- Conversion of T4 to T3
Side-effects
- Weight loss
- Nervousness
- Excessive sweating
- Sensitivity to heat
- Temporary hair loss
- Chest pain
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat or pulse
- Symptoms of overdose: headache, irritability, nervousness, sweating, increased bowel motility, menstrual irregularities
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Weak or shallow breathing
- Confusion
- Feeling cold all the time
- Changes in weight or appetite
- Chest pressure spreading to jaw or shoulder
- Light-headed feeling, passing out
- Severe headaches, ringing in ears, dizziness, vision problems, pain behind eyes
- Seizure
- Pain, stiffness, trouble moving legs
Black Box Warning: Thyroid hormone should not be used to treat obesity in patients with normal thyroid function. Liothyronine is ineffective for weight reduction in normal thyroid patients and may cause serious or life-threatening toxicity, especially when taken with amphetamines. Talk to your doctor about the potential risks associated with this medication.
Clomiphene Citrate (active ingredient in Clomid®)
Benefits
- Increases energy
- Increases focus
- Improves mood
- Improves bone density
- Increases muscle mass
- Decreases abdominal belly fat
Side-effects
- Blurred vision
- Spots in your vision
- Mood swings
Note: Do not take clomiphene citrate if you have liver disease or a history of liver problems.
Testosterone
Benefits
- Increases in energy
- Increases in focus
- Improvements in mood
- Improvements in bone density
- Increases in muscle mass
- Decreases in abdominal belly fat
Side-effects
- Breathing problems while sleeping
- Breast cancer
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Mood swings
Anastrozole (generic Arimidex®)
Benefits
- Reduces gynecomastia (man-boobs)
- Improves mood swings
- Reduces bloating
Side-effects
- Shortness of breath
- Softening of bones (osteoporosis)
- Increased blood cholesterol
- Skin reactions
- Joint pain
Phentermine / Topiramate / B6
Benefits
- Weight loss (7-11% after a year of treatment)
- Improvement in systolic and diastolic blood pressure
- Improvement in A1C levels in diabetic patients
- Helps to keep weight off over time
- May help improve indicators of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and stroke
- May improve energy, mobility, joint pain
Side-effects
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Numbness, burning, or tingling in the hands, feet, face, or mouth
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Decreased sense of touch or ability to feel sensation
- Difficulty concentrating, thinking, paying attention, speaking, or remembering
- Excessive tiredness
- Dry mouth
- Unusual thirst
- Changes or decreased ability to taste food
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Painful menstrual periods
- Pain in the back, neck, muscles, arms or legs
- Tightening of the muscles
- Painful, difficult, or frequent urination
- Hair loss
- Fever, sore throat, cough, congestion, or other signs of infection
It should not be taken if you are pregnant, have glaucoma, have hyperthyroidism, or are currently taking or have stopped monoamine oxidase inhibitors within the past 14 days of starting treatment.
Black Box Warning: Phentermine & Topiramate comes with several warnings and precautions that individuals should be aware of: Embryo-Fetal Toxicity, Increase in Heart Rate, Suicidal Behavior and Ideation, Risk of Ophthalmologic Adverse Reactions, Mood and Sleep Disorders, Cognitive Impairment, Slowing of Linear Growth, Metabolic Acidosis, Decrease in Renal Function, Risk of Seizures with Abrupt Withdrawal of Phentermine & Topiramate, Kidney Stones, Oligohydrosis and Hyperthermia, Hypokalemia, Serious Skin Reactions.
Naltrexone / Bupropion / B6
Benefits
- 80% of patients taking Naltrexone and Bupropion lost greater than 5% of their body weight compared to 60% who were on placebo
- Clinical trials have shown a 5% reduction in weight in patients taking Naltrexone and Bupropion
- A 56-week clinical trial has shown that the combination of these medications coupled with lifestyle and diet changes can increase the reduction weight to 10 to 15%
- Clinical trials have shown that Vitamin B6 has been found to improve the ratio of fat and lean muscle in your body
- Weight loss
- Helps to keep weight off over time
- May help improve indicators of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and stroke
- May improve energy, mobility, joint pain
- Improvement in emotional and mental health, such as sleep, energy, vitality, and mood
Side-effects
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Risk of Opioid Overdose
- Sudden Opid Withdrawal
- Severe Allergic Reactions
- Increases in Blood Pressure or Heart Rate
- Liver Damage or Hepatitis
- Manic Episodes
- Visual Problems (Angle-Closure Glaucoma)
- Increased Risk of Low Blood Sugar
It should not be taken if you have a history of seizures, have high blood pressure, have a history of eating disorders, are taking certain medications like opioids, and have a history of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Black Box Warning: WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS. Bupropion has been associated with the occurrence of suicidal thoughts, actions, or unusual behavior, regardless of whether individuals are using it to treat depression. In some cases, bupropion may heighten the risk of such thoughts or actions, particularly in children, teenagers, and young adults during the initial months of treatment. If someone already has depression or other mental health conditions, taking bupropion may exacerbate these issues, especially in the early stages of treatment. It is essential to monitor and seek professional advice if any concerning changes in behavior occur.
Sermorelin
Benefits
- Increased Growth Hormone Production
- Improved Muscle Mass and Strength
- Enhanced Fat Metabolism
- Better Exercise Performance
- Improved Sleep Quality
- Increased Energy Levels
- Potential Anti-Aging Effects
- Increased stamina
- Improved and more rested sleep
- Increased energy
- Elevated optimism
- Improved muscle and skin tone
- Increased strength
- Weight loss
- Enhanced sexual function
- Better digestion
- Heightened libido
- Reduced joint pain
- Improved mental focus and processing
- Increased body flexibility
- Continued weight loss
- Thickening of the skin and hair
- Improved skin texture
- Decreased wrinkles
Side-effects
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling at the place of injection
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Joint pain
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Headache
- Sleepiness
- Trouble sitting still
PT-141
Benefits
- Enhancing Sexual Desire (Libido)
- Addressing Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- Potential Treatment for HSDD
- Central Nervous System Action
Side-effects
- Flushing
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Skin Irritation
- Vomiting
- Blurred Vision
- Dizziness
- Joint Pain
- Runny Nose
- Darkening of Face or Gums
- Fatigue
Bi-est Cream (E3)(E2)
Benefits
- Promotes healthy natural estrogen levels
- Improves hot flashes and night sweats
- Supports bone health
- May benefit urinary tract health
Side-effects
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Skin changes like acne
- Changes in facial hair
- Bloating, cramping, spotting
- Mood swings, irritability
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
Clitoral Cream
Benefits
- Increased sensitivity in the genital area
- Enhanced intimate experience
- Improved rates of orgasm
Side-effects
- Application site irritation
- Breast tenderness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Mood changes
Estrace Generic Estradiol Cream
Benefits
- Alleviates vaginal dryness, itching, and burning sensations
- Improves comfort during daily activities and sexual intercourse
- Supports overall vaginal health
- Reduces the risk of urinary tract infections
- Helps prevent atrophic vaginitis and related symptoms
- Contributes to a better quality of life during menopause
Side-effects
- Application site irritation
- Breast tenderness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Mood changes
Estriol Vaginal Cream
Benefits
- Relieves vaginal dryness and soreness
- Treats recurrent urinary tract infections
- Can be applied to and around the vulva to relieve external soreness or itching
Side-effects
- Local irritation
- Vaginal discharge
- Blood clots
- Unexpected vaginal bleeding
Finasteride 0.1% Minoxidil 5% Solution #30mL (Biotin + Ketoconazole)
Benefits
- Reduce hair loss
- Improve hair regrowth
Side-effects
- Local scalp irritation such as burning, itching, or redness
- Dryness and flaking of the scalp
- Rarely, hair growth on unwanted areas if the gel spreads beyond the application site
Progesterone Tabs
Benefits
- Relieves PMS
- Promotes sound sleep
- Improves bone health
- Essential for fertility and pregnancy
- Cancer prevention
Side-effects
- Headache
- Breast tenderness or pain
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Tiredness
- Muscle, joint, or bone pain
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Excessive worrying
Transdermal Estradiol Patch
Benefits
- Reduces hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings
- Alleviates vaginal dryness, itching, and burning
- Helps in the prevention of osteoporosis
- Provides a steady release of hormones directly into the bloodstream
Side-effects
- Vaginal yeast infections, itching, back pain, and diarrhea
- Vaginal irritation from the applicator, trouble sleeping, and depression
- Allergic reactions, heart attack, stroke, blood clots, breast lumps, and unusual vaginal bleeding
Vagifem / Yuvafem Vaginal Insert
Benefits
- Alleviates vaginal dryness and irritation
- Reduces discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Helps restore vaginal tissue health
- May reduce the frequency of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Side-effects
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Depression
- Vaginal discharge
Testosterone Injections
Benefits
- Increases libido, arousal, and satisfaction
- Reduces symptoms of depression and improves overall mood
- Promotes lean muscle growth and helps reduce body fat
- Strengthens bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis
- Potential improvement in cognitive abilities and memory
Side-effects
- Acne
- Hair growth on the face and body
- Hair loss on the scalp
- Weight gain
- Potential increase in cardiovascular risks
- Changes in mood and behavior
Testosterone Cream
Benefits
- Boosts sexual desire and satisfaction
- Improves overall mood and reduces symptoms of depression
- Increases stamina and reduces fatigue
- Enhances cognitive functions and concentration
- Aids in achieving more restful sleep
- Helps in normalizing menstrual cycles
- Promotes the growth of lean muscle
- Strengthens bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis
- Contributes to cardiovascular health
Side-effects
- Acne
- Excessive hair growth (particularly on the face and body)
- Skin irritation
- Potential cardiovascular risks
- Changes in mood and behavior
DHEA
Benefits
- Improves libido in older women
- May help reduce bone loss and improve bone density in older women
- Potentially beneficial for treating depression
- May improve skin hydration, firmness, and reduce aging spots
- Helps alleviate vaginal dryness and atrophy in postmenopausal women
Side-effects
- Acne
- Oily skin
- Unwanted hair growth (hirsutism)
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Mood changes and potential worsening of psychiatric disorders
- Lowering of HDL ("good") cholesterol levels
- Potential increase in the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers