The pharmaceutical and biotech industries are booming. Here are the 10 best companies to work for in these industries, according to our 2023 Guide.
Table of Contents
Abilify (aripiprazole)
Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic and antidepressant medication that is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. It is also sometimes used as an adjunctive treatment for autism spectrum disorder. Aripiprazole is thought to work by helping to restore the balance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
Aripiprazole was first approved for use in the United States in 2002. It is available as a generic medication and is manufactured by several different companies.
The most common side effects of aripiprazole include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, dry mouth, and weight gain. Aripiprazole can also cause akathisia (restlessness and a need to move), which is often described as a side effect of antipsychotic medications.
Aripiprazole is generally well-tolerated, but it is not suitable for everyone. Some people may experience more serious side effects, such as changes in heart rate or blood pressure, difficulty urinating, seizures, or allergic reactions. If you experience any serious or bothersome side effects while taking aripiprazole, be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Aripiprazole is available as tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, solution, and injectable solution. It is typically taken once or twice daily with or without food. The oral solution must be diluted before taking and the injectable solution must be given by a healthcare provider.
If you are taking aripiprazole for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, it may take several weeks for you to notice an improvement in your symptoms. Do not stop taking aripiprazole without talking to your doctor first. Stopping suddenly can worsen your condition and cause withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness.
Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol)
Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol) is a prescription medication used to treat asthma and COPD. It is a combination of two drugs, an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting beta agonist (LABA). These two drugs work together to help control the symptoms of asthma and COPD.
Advair Diskus comes in two strengths: 50 mcg/250 mcg and 500 mcg/50 mcg. The 50 mcg/250 mcg strength is for people who are 12 years of age and older. The 500 mcg/50 mcg strength is for people 18 years of age and older. Advair Diskus is not for use in children younger than 12 years old.
To use Advair Diskus, take the cover off the mouthpiece and hold the device level. Place the mouthpiece into your mouth and close your lips around it. Breathe in deeply and steadily through your mouth until your lungs are full. Remove the mouthpiece from your mouth and breathe out slowly.
Advair Diskus should be used twice daily, morning and night. Do not use more or less of it than prescribed by your doctor.
Common side effects of Advair Diskus include upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, bronchitis, headache, dizziness, throat irritation, and muscle pain. Advair Diskus can also cause thrush in the mouth or throat. To help prevent thrush, rinse your mouth with water after each use of Advair Diskus.
AndroGel (testosterone)
AndroGel is a clear, colorless gel that is applied to the skin. It is used to treat adult men who have low or no testosterone due to certain medical conditions. It is not known if AndroGel is safe or effective in children younger than 18 years old.
AndroGel may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important Information
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before using AndroGel, tell your doctor if you have breast cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, or a history of strokes or blood clots.
AndroGel can transfer from your body to others. This can happen if others come into contact with the area where AndroGel was applied. Women and children should avoid contact with the unwashed or unclothed area where AndroGel has been applied. If a woman or child makes contact with the application area, they should wash the area right away with soap and water.
Do not apply AndroGel to your testicles. Apply AndroGel only to the shoulder and upper arm area where your doctor has told you to. Do not apply AndroGel to skin that is irritated, cut, or damaged.
Do not take this medicine by mouth. It is for use only on the skin. Do not use extra AndroGel to make up for a missed dose.
Call your doctor if you miss applying AndroGel for longer than 12 hours. An overdose of testosterone applied to the skin is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. However, too much testosterone could cause serious side effects including heart attack, stroke, liver disease, mental/mood changes, abnormal drug-seeking behavior, or signs of addiction. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Arimidex (anastrozole)
Arimidex (anastrozole) is a medication used to treat breast cancer. It is classified as a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor, which means it works by inhibiting the production of estrogen in the body. This can be helpful in treating breast cancer because estrogen can promote the growth of some types of breast cancer cells. Arimidex is typically taken once a day, and it can be taken with or without food. Some common side effects of Arimidex include hot flashes, joint pain, and fatigue.
I was prescribed Arimidex after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. I had a lumpectomy and radiation, but my doctor felt that Arimidex would give me the best chance for long-term survival. I have now been taking Arimidex for almost 8 years, and it has been working well for me. The hot flashes were the worst part of the side effects for me, but they eventually went away. I do sometimes get joint pain and fatigue, but it is manageable. Overall, I am very happy with Arimidex and would recommend it to others who are facing a similar situation.
Asacol (mesalamine)
Asacol (mesalamine) is a 5-aminosalicylic acid derivative with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. It is used for the treatment of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Asacol is available as an enteric-coated tablet, delayed-release tablet, and enema.
The mechanism of action of Asacol is not completely understood but is thought to involve the inhibition of proinflammatory mediators such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins. Asacol has been shown to reduce the number of relapses in patients with ulcerative colitis and to induce remission in some patients.
Asacol is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and flatulence. Asacol can cause exacerbation of colitis and should be used with caution in patients with active disease.
Avapro (irbesartan)
Avapro (irbesartan) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. This relaxes the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
Avapro is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Irbesartan is also used to treat kidney problems caused by type 2 diabetes.
Avapro may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Do not take Avapro if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor right away.
You should not use Avapro if you are allergic to irbesartan.
To make sure Avapro is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
kidney disease;
liver disease; or
if you are on a low-salt diet.
Some people taking medicines similar to Avapro have developed skin cancer (melanoma). However, it is not known if Avapro was the cause of these melanomas. Your doctor should check your skin regularly for any changes, including new growths, or changes in moles that you have had for a while.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not take Avapro if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment with irbesartan.
It is not known whether irbesartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using Avapro.
Beingness (balovaptan)
balovaptan (brand name: Beingness) is a medication used to treat social anxiety disorder (SAD). It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Balovaptan was approved for use in the United States in 2009 and is available as a tablet or capsule.
Some people may experience side effects when taking balovaptan, including headache, nausea, and insomnia. However, these side effects are typically mild and go away on their own.
Balovaptan is an effective treatment for SAD and can help people to feel less anxious and more confident in social situations. If you are considering taking balovaptan for SAD, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Belviq (lorcaserin)
Belviq (lorcaserin) is a weight loss medication that has been available by prescription since 2012. It is one of the newer drugs on the market and has been shown to be effective for some people. However, like all medications, it is not without its side effects and risks. This Belviq review will explore both the positive and negative aspects of this drug in order to help you make an informed decision about whether or not it is right for you.
The main active ingredient in Belviq is lorcaserin, which is a serotonin 2C receptor agonist. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in appetite and satiety. The 2C receptor is found in the brain and other organs, and when lorcaserin binds to it, it reduces hunger and increases feelings of fullness. This can lead to weight loss if people eat less as a result.
In clinical trials, Belviq was shown to cause an average weight loss of 3-4% over placebo after one year of treatment. This may not sound like much, but it is actually a significant amount considering that most people who try to lose weight on their own only succeed in losing 1-2%. Furthermore, the weight loss seen with Belviq is generally more sustainable than that seen with other weight loss drugs such as phentermine (Adipex) or sibutramine (Meridia), which tend to cause rapid weight loss at first but then plateau after a few months.
Belviq is generally well-tolerated, with the most common side effects being headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and dry mouth. These side effects are typically mild and go away after a few weeks of treatment. There have been no serious side effects reported with Belviq use.
One potential downside of Belviq is that it is a schedule IV controlled substance, which means it has the potential for abuse and dependence. However, there have been no reports of people becoming addicted to or dependent on Belviq in clinical trials or in real-world use.
Overall, Belviq appears to be a safe and effective option for those who are overweight or obese and are looking for an aid in their weight loss journey. If you are considering trying this drug, be sure to talk to your doctor first to make sure it is appropriate for you and to discuss any possible side effects or risks.
BioThrax (anthrax vaccine adsorbed)
BioThrax is the only FDA-licensed vaccine for the prevention of anthrax. BioThrax is a safe and effective vaccine that offers protection against anthrax infection. The vaccine is made from a killed (inactivated) form of the bacterium that causes anthrax, and it is given as an injection (shot) into the muscle.
BioThrax is used to help protect people who are at high risk for exposure to anthrax bacteria. This includes people who work in high-risk occupations such as laboratory workers, veterinarians, and people who work with animals or animal products. It also includes people who may be exposed to anthrax bacteria through bioterrorism.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that certain adults receive BioThrax as part of their routine vaccinations. These adults include:
• People who work in high-risk occupations such as laboratory workers, veterinarians, and people who work with animals or animal products
• People who may be exposed to anthrax bacteria through bioterrorism
• Military personnel
• First responders, such as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel
• People who live in or travel to areas where anthrax outbreaks have occurred, such as parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East
BioThrax is usually given as a series of 5 shots over a period of 18 weeks. A booster shot is recommended every 12 months for people in high-risk occupations. The vaccine is safe for most people, but like any vaccine, there is a small risk of side effects. These may include pain and redness at the injection site, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and fever. More serious side effects are rare.
If you are at high risk for exposure to anthrax bacteria, talk to your healthcare provider about whether BioThrax vaccination is right for you.
Bystolic (nebivolol)
Bystolic (nebivolol) is a beta blocker used to treat high blood pressure. It works by slowing down your heart rate and relaxing your blood vessels. This lowers your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood. Bystolic is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It may be used alone or with other blood pressure medications. Bystolic is also used to prevent chest pain (angina) in people with coronary artery disease (cAD). This medication works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily through them. Bystolic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Bystolic?
You should not use Bystolic if you are allergic to nebivolol, or if you have:
a recent heart attack (within the past 6 weeks);
uncontrolled heart failure;
severe bradycardia (slow heart rate); or
a serious heartbeat problem called “sick sinus syndrome” or “AV block” (unless you have a pacemaker).
To make sure Bystolic is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
congestive heart failure;
kidney disease; asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or other breathing disorder;
diabetes; or
depression.