Glossary of Terms

Anemia: A decrease in red blood cells. Can lead to fatigue, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath.

Anti-coagulant: A drug that thins blood and is used to treat a number of heart conditions.

ECG: Electrocardiogram.

INR (International Normalization Ratio): A standardized way to measure various clotting factors in the blood.

NSAIDS: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Neutropenia: A decrease in blood cells called neutrophils that are helpful in fighting off bacterial infections.

Pancreatitis: An inflammation of the pancreas. Can be life-threatening.

Peripheral neuropathy: A disorder affecting the nerves of primarily the feet and hands. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling or burning sensations, pain, abnormal reflexes, weakness and partial paralysis.

Prothrombin time: A type of test to measure various clotting factors in blood.

QTc prolongation: QTc is a measurement of the pace of electrical activity of the lower chambers of the heart, which causes them to contract and relax. When the pace is slowed down (prolonged), people can experience abnormal heart rhythms, and in extreme cases spasms or a stopping of the heart.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome: Dilation of blood capillaries that results in redness and lesions all over the skin. Eyes and mouth may become swollen leading to inability to eat. Sometimes fatal.

Systemic: Throughout the body. As opposed to medicine that stays in one part of the body.

Toxicity: Side effects; the degree to which a drug can cause side effects.