KAREN I. CHING MD
Prescription History 1275647612
Internal Medicine - Nephrology in Honolulu, HI
NPI Status: Active since August 19, 2006
Prescription History for Informed Healthcare Decisions
When choosing a healthcare provider, especially one who prescribes medications, having access to their prescribing history can be invaluable. This page offers detailed insights into the prescriptions KAREN I. CHING MD has written for Medicare beneficiaries in the past, empowering both current and prospective patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Why This Information Matters
This Medicare Part D dataset provides transparency into the provider’s prescribing patterns, helping you understand the scope and nature of their pharmaceutical care. Here’s what you can learn:
- Prescribing Trends: See which medications—both generic and brand-name—this provider has most frequently prescribed.
- Specialization Insights: The types of drugs prescribed can give insight into the provider’s areas of focus or specialization, whether it’s managing chronic conditions, addressing acute illnesses, or providing preventive care.
- Cost Awareness: Learn about the total drug costs associated with these prescriptions, which may help you anticipate your own costs and coverage needs.
- Patient-Centered Decision Making: Understanding a provider’s prescribing practices helps you align their expertise with your health goals, ensuring the care you receive is consistent with your expectations.
- Generic Name
- Alendronate Sodium
- Specialty
- Nephrology
- Times Prescribed
- 15
- Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed
- 36.5
- What is this prescription?
- A nonhormonal medication for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women. This drug builds healthy bone, restoring some of the bone loss as a result of osteoporosis.
- What is this prescription used for?
- Alendronate is used to prevent and treat certain types of bone loss (osteoporosis) in adults. Osteoporosis causes bones to become thinner and break more easily. Your chance of developing osteoporosis increases as you age, after menopause, or if you are taking corticosteroid medications (such as prednisone) for a long time. This medication works by slowing bone loss. This effect helps maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of broken bones (fractures). Alendronate belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates.
- Generic Name
- Allopurinol
- Specialty
- Nephrology
- Times Prescribed
- 34
- Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed
- 102
- What is this prescription?
- A XANTHINE OXIDASE inhibitor that decreases URIC ACID production. It also acts as an antimetabolite on some simpler organisms.
- What is this prescription used for?
- Allopurinol is used to treat gout and certain types of kidney stones. It is also used to prevent increased uric acid levels in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. These patients can have increased uric acid levels due to release of uric acid from the dying cancer cells. Allopurinol works by reducing the amount of uric acid made by the body. Increased uric acid levels can cause gout and kidney problems.
- Generic Name
- Amlodipine Besylate
- Specialty
- Nephrology
- Times Prescribed
- 86
- Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed
- 221
- What is this prescription?
- A long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. It is effective in the treatment of ANGINA PECTORIS and HYPERTENSION.
- What is this prescription used for?
- Amlodipine is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure. 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.
- Generic Name
- Calcitriol
- Specialty
- Nephrology
- Times Prescribed
- 13
- Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed
- 36.7
- What is this prescription?
- The physiologically active form of vitamin D. It is formed primarily in the kidney by enzymatic hydroxylation of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (CALCIFEDIOL). Its production is stimulated by low blood calcium levels and parathyroid hormone. Calcitriol increases intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and in concert with parathyroid hormone increases bone resorption.
- What is this prescription used for?
- Calcitriol is a man-made active form of vitamin D. Most people get enough vitamin D from exposure to the sun and from fortified food products (such as dairy products, vitamins). Vitamin D helps control parathyroid hormone and the levels of certain minerals (such as calcium, phosphorus) that are needed for building and keeping strong bones. Before regular vitamin D can be used by the body, it needs to be changed to the active form by the liver and kidneys. Calcitriol is used in patients with kidney disease who can't make enough of the active form of Vitamin D. This medication is also used to prevent and treat certain types of calcium/phosphorus/parathyroid problems that can happen with long-term kidney dialysis or hypoparathyroidism. Calcitriol is usually used along with specific diet recommendations and sometimes other medications.
- Generic Name
- Carvedilol
- Specialty
- Nephrology
- Times Prescribed
- 28
- Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed
- 76
- What is this prescription?
- A carbazole and propanol derivative that acts as a non-cardioselective beta blocker and vasodilator. It has blocking activity for ALPHA 1 ADRENERGIC RECEPTORS and, at higher doses, may function as a blocker of CALCIUM CHANNELS; it also has antioxidant properties. Carvedilol is used in the treatment of HYPERTENSION; ANGINA PECTORIS; and HEART FAILURE. It can also reduce the risk of death following MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION.
- What is this prescription used for?
- Carvedilol is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It is also used after a heart attack to improve the chance of survival if your heart is not pumping well. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This drug works by blocking the action of certain natural substances in your body, such as epinephrine, on the heart and blood vessels. This effect lowers your heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on your heart. Carvedilol belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha and beta blockers.
- Generic Name
- Cinacalcet Hcl
- Specialty
- Nephrology
- Times Prescribed
- 11
- Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed
- 22.8
- What is this prescription used for?
- Cinacalcet is used to treat increased amounts of a certain hormone (parathyroid) in people with long-term kidney disease who are on dialysis. It is also used to treat increased amounts of calcium in people with an overactive parathyroid gland or in people with cancer of the parathyroid gland. Cinacalcet works by decreasing the amount of parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorus in your body. Having the right amount of these substances in your body helps to prevent bone disease.
- Generic Name
- Furosemide
- Specialty
- Nephrology
- Times Prescribed
- 29
- Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed
- 70
- What is this prescription?
- A benzoic-sulfonamide-furan. It is a diuretic with fast onset and short duration that is used for EDEMA and chronic RENAL INSUFFICIENCY.
- What is this prescription used for?
- Furosemide is used to reduce extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. This can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in your arms, legs, and abdomen. This drug is also used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Furosemide is a water pill (diuretic) that causes you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra water and salt.
- Generic Name
- Hydralazine Hcl
- Specialty
- Nephrology
- Times Prescribed
- 16
- Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed
- 36
- What is this prescription used for?
- Hydralazine is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Hydralazine is called a vasodilator. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow through the body more easily.
- Generic Name
- Lactulose
- Specialty
- Nephrology
- Times Prescribed
- 19
- Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed
- 19
- What is this prescription?
- A synthetic disaccharide used in the treatment of constipation and hepatic encephalopathy. It has also been used in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p887)
- What is this prescription used for?
- This medication is a laxative used to treat constipation. It may help to increase the number of bowel movements per day and the number of days you have a bowel movement. Lactulose is a colonic acidifier that works by increasing stool water content and softening the stool. It is a man-made sugar solution.
- Generic Name
- Lisinopril
- Specialty
- Nephrology
- Times Prescribed
- 41
- Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed
- 123
- What is this prescription?
- One of the ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITORS (ACE inhibitors), orally active, that has been used in the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure.
- What is this prescription used for?
- Lisinopril is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It is also used to treat heart failure and to improve survival after a heart attack. Lisinopril belongs to a class of drugs known as ACE inhibitors. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.
- Generic Name
- Losartan Potassium
- Specialty
- Nephrology
- Times Prescribed
- 65
- Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed
- 192
- What is this prescription?
- An antagonist of ANGIOTENSIN TYPE 1 RECEPTOR with antihypertensive activity due to the reduced pressor effect of ANGIOTENSIN II.
- What is this prescription used for?
- Losartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes. 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.
- Generic Name
- Metoprolol Tartrate
- Specialty
- Nephrology
- Times Prescribed
- 46
- Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed
- 126.5
- What is this prescription?
- A selective adrenergic beta-1 blocking agent that is commonly used to treat ANGINA PECTORIS; HYPERTENSION; and CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS.
- What is this prescription used for?
- Metoprolol is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This medication is also used to treat chest pain (angina) and to improve survival after a heart attack. Metoprolol belongs to a class of drugs known as beta blockers. It works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in your body, such as epinephrine, on the heart and blood vessels. This effect lowers the heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.
- Generic Name
- Pantoprazole Sodium
- Specialty
- Nephrology
- Times Prescribed
- 13
- Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed
- 39
- What is this prescription?
- 2-pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazole proton pump inhibitor that is used in the treatment of GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX and PEPTIC ULCER.
- What is this prescription used for?
- Pantoprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux). 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).
- Generic Name
- Pravastatin Sodium
- Specialty
- Nephrology
- Times Prescribed
- 12
- Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed
- 32
- What is this prescription?
- An antilipemic fungal metabolite isolated from cultures of Nocardia autotrophica. It acts as a competitive inhibitor of HMG CoA reductase (HYDROXYMETHYLGLUTARYL COA REDUCTASES).
- What is this prescription used for?
- Pravastatin 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. 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.
- Generic Name
- Epoetin Alfa
- Specialty
- Nephrology
- Times Prescribed
- 32
- Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed
- 32.8
- What is this prescription?
- A recombinant glycosylated form of erythropoietin which stimulates the differentiation and proliferation of erythroid precursors. It is used for the treatment of ANEMIA associated with CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE in dialysis and predialysis patients.
- What is this prescription used for?
- This medication is used to treat anemia (low red blood cell count) in people with long-term serious kidney disease (chronic kidney failure), people receiving zidovudine to treat HIV, and people receiving chemotherapy for some types of cancer (cancer that does not involve the bone marrow or blood cells). It may also be used in anemic patients to reduce the need for blood transfusions before certain planned surgeries that have a high risk of blood loss (usually given with an anticoagulant/blood thinner medication such as warfarin to lower the risk of serious blood clots). Epoetin alfa works by signaling the bone marrow to make more red blood cells. This medication is very similar to the natural substance in your body (erythropoietin) that prevents anemia. This monograph is about the following epoetin alfa products: epoetin alfa and epoetin alfa-epbx.
- Generic Name
- Sevelamer Carbonate
- Specialty
- Nephrology
- Times Prescribed
- 66
- Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed
- 183.9
- What is this prescription?
- A polymeric amine that binds phosphate and is used to treat HYPERPHOSPHATEMIA in patients with kidney disease.
- What is this prescription used for?
- Sevelamer is used to lower high blood phosphorus (phosphate) levels in patients who are on dialysis due to severe kidney disease. Dialysis removes some phosphate from your blood, but it is difficult to remove enough to keep your phosphate levels balanced. Decreasing blood phosphate levels can help keep your bones strong, prevent unsafe buildup of minerals in your body, and possibly decrease the risk of heart disease and strokes that can result from high phosphate levels. Sevelamer works by holding onto phosphate from the diet so that it can pass out of your body.
- Generic Name
- Triamcinolone Acetonide
- Specialty
- Nephrology
- Times Prescribed
- 11
- Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed
- 11
- What is this prescription?
- An esterified form of TRIAMCINOLONE. It is an anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid used topically in the treatment of various skin disorders. Intralesional, intramuscular, and intra-articular injections are also administered under certain conditions.
- What is this prescription used for?
- This medication is used in a variety of conditions such as allergic disorders, arthritis, gout, blood diseases, breathing problems, certain cancers, eye diseases, intestinal disorders, collagen and skin diseases. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of triamcinolone, especially if it is to be injected near your spine (epidural). Rare but serious side effects may occur with epidural use. Triamcinolone is known as a corticosteroid hormone (glucocorticoid). It works by decreasing your body's immune response to these diseases and reduces symptoms such as swelling.
This dataset provides information about prescriptions written for Medicare beneficiaries in the year 2022. It does not include prescriptions for patients with private insurance, Medicaid, or other coverage types. However, this information remains valuable for all patients, as it may reflect the provider's overall prescribing preferences and approach to pharmaceutical care. This can help you make better-informed decisions when considering or continuing care with this provider.