MELANIE J HUGHES PA
Prescription History 1386151504
Physician Assistant in Boston, MA

Quality Rating: 97.1 out of 100 score

NPI Status: Active since January 09, 2018

Contact Information

55 FRUIT ST
BOSTON, MA
ZIP 02114
Phone: (617) 643-8000

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 MELANIE J HUGHES PA 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.

Albuterol Sulfate Hfa

Generic Name: Albuterol Sulfate
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 17
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 17.9
What is this prescription?: A short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist that is primarily used as a bronchodilator agent to treat ASTHMA. Albuterol is prepared as a racemic mixture of R(-) and S(+) stereoisomers. The stereospecific preparation of R(-) isomer of albuterol is referred to as levalbuterol.
What is this prescription used for?: Albuterol (also known as salbutamol) is used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems such as asthma. It is a quick-relief medication. Albuterol belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators. It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school.

Amlodipine Besylate

Generic Name: Amlodipine Besylate
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 20
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 46
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.

Atorvastatin Calcium

Generic Name: Atorvastatin Calcium
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 32
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 84
What is this prescription?: A pyrrole and heptanoic acid derivative, HYDROXYMETHYLGLUTARYL-COA REDUCTASE INHIBITOR (statin), and ANTICHOLESTEREMIC AGENT that is used to reduce serum levels of LDL-CHOLESTEROL; APOLIPOPROTEIN B; and TRIGLYCERIDES. It is used to increase serum levels of HDL-CHOLESTEROL in the treatment of HYPERLIPIDEMIAS, and for the prevention of CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES in patients with multiple risk factors.
What is this prescription used for?: Atorvastatin 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.

Duloxetine Hcl

Generic Name: Duloxetine Hcl
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 19
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 43
What is this prescription?: A thiophene derivative and selective NEUROTRANSMITTER UPTAKE INHIBITOR for SEROTONIN and NORADRENALINE (SNRI). It is an ANTIDEPRESSIVE AGENT and ANXIOLYTIC, and is also used for the treatment of pain in patients with DIABETES MELLITUS and FIBROMYALGIA.
What is this prescription used for?: Duloxetine is used to treat depression and anxiety. In addition, duloxetine is used to help relieve nerve pain (peripheral neuropathy) in people with diabetes or ongoing pain due to medical conditions such as arthritis, chronic back pain, or fibromyalgia (a condition that causes widespread pain). Duloxetine may improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level, and decrease nervousness. It can also decrease pain due to certain medical conditions. Duloxetine is known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). This medication works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain.

Eliquis

Generic Name: Apixaban
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 17
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 41
What is this prescription used for?: Apixaban is used to prevent serious blood clots from forming due to a certain irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) or after hip/knee replacement surgery. With atrial fibrillation, part of the heart does not beat the way it should. This can lead to blood clots forming, which can travel to other parts of your body (such as the lungs or legs) or increase your risk for stroke. In the United States, apixaban is also approved to treat certain types of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis-DVT, pulmonary embolus-PE) and to prevent them from forming again. Apixaban is an anticoagulant that works by blocking certain clotting proteins in your blood.

Escitalopram Oxalate

Generic Name: Escitalopram Oxalate
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 23
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 32
What is this prescription?: S-enantiomer of CITALOPRAM. Belongs to a class of drugs known as SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITORS, used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder.
What is this prescription used for?: Escitalopram is used to treat depression and anxiety. It works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (serotonin) in the brain. Escitalopram belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). It may improve your energy level and feelings of well-being and decrease nervousness.

Famotidine

Generic Name: Famotidine
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 13
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 25
What is this prescription?: A competitive histamine H2-receptor antagonist. Its main pharmacodynamic effect is the inhibition of gastric secretion.
What is this prescription used for?: Famotidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach and intestines and to prevent intestinal ulcers from coming back after they have healed. This medication is also used to treat certain stomach and throat (esophagus) problems (such as erosive esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease-GERD, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. It relieves symptoms such as cough that doesn't go away, stomach pain, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing. Famotidine belongs to a class of drugs known as H2 blockers. This medication is also available without a prescription. It is used to prevent and treat heartburn and other symptoms caused by too much acid in the stomach (acid indigestion). If you are taking this medication for self-treatment, it is important to read the manufacturer's package instructions carefully so you know when to consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Fluticasone Propionate

Generic Name: Fluticasone Propionate
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 13
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 15
What is this prescription?: A STEROID with GLUCOCORTICOID RECEPTOR activity that is used to manage the symptoms of ASTHMA; ALLERGIC RHINITIS, and ATOPIC DERMATITIS.
What is this prescription used for?: Fluticasone is used to control and prevent symptoms (such as wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma. Controlling symptoms of asthma helps you maintain your normal activities and decreases time lost from work or school. Fluticasone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing swelling (inflammation) of the airways in the lungs to make breathing easier. This medication must be used regularly to be effective. It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler (such as albuterol, also called salbutamol in some countries) as prescribed.

Gabapentin

Generic Name: Gabapentin
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 28
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 52
What is this prescription?: A cyclohexane-gamma-aminobutyric acid derivative that is used for the treatment of PARTIAL SEIZURES; NEURALGIA; and RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME.
What is this prescription used for?: Gabapentin is used with other medications to prevent and control seizures. It is also used to relieve nerve pain following shingles (a painful rash due to herpes zoster infection) in adults. Gabapentin is known as an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug.

Hydrochlorothiazide

Generic Name: Hydrochlorothiazide
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 21
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 51
What is this prescription?: A thiazide diuretic often considered the prototypical member of this class. It reduces the reabsorption of electrolytes from the renal tubules. This results in increased excretion of water and electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, chloride, and magnesium. It is used in the treatment of several disorders including edema, hypertension, diabetes insipidus, and hypoparathyroidism.
What is this prescription used for?: This medication is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to a class of drugs known as diuretics/water pills. It works by causing you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra salt and water. This medication also reduces extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease. This can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath or swelling in your ankles or feet.

Levothyroxine Sodium

Generic Name: Levothyroxine Sodium
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 49
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 112.9
What is this prescription?: The major hormone derived from the thyroid gland. Thyroxine is synthesized via the iodination of tyrosines (MONOIODOTYROSINE) and the coupling of iodotyrosines (DIIODOTYROSINE) in the THYROGLOBULIN. Thyroxine is released from thyroglobulin by proteolysis and secreted into the blood. Thyroxine is peripherally deiodinated to form TRIIODOTHYRONINE which exerts a broad spectrum of stimulatory effects on cell metabolism.
What is this prescription used for?: Levothyroxine is used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It replaces or provides more thyroid hormone, which is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Low thyroid hormone levels can occur naturally or when the thyroid gland is injured by radiation/medications or removed by surgery. Having enough thyroid hormone is important for maintaining normal mental and physical activity. In children, having enough thyroid hormone is important for normal mental and physical development. This medication is also used to treat other types of thyroid disorders (such as thyroid cancer). This medication should not be used to treat infertility unless it is caused by low thyroid hormone levels.

Lisinopril

Generic Name: Lisinopril
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 17
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 49
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.

Losartan Potassium

Generic Name: Losartan Potassium
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 19
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 51
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.

Memantine Hcl Er

Generic Name: Memantine Hcl
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 13
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 17
What is this prescription used for?: Memantine is used to treat moderate to severe confusion (dementia) related to Alzheimer's disease. It does not cure Alzheimer's disease, but it may improve memory, awareness, and the ability to perform daily functions. This medication works by blocking the action of a certain natural substance in the brain (glutamate) that is believed to be linked to symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Metformin Hcl

Generic Name: Metformin Hcl
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 19
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 52
What is this prescription?: A biguanide hypoglycemic agent used in the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus not responding to dietary modification. Metformin improves glycemic control by improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing intestinal absorption of glucose. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p289)
What is this prescription used for?: Metformin is used with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly with other medications to control high blood sugar. It is used in patients with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Metformin works by helping to restore your body's proper response to the insulin you naturally produce. It also decreases the amount of sugar that your liver makes and that your stomach/intestines absorb.

Metformin Hcl Er

Generic Name: Metformin Hcl
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 14
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 42
What is this prescription?: A biguanide hypoglycemic agent used in the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus not responding to dietary modification. Metformin improves glycemic control by improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing intestinal absorption of glucose. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p289)
What is this prescription used for?: Metformin is used with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly with other medications to control high blood sugar. It is used in patients with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Metformin works by helping to restore your body's proper response to the insulin you naturally produce. It also decreases the amount of sugar that your liver makes and that your stomach/intestines absorb.

Metoprolol Succinate

Generic Name: Metoprolol Succinate
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 15
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 36
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?: This medication is a beta-blocker used to treat chest pain (angina), heart failure, and high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This drug works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in your body (such as epinephrine) that affect the heart and blood vessels. This lowers heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.

Omeprazole

Generic Name: Omeprazole
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 21
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 57
What is this prescription?: A 4-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyridyl, 5-methoxybenzimidazole derivative of timoprazole that is used in the therapy of STOMACH ULCERS and ZOLLINGER-ELLISON SYNDROME. The drug inhibits an H(+)-K(+)-EXCHANGING ATPASE which is found in GASTRIC PARIETAL CELLS.
What is this prescription used for?: Omeprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux, ulcers). It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. It relieves symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and cough. This medication helps heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, helps prevent ulcers, and may help prevent cancer of the esophagus. Omeprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). If you are self-treating with this medication, over-the-counter omeprazole products are used to treat frequent heartburn (occurring 2 or more days a week). Since it may take 1 to 4 days to have full effect, these products do not relieve heartburn right away. For over-the-counter products, carefully read the package instructions to make sure the product is right for you. Check the ingredients on the label even if you have used the product before. The manufacturer may have changed the ingredients. Also, products with similar brand names may contain different ingredients meant for different purposes. Taking the wrong product could harm you.

Oxycodone-Acetaminophen

Generic Name: Oxycodone Hcl/Acetaminophen
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 20
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 20
What is this prescription used for?: This combination medication is used to help relieve moderate to severe pain. It contains an opioid pain reliever (oxycodone) and a non-opioid pain reliever (acetaminophen). Oxycodone works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain. Acetaminophen can also reduce a fever.

Rosuvastatin Calcium

Generic Name: Rosuvastatin Calcium
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 39
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 99.7
What is this prescription?: A HYDROXYMETHYLGLUTARYL-COA-REDUCTASE INHIBITOR, or statin, that reduces the plasma concentrations of LDL-CHOLESTEROL; APOLIPOPROTEIN B, and TRIGLYCERIDES while increasing HDL-CHOLESTEROL levels in patients with HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA and those at risk for CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES.
What is this prescription used for?: Rosuvastatin 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 to 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. Talk with your doctor for more details.

Sertraline Hcl

Generic Name: Sertraline Hcl
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 16
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 41.8
What is this prescription used for?: Sertraline is used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). This medication may improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living. It may decrease fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and the number of panic attacks. It may also reduce the urge to perform repeated tasks (compulsions such as hand-washing, counting, and checking) that interfere with daily living. Sertraline is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (serotonin) in the brain.

Symbicort

Generic Name: Budesonide/Formoterol Fumarate
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 12
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 14
What is this prescription?: A pharmaceutical preparation of budesonide and formoterol fumarate that is used as an ANTI-ASTHMATIC AGENT and for the treatment of CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE.
What is this prescription used for?: This product is used to control and prevent symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma or ongoing lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema). It contains 2 medications: budesonide and formoterol. Budesonide belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing the irritation and swelling of the airways. Formoterol belongs to the class of drugs known as long-acting beta agonists. It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school. When used alone, long-acting beta agonists (such as formoterol) may rarely increase the risk of serious (sometimes fatal) asthma-related breathing problems. However, combination inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta agonists, such as this product, do not increase the risk of serious asthma-related breathing problems. Before using this medication, it is important to learn how to use it properly. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler (such as albuterol, also called salbutamol in some countries) as prescribed. See also How to Use section.

Tramadol Hcl

Generic Name: Tramadol Hcl
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 13
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 13
What is this prescription?: A narcotic analgesic proposed for severe pain. It may be habituating.
What is this prescription used for?: See also Warning section. This medication is used to help relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. Tramadol belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics. It works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain.

Trazodone Hcl

Generic Name: Trazodone Hcl
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 17
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 29
What is this prescription used for?: This medication is used to treat depression. It may help to improve your mood, appetite, and energy level as well as decrease anxiety and insomnia related to depression. Trazodone works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural chemical (serotonin) in the brain.

Trelegy Ellipta

Generic Name: Fluticasone/Umeclidin/Vilanter
Specialty: Physician Assistant
Times Prescribed: 13
Number of 30-Day Refills Prescribed: 13
What is this prescription used for?: This product is used to control and prevent symptoms (such as wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma and ongoing lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema). Controlling symptoms of breathing problems helps you stay active. This inhaler contains 3 medications: fluticasone, umeclidinium, and vilanterol. Fluticasone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing swelling of the airways in the lungs to make breathing easier. Umeclidinium belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics and vilanterol is a LABA medication. Both drugs work by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily. Both drugs are also known as bronchodilators. When used alone, long-acting beta agonists (such as vilanterol) may rarely increase the risk of serious (sometimes fatal) asthma-related breathing problems. However, combination products containing both an inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta agonist, such as this product, do not increase the risk of serious asthma-related breathing problems. For asthma treatment, this product should be used when breathing problems are not well controlled with two asthma-control medications (such as inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta agonist) or if your symptoms need combination treatment. This medication must be used regularly to be effective. It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden shortness of breath. If sudden breathing problems occur, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed.

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.