Rifaximin (Xifaxan) is an expensive drug used to treat traveler's diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. It is also used to prevent hepatic encephalopathy, a brain disorder that can occur due to severe liver disease. This drug is more popular than comparable drugs. There are currently no generic alternatives to Xifaxan.
I recommend to patients over age 50thst they consider doing Pap smears every three years. If they are over age 65 with no history of cervical cancer can stop having Pap smears. Women without a cervix and no previous history of cervical cancer can stop having Pap smears done following a hysterectomy. So, to answer your question, I would advise a 73 year old woman in good health with no prior history of cervical cancer and low risk factors for STD infection to stop having Pap smears.
Screening may be carried out every 5 years for women over age 30 if a Pap smear and HPV test are performed. No upper age limit for screening exists because the incidence of cancer of the cervix increases with age at a time when women may be less likely to get a Pap smear.Diagnosis of most of these cancers is in women older than 50 years. Even after menopause, a woman should continue to have regular Pap smears.Women over age 65 or older who have had three or more normal Pap tests in a row and no abnormal Pap test results in the last 10 years may choose to stop having Pap tests.omen over age 65 or older who have had three or more normal Pap tests in a row and no abnormal Pap test results in the last 10 years may choose to stop having Pap tests.