The People's Pharmacy®

704 Healthy Eating (Archive)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:01:32 -0500

The science of nutrition seems to lead to a lot of contradictory advice. Vitamin E is a great example. At one time, it was supposed to prevent cancer and heart disease and help people stay healthy into their later years. Now, though, the vitamin is in the doghouse. We find out why scientists have reversed their stance.

Dr. Christopher Gardner talks with us about how to evaluate the changing news on nutrition and design a healthy diet.

Guest: Christopher Gardner, PhD, Director of Nutrition Studies at the Stanford Prevention Research Center at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA.

Health Headlines 7/3/09

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:45:35 -0500

This Week's Radio Show: 704 Healthy Eating (Archive): The science of nutrition seems to lead to a lot of contradictory advice. Vitamin E is a great example. At one time, it was supposed to prevent cancer and heart disease and help people stay healthy into their later years....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2009/07/03/704-healthy-eat/

Health Headlines:

New Treatment for BRCA-Related Cancer
Researchers report that a brand new type of cancer medicine may be able to help patients who have not responded to conventional therapies. A small preliminary trial of a medicine called OLA-PARIB found that people with advanced prostate, breast or...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2009/07/02/new-treatment-f/

Statins May Cause Erectile Dysfunction

Diabetes Drug Linked to Bone Loss

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most serious chronic conditions of the 21st century. Diagnoses of new cases, especially in young people, continue to accelerate. Two medications that are frequently used in the treatment of type-2 diabetes are Avandia...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2009/07/02/questions-about-1/

Green Tea May Help Against Prostate Cancer

FDA Seizes Generic Drugs

New Treatment for BRCA-Related Cancer

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:26:18 -0500

Researchers report that a brand new type of cancer medicine may be able to help patients who have not responded to conventional therapies. A small preliminary trial of a medicine called OLA-PARIB found that people with advanced prostate, breast or ovarian cancer responded surprisingly well to this medication. These were patients with mutations of BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which have been linked to aggressive cancers. The new compound is the first in a class called PARP inhibitors. Although it is still early in development, researchers are hopeful that PARP inhibition may represent a new way of targeting tumor cells without affecting healthy cells. This approach could change the way patients with BRCA-related cancers are treated.

[New England Journal of Medicine, online, June 24 2009]

Statins May Cause Erectile Dysfunction

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:23:28 -0500

It is estimated that 13 million Americans now take a statin-type cholestesrol-lowering medicine like Lipitor, Crestor or Zocor. Such drugs are very good at lowering bad LDL cholesterol and lower the chances of a heart attack or stroke in high-risk patients. But there is a growing recognition that such medications have side effects. Muscle pain and weakness may occur in as many as 10 percent of the patients who use statins, according to a review in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Now another unexpected side effect is getting attention from researchers. Researchers examining the French Pharmacovigillance System Database report that erectile dysfunction is associated with statin medications. Spontaneous complaints of ED were 10 times more common among men taking statins than among those taking other drugs. When the statins were discontinued, over 50 percent reported recovery.

[Drug Safety, July 1, 2009]

Diabetes Drug Linked to Bone Loss

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:20:19 -0500

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most serious chronic conditions of the 21st century. Diagnoses of new cases, especially in young people, continue to accelerate. Two medications that are frequently used in the treatment of type-2 diabetes are Avandia and Actos. These so-called glitazone compounds boost insulin sensitivity and decrease insulin resistance. This helps improve blood sugar control. But questions have been raised about the effect of glitazones on bone metabolism. A recent review in the journal Drug Safety concludes that "glitazone use is associated with accelerated bone loss and an increased risk of fracture in humans."

[Drug Safety, July 1, 2009]

Green Tea May Help Against Prostate Cancer

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:14:34 -0500

Green tea may have compounds that can slow the growth of prostate cancer. In a small preliminary trial, men with prostate cancer took EGCG (epi-gallo-catechin-3-gallate). This compound specific to green tea reduced the levels of prostate cancer proteins in the patients' blood. The men took EGCG in capsules between the time they were diagnosed and the time they underwent surgery, usually about a month later. To get the same amount of EGCG from tea, a person would need to consume approximately 12 cups daily--probably more green tea than most men want to drink. The researchers say their promising results lay the groundwork for a larger placebo-controlled trial.

[Cancer Prevention Research, July 2009]

FDA Seizes Generic Drugs

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:07:56 -0500

The Food and Drug Administration recently seized substantial numbers of generic drugs that did not live up to good manufacturing practices. This is not the first time the feds have taken action on generic products that did not meet quality standards. Last fall, the FDA halted imports from India's largest generic drug maker, Ranbaxy, after finding evidence of fraudulent behavior and violations of manufacturing practices. More recently, a large number of generic drugs made by the Ethex Corporation were recalled for manufacturing problems. Oversized tablets may have delivered too much medication. Shortages of certain crucial drugs occurred as a consequence.

Now, the FDA has gone after another generic drug company called Caraco. The agency seized 33 different medications including popular beta blockers like atenolol and metoprolol as well as the heart drug digoxin and the sleeping pill zolpidem. Caraco had been warned last fall that it was not in compliance, but had not made adequate progress in addressing the violations. This led to the recent seizures. Although FDA has confiscated the medications the agency advises patients to keep taking any Caraco products already in their medicine chests. With FDA stepping up its enforcement of manufacturing plants, consumers may have more confidence that the agency is cracking down on substandard generic products.

Health Headlines 6/30/09

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:14:55 -0500

Listen To Our Podcast: 729 Deep Vein Thrombosis: Veins get no respect. Millions of Americans worry about heart attacks, which occur when arteries are blocked by a blood clot. But blood clots in veins get very little attention, although they can also be life threatening. Deep Vein Thrombosis...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2009/06/25/729-deep-vein-t/
Unexpected Side Effects Wreak Havoc: Sometimes the best-laid plans go awry. That's what happened when kudzu was introduced into the U.S. as a way of controlling erosion. Now this invasive plant has taken over large swaths of southeastern landscape and is choking out native species.It...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2009/06/29/unexpected-side/
Lipitor Led to Wish for Short LIfe: Q. In less than two years on Lipitor, I went from being able to climb the ancient temples at Angkor Wat, Cambodia, to being almost unable to walk to my mailbox. I felt like I had flu all the time....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2009/06/29/lipitor-led-to/
Bilberry Helped Reverse Macular Degeneration: Q. My wife had macular degeneration, and our ophthalmologist said it would just get worse. We immediately started taking bilberry fruit capsules because I wanted to be pro-active.A year later, we returned for her annual eye exam. The doctor's assistant...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2009/06/29/bilberry-helped/
Marijuana Once Smoked for Asthma Relief: Q. As a child I had bouts of asthma and sniffed smoke from a burning powder called Kellogg's Asthma Relief (Stramonium and Lobelia). I am now in my late 70s and I seem to have again developed mild asthma attacks....
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2009/06/29/marijuana-once/
Novel Technique for Zapping Mosquitoes: Q. What's a safe way to kill mosquitoes? We have a cabin on a pond and the mosquitoes are ferocious. Some always manage to sneak in and there is nothing worse than being buzzed, especially when you are trying to...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2009/06/29/novel-technique/
Natural Alternatives to Estrogen for Hot Flashes: Q. I am 61 years old and have taken estrogen for nearly five years. My doctor said that is the limit and had me stop.Do you have information on relieving hot flashes and other symptoms? I have them now in...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2009/06/29/natural-alterna-4/
Vitamin D Helps Relieve Pain: Q. I have leg pain when walking and hip pain at night. I have a vitamin D level of 14. Is it too late to take vitamin D and if not how much should I take?A. Your low vitamin D...
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2009/06/29/vitamin-d-helps/

Unexpected Side Effects Wreak Havoc

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:46:59 -0500

Sometimes the best-laid plans go awry. That's what happened when kudzu was introduced into the U.S. as a way of controlling erosion. Now this invasive plant has taken over large swaths of southeastern landscape and is choking out native species.

It can take years to discover that something that seemed like a good idea at first might have unpleasant unintended consequences.

Medicine is rife with examples. Many of our most popular drugs are introduced with great fanfare, only to be tarnished later as people discover serious side effects.

Acid-suppressing drugs are among the most popular pills in the pharmacy. Nexium (the "purple pill") has been widely advertised on TV. And its predecessor, Prilosec, is now available over the counter.

These proton pump inhibitors (including Aciphex, Prevacid and Protonix) are helpful in treating serious heartburn. But this class of medicine has been linked to an increased risk of hip fractures (JAMA, Dec. 26, 2006).

No one ever imagined such a complication from drugs used to treat acid reflux, but acid is helpful in absorbing calcium. Some experts believe that poor calcium absorption may be linked to weakened bones.

Other drugs that may also contribute to bone problems include SSRI-type antidepressants. Drugs like Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft affect the brain chemical serotonin. This compound also influences bone-building cells. SSRIs may lead to osteoporosis in mice and men (Menopause, Nov-Dec, 2008; Archives of Internal Medicine, June 25, 2007).

Even diabetes drugs such as Actos and Avandia might increase the risk of fractures. Such medications, designed to improve the use of insulin in the body, also seem to hinder bone-building cells. One other serious and unforeseen reaction with these diabetes drugs is a greater chance of developing heart failure.

Drugs designed to strengthen bone and prevent osteoporosis have their own set of unanticipated results. Bisphosphonates such as Actonel, Boniva, Fosamax and Reclast may lead to jaw bone death when patients have teeth extracted. A review of long-term risks in the Journal of the American Medical Association (Feb. 18, 2009) noted this problem along with unexplained thigh bone fractures. The FDA is monitoring the possibility that these drugs might also increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Severe pain in muscles, bones and joints is an acknowledged complication that was unforeseen.

One of the strangest unexpected side effects occurs with a category of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. Drugs like Avelox, Cipro and Levaquin are useful in fighting certain infections, but the FDA has added black-box warnings to the prescribing information that these medicines may adversely affect tendons.

Tendinitis and tendon rupture can be incredibly painful and debilitating. When these drugs were introduced, no one predicted this side effect.

It can take years before some serious and unusual adverse reactions are detected. It often takes even longer for them to be acknowledged. People who suspect that they are experiencing previously unknown side effects may want to share them with others. One way to do that is at Report It.

Lipitor Led to Wish for Short LIfe

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:39:57 -0500

Q. In less than two years on Lipitor, I went from being able to climb the ancient temples at Angkor Wat, Cambodia, to being almost unable to walk to my mailbox. I felt like I had flu all the time. I had aches and pains in my fingers, arms, shoulders, hips, legs and feet. I felt so bad I began to wish for a short life.

My doctor listened to me and took me off Lipitor. Four days later, I could move my fingers easily again. I am hoping that I continue to improve, and that there is no permanent damage.

A. Many readers report that muscle pain can be an incapacitating side effect of statin-type medications like Lipitor. There may be a genetic basis that determines who is vulnerable to this reaction.

A study underway at the University of Buffalo is aimed at tracking down the genes that may be responsible. Anyone who has experienced severe muscle pain, cramps or weakness while taking statin-type cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Crestor, Lipitor or Zocor may participate. To learn more, contact Cathy Kern at ckern@buffalo.edu or call (716) 829-2695. Include your telephone number and address in your message.

Bilberry Helped Reverse Macular Degeneration

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:31:14 -0500

Q. My wife had macular degeneration, and our ophthalmologist said it would just get worse. We immediately started taking bilberry fruit capsules because I wanted to be pro-active.

A year later, we returned for her annual eye exam. The doctor's assistant administered the exams. After checking her three times, she took her folder to the doctor and told him in front of us that the assistant last year sure messed up the exam. The doctor replied, "I administered that exam myself and I know it is proper." The assistant exclaimed that the macular degeneration was only blocking 25 percent of vision instead of 45 percent like last year and that was impossible.

The doctor asked what we had done and I told him about the bilberry. He was pleased with her progress. When she passed away three years later at age 82 she had no more macular degeneration.

A. Bilberry has a reputation as being good for eyesight. There has been very little research on its power to treat macular degeneration in human beings, though there are some intriguing animal data.

Marijuana Once Smoked for Asthma Relief

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:24:04 -0500

Q. As a child I had bouts of asthma and sniffed smoke from a burning powder called Kellogg's Asthma Relief (Stramonium and Lobelia). I am now in my late 70s and I seem to have again developed mild asthma attacks. I would like to get some of this powder but have been unable to locate a source. Are you familiar with this product?

A. Kellogg's Asthma Relief was an old-fashioned remedy for asthma. The ingredients you list were burned and inhaled to open constricted airways. They were sometimes combined with cannabis leaves (marijuana). There were even stramonium cigarettes for asthmatics to smoke.

Side effects of stramonium include dry skin and mouth, dilated pupils, problems with urination, rapid heartbeat and hallucinations. For these reasons, the FDA has not permitted medications with stramonium in years. Your doctor can prescribe far safer medicines for mild asthma.

Novel Technique for Zapping Mosquitoes

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:19:18 -0500

Q. What's a safe way to kill mosquitoes? We have a cabin on a pond and the mosquitoes are ferocious. Some always manage to sneak in and there is nothing worse than being buzzed, especially when you are trying to fall asleep.

Trying to swat mosquitoes at night is challenging. When my husband gets totally frustrated he sprays a powerful DEET mist in their direction. Then we breathe the stuff, which I am not sure is safe.

A. Instead of spraying DEET or an insecticide at mosquitoes, try 90 percent isopropyl alcohol, which you should be able to find in almost any pharmacy. Put some in a plastic spray bottle and adjust the nozzle so you get a fine mist. Next time a mosquito comes close or rests on a wall just zap it with the alcohol. This should be safer for you and deadlier for the mosquitoes.

Natural Alternatives to Estrogen for Hot Flashes

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:08:29 -0500

Q. I am 61 years old and have taken estrogen for nearly five years. My doctor said that is the limit and had me stop.
Do you have information on relieving hot flashes and other symptoms? I have them now in abundance!

Even with extra soy in my diet my hot flashes are still very strong and annoying and interrupt my sleep. My mother died of breast cancer and I really don't want to continue taking HRT if it will increase my risk of cancer. I do hope there is some alternative for these problems.

A. Long-term exposure to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk for blood clots and heart attacks as well as for breast cancer. Most experts advise limiting HRT to the lowest dose that works for the shortest time necessary, preferably less than five years.

There are several other approaches to controlling hot flashes, ranging from prescription drugs such as Effexor, Prozac or Neurontin to natural supplements such as black cohosh, Pycnogenol or St. John's wort. We have summarized these in the new Guide to Menopause we are sending you.

Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. E-50, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It can also be downloaded for $2 from the Website: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

Vitamin D Helps Relieve Pain

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:01:23 -0500

Q. I have leg pain when walking and hip pain at night. I have a vitamin D level of 14. Is it too late to take vitamin D and if not how much should I take?

A. Your low vitamin D level might account for your symptoms. Vitamin D deficiency appears more common than previously believed.

Many doctors prescribe 50,000 units of vitamin D once a week to correct a deficiency like yours. Here is one reader's experience:

"For several years I suffered from sore hips, knees and BODY! I chalked it up to getting older and going through perimenopause.

"On my last trip to the doctor I told her I was only 48 years old and felt like I was 100. She tested my vitamin D and the count was 11.

"She prescribed 50,000 units once a week of Vitamin D. I took one dose and felt like a new person the next day! For the first time in years, I have NO soreness ANYWHERE!"

It's never too late to take vitamin D. For more information about the symptoms and dangers of vitamin D deficiency and how to treat it, you may wish to listen to our interview with Dr. Michael Holick and Dr. James Dowd. Anyone who would like a CD of this one-hour discussion may send $11.99 in check or money order to Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. CD-672, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. Show #672 is also available as a podcast for $2.99 at www.peoplespharmacy.com.