logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine
multiple pills that could have herb and drug interactionsPodcastsTerry Graedon - June 8, 2023

Show 1343: Hidden Harms of Herb and Drug Interactions

To protect yourself from the hidden harms of herb and drug interactions, discuss your regimen with your pharmacist and prescriber.

Terry Graedon - June 5, 2023

Will Aspirin Prevent Sunburn?

Joe Graedon - June 5, 2023

Amlodipine (Norvasc) Side Effects

Joe Graedon - June 5, 2023

Did COVID Vaccines Erase Warts?

depressed and sad man leaning on a balcony railing
DepressionJoe Graedon - May 25, 2023

Will Ketamine Really Battle Life-Long Depression?

Ketamine infusions seem promising against life-long depression. A new study reports ketamine worked as well as electro-convulsive therapy!

Pile of pills and multivitamins
Acid RefluxTerry Graedon - May 25, 2023

Should You Be Taking Vitamin Supplements?

Many medications can interfere with good nutrition. If you are taking pills for certain conditions, perhaps you should be taking vitamin supplements.

young woman checking her thinning hair in a mirror
DiabetesTerry Graedon - May 22, 2023

Will Ozempic Lead to Hair Loss?

Ozempic (semaglutide) seems less likely than some other medications to trigger cardiovascular problems, but diabetic retinopathy may worsen.

forgetful man slaps forehead
Drug Side EffectsJoe Graedon - May 22, 2023

Can Statins Cause Memory Loss and Transient Global Amnesia?

Most health professionals do not believe that statins can cause transient global amnesia or other memory problems. What do patients say?

woman screaming from a nightmare
Drug Side EffectsTerry Graedon - May 21, 2023

Many Drugs Cause Bad Dreams

Certain medicines may trigger bad dreams or even nightmares. One reader found that Xyzal for allergies was a problem.

woman with a fan experiencing hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms
Breast CancerJoe Graedon - May 18, 2023

Is Hormone Therapy Safe for Menopausal Women?

There is no simple answer to the question: is hormone therapy safe? Each woman must evaluate the pros and cons of HRT based on risk factors.

menopausal women with fan experiencing hot flash
Drug Side EffectsJoe Graedon - May 18, 2023

Veozah Is A New Non-Hormonal Drug for Hot Flashes

Veozah (fezolinetant) is a new non-hormonal treatment for the hot flashes of menopause. How well does it work and what are the downsides?

fish oil capsules
Atrial Fibrillation (A-fib, arrhythmia)Joe Graedon - May 15, 2023

Is Fish Oil Linked to Heart Rhythm Changes?

How risky is fish oil or purified EPA in Vascepa when it comes to heart rhythm changes called atrial fibrillation? Learn about absolute risk!

man holding fast food container and clutching his chest because of heartburn
Acid RefluxJoe Graedon - May 15, 2023

Getting Off Omeprazole Can Be Challenging!

Many remedies can help with the challenge of getting off omeprazole by easing the symptoms of rebound reflux. Can famotidine (Pepcid) help?

DiabetesJoe Graedon - May 15, 2023

Should Doctors Prescribe Ozempic for Weight Loss?

This reader eats to live & no longer lives to eat thanks to semaglutide. She also has diabetes. Should MDs prescribe Ozempic for weight loss?

Several bottles of supplements with hand touching Saccharomyces boulardii
Clostridium difficile Infection (C. diff)Terry Graedon - May 10, 2023

Probiotic Can Help Prevent C. Diff Due to Antibiotics

A nontoxic bacterial cocktail or a probiotic called Saccharomyces boulardii may help you avoid diarrhea from C. diff due to antibiotics.

Cortisone shots into the knee
ArthritisJoe Graedon - May 8, 2023

The Dark Side of Cortisone Shots: Joint Deterioration

When your knees, hips or shoulders hurt, you want rapid relief. Cortisone shots seem like a simple and fast solution. Are there any risks?

child holds up glass of water
cavitiesJoe Graedon - May 8, 2023

Fluoride Exposure and Thyroid, Kidney and Liver Function

Over 200 million people experience fluoride exposure every day. Does it affect the thyroid gland or impact kidney function in adolescents?

drug recall
Drug Side EffectsJoe Graedon - May 8, 2023

Why Are FDA Inspections So Ineffective and Disappointing?

Are you losing faith in the FDA? ProPublica reports a scandal about FDA inspections and tainted medicine. This has been going on for TOO long!

older woman gazes out window, looks confused
Alzheimer’s DiseaseJoe Graedon - May 4, 2023

Is Donanemab a Breakthrough Against Alzheimer’s?

Donanemab is the latest anti-amyloid drug against Alzheimer's disease. Is it a breakthrough? Here's the back story.

Portrait of female pharmacist standing at counter in pharmacy
Drug Side EffectsDennis Miller, RPh - May 1, 2023

Pharmacists’ Biggest Secret (About Themselves)

Pharmacists' biggest secret is that they would rather help people develop healthy lifestyles than dispense unnecessary medicines.

Andrographis paniculata growing
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - May 1, 2023

Will Chinese Herb Andrographis Ease Misery of Flu?

Evidence supports taking the herb Andrographis paniculata to relieve cold and flu symptoms. It helps more than placebo.

woman holding handful of pills
COVID-19Joe Graedon - May 1, 2023

Preventing Deadly Drug Interactions Harder Than You Think

Do you swallow more than 3 pills daily? Preventing drug interactions is hard, especially during a pandemic! Beware Paxlovid interactions!

DiabetesJoe Graedon - April 27, 2023

Is Hair Loss a Side Effect of Wegovy and Ozempic?

Are people taking Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide) to lose weight also losing hair? Why does Wegovy reveal this problem but Ozempic does not?

doctor administers injection
ArthritisJoe Graedon - April 27, 2023

Cortisone Injections Can Have Devastating Effects

People who receive cortisone injections into joints for pain relief may also experience systemic side effects such as insomnia or anxiety.

a hypodermic needle inserted into a vial of medicine
Drug Side EffectsJoe Graedon - April 27, 2023

Reclast Side Effects Incapacitate Patient

Reclast is a once-a-year injection for osteoporosis. That means it is LONG-LASTING. For those who have Reclast side effects, that's trouble.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum)
Drug Side EffectsTerry Graedon - April 24, 2023

St. John’s Wort Can Lift Mood, But May Damage Eyes

One side effect of St. John's wort, photosensitivity, can damage eyes. People may wish to consider other ways to manage depression.

vitamin D capsules
CoronavirusTerry Graedon - April 24, 2023

Do Your Medicines Suppress Your Vitamin D?

Corticosteroids, anticonvulsants and certain other medicines suppress your vitamin D levels. That could make you more vulnerable to infection.

Thyroid test for rethinking hypothyroidism. Will levothyroxine alone normalize thyroid function?
Drug Side EffectsJoe Graedon - April 24, 2023

When Treating Hyperthyroidism Results in Too Little Thyroid Hormone

Treating hyperthyroidism with pills or radioactive iodine may lead to hypothyroidism. That can result in too little thyroid hormone. Balance!

Sick man with handkerchief sneezing blowing nose while working with coworkers
ColdsJoe Graedon - April 20, 2023

Is There a Natural Herbal Remedy for Colds?

Colds in the spring can be really bad for people with high blood pressure. Can you get relief from an herbal remedy for colds?

bottles of crestor lipitor and simvastatin cholesterol-lowering drugs
Drug Side EffectsJoe Graedon - April 17, 2023

Statins and Muscle Pain: What Else Can He Do To Lower LDL?

Many physicians are adamant that statins rarely cause any side effects. And yet readers continue to report a connection between statins and muscle pain.

woman suffering from depression
DepressionJoe Graedon - April 17, 2023

Are Old Antidepressants (MAO Inhibitors) Still Helpful?

Depression is common and disabling. Modern antidepressants are not as effective as many think. Are older MAO inhibitors worth consideration?

Canadian flag over Vancouver
Drug Side EffectsJoe Graedon - April 17, 2023

Why Buy Brand Name Drugs from Canada?

Many people worry about generic drug quality, but brand name meds can be pricey. Can you really buy brand name drugs from Canada for less?

woman using nasal spray
AllergiesTerry Graedon - April 16, 2023

Should You Use NasalCrom for Your Allergies?

Decongestant nose sprays can be used for only a few days before you risk dependence. Using NasalCrom for your allergies is an alternative.

FDA Approved pill bottle illustration
Alzheimer’s DiseaseJoe Graedon - April 13, 2023

YIKES! FDA Approves Lecanemab Against Alzheimer’s

The FDA granted accelerated approval to lecanemab for Alzheimer's. What's the back story? New reports of brain shrinkage are worrisome to us.

pharmacist hands selling medicines to a customer on a pharmacy desk; simple job description; refill prescriptions
Drug Side EffectsTerry Graedon - April 10, 2023

Why Is Pharmacy Pushing to Refill Prescriptions?

Pushing to refill prescriptions intended for short-term use and failing to refill needed prescriptions can both cause patients problems.