The People's Perspective on Medicine
How Does Metformin Affect Vitamin D Status?
A randomized controlled trial determined that metformin does NOT affect vitamin D status, but it can lower vitamin B12 levels.
Can Your Medicines Cause Insomnia?
Hundreds of medicines cause insomnia. Did you know that statins like simvastatin might do it. So can corticosteroids and decongestants.
Doctors and Patients Confused About Statins and Muscle Damage
The FDA lists myositis and rhabdomyolysis as serious statin side effects. What is the connection between statins and severe muscle damage?
What Do Americans Really Think about Medical Marijuana?
More than 1,000 Americans in a Yahoo/Marist poll worry more about prescribed opioids than medical marijuana. Can it help cancer patients?
Is Your Medicine Setting You Up for Heat Stroke?
In case you haven't noticed, we are experiencing extreme heat. If you are taking certain medications, you could be susceptible to heat stroke.
Metformin (Glucophage) Side Effects & Complications
Metformin (Glucophage) is the most popular drug for type 2 diabetes, but it can be rough on the digestive tract. Can metformin fight cancer?
Can You Really Control Blood Pressure With Dandelion Extract?
Some readers report that dandelion extract lowers blood pressure without strong side effects. Clinical studies are lacking.
Beware Mixing Xarelto or Eliquis and OTC Pain Relievers
Many people with AFib are taking drugs like Eliquis or Xarelto. Beware Eliquis and OTC pain relievers! Herbs and some teas can also interact.
Do Lonely Older People Take More and Riskier Drugs?
Research shows that lonely older people are more likely to be prescribed potentially risky drugs for depression, anxiety, insomnia or pain.
Prednisone Side Effects Can Be Disastrous
Many doctors like to prescribe prednisone. It's a quick fix for lots of inflammatory conditions. But prednisone side effects can be bad news!
Flagyl | Metronidazole and Alcohol = Disaster!
Can you absorb enough alcohol (ethanol) through the skin to pose a problem? A reader describes a metronidazole and alcohol drug interaction.
Do ACE Inhibitors or ARBs Work Better for Blood Pressure?
When prescribing blood pressure pills, should doctors choose ACE inhibitors or ARBs? ARBs are equally effective with fewer side effects.
Alcohol for Longer Life? How Much Is Enough and How Much Is Too Much?
Is alcohol for longer life a viable concept or a myth? How many drinks count as moderate alcohol consumption? Studies tackle these questions.
Is Lp(a) the Best Kept Secret in Heart Disease?
Doctors worry about LDL cholesterol but rarely test for Lp(a). Statins can raise this risk factor for heart disease you've never heard about.
Is There a Link Between Statin Drugs and Gingivitis?
No one knows if statin drugs to lower cholesterol increase the likelihood of inflamed gums and gingivitis. Dentists must study this.
The Zantac – Ranitidine Weirdness Just Got Stranger
What are we to make of FDA flip flop flips on ranitidine/Zantac? For many people the ranitidine weirdness is overwhelming. Now Zantac is BACK!
How Do You Weigh the Benefits and Risks of Aspirin?
Before starting a daily regimen, carefully consider the benefits and risks of aspirin. Are you more likely to be helped or harmed by this amazing drug?
Trelegy for COPD Leads to Hoarseness
Do asthma inhalers cause hoarseness? If you haven't seen the Trelegy for COPD 'The Power of 1-2-3' ad, please watch it! Trelegy side effects?
Will Your Eyedrops Affect Your Heart Rate?
Beta blocker eyedrops like timolol for glaucoma can also lower heart rate and blood pressure. Patients may not be warned of interactions.
Statins and Shortness of Breath (Pleural Effusions)
The FDA does not acknowledge a link between statins and shortness of breath. A reader wonders if statins and pleural effusions are connected.
Do You Love Your Liver Enough?
Are you nice to your liver? Most Americans take their livers for granted. That could be disastrous! Is coffee good for your liver? How much?
Can People Overdose on Potassium-Rich Foods?
Many people are low in potassium. That's because they take thiazide diuretics to control blood pressure. Is it possible to overdose on potassium-rich foods?
Stopping Antihistamine Leads to Unbelievable Itching
Abruptly stopping the antihistamine cetirizine (Zyrtec) led to unbelievable itching. The doctor who reported this had not seen it in the medical literature.
How Well Does the New Weight Loss Medicine Work?
In June, FDA approved a new weight loss medicine, Wegovy. This once-a-week injection works by reducing appetite and improving insulin release.
Show 1178: Do We Need a Revolution in Managing Pain? (Archive)
Opioids are an important tool for managing pain, but they are not the only option. Dr. Sean Mackey says we need a revolution in thinking about pain.
Can You Reverse Tardive Dyskinesia from Abilify?
Drugs prescribed for bipolar disorder, depression and schizophrenia can cause involuntary movements. Can new meds reverse tardive dyskinesia
If Acetaminophen Is Killing People, Why Should You Trust Tylenol?
The popular pain reliever acetaminophen may be riskier than you think. A ProPublica report has some chilling stats. DON'T OVERDOSE on APAP!
Which Blood Pressure Pills Help Protect Memory?
ACE inhibitors that can get into the brain may protect memory in older adults. ARBs that cross the blood-brain barrier also seem to work.
Do Statins Affect Memory or Scramble Your Brain?
Millions take statins to prevent heart problems. Can statins affect memory? This question still remains highly controversial after decades.
Do Steroid Injections Melt Bones and Weaken Joints?
When knees or hips hurt, life gets hard. Climbing stairs is challenging. Hiking hurts. Steroid injections are tempting. Do they cause damage?
Problems with Generic Wellbutrin (Bupropion)? Not Again!
We hoped that problems with the generic antidepressant for Wellbutrin (bupropion) were over. They're still coming! But Wellbutrin is PRICEY!