The People's Perspective on Medicine
COVID-19 Vaccine May Give False Positive Mammograms
Vaccination may lead to swollen lymph nodes on the same side as the shot. Radiologists are learning to recognize such false positive mammograms.
Can You Trust TV Ads for Cancer Drugs?
It almost seems as if every other commercial on TV is for Rx medications. Ads for cancer drugs are now frequent. How can the FDA permit this?
What Can You Use for Psoriasis If You Can’t Afford Otezla?
One reader reports that apremilast (Otezla) works very well to control psoriasis. There are other options for people who can't afford Otezla.
What Are Authorized Generic Drugs and Are They Better?
Have you ever shopped at an outlet mall? You get a branded product at a reduced price. Authorized generic drugs are surprisingly similar.
Is Low Vitamin D a Risk for Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is surprisingly common. Popular drugs can pose a risk for atrial fibrillation. Low vitamin D levels may also be a factor.
Is Zantac – Ranitidine and Cancer the Tip of the Iceberg?
For over 30 years, millions of people took ranitidine (Zantac) for heartburn. Is there a link between ranitidine and cancer? There's new data!
Can Antidepressant (Paroxetine) Make Sex Exhausting and Unfulfilling?
Paroxetine, and duloxetine can delay orgasm to the point that sexual intercourse is no longer enjoyable; it may also reduce libido.
Unexpected Items That Actually Raise Blood Pressure
Would you imagine that antimicrobial mouthwash could raise blood pressure? So can licorice, decongestant nasal spray and pain relievers.
Lithium Damages Kidneys While Helping Bipolar Disorder
Lithium is being rediscovered for mood disorders. But Lithium damages kidneys if doses get too high. Low-dose lithium for depression is new.
Should the FDA Ban Bad Drugs?
Have you been using hand sanitizer during the pandemic? Some products are contaminated with wood alcohol. Why can't the FDA ban bad drugs?
Will Special SLS-Free Toothpaste Prevent Canker Sores?
Many readers have found that eliminating toothpaste with SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) helps them avoid canker sores. What is SLS anyway?
More Metformin Recalls Distress Diabetes Patients
Have you lost count of metformin recalls? We have! Contaminated drugs continue to be pulled from the market during the pandemic. It's a lot!
Can Tylenol – Acetaminophen Raise Blood Pressure?
People in pain face a dilemma. Can they control pain safely? NSAIDs can cause hypertension. But will acetaminophen raise blood pressure too?
Bad Mix? Diphenhydramine – Benadryl and SSRI Antidepressants
Many people don't worry about mixing OTC meds and prescription drugs. It might be a bad idea to combine Benadryl with SSRI antidepressants.
What Is the Real World Incidence of Drug Side Effects?
There are many reasons why clinical trials don't reveal the true incidence of drug side effects in the real world.
Volunteers Describe COVID Vaccine Side Effects
What better way to learn about COVID vaccine side effects than to ask volunteers who got shots? Visitors to this website provide answers.
COVID Vaccine Storage: Lessons for ALL Drugs!
Should you care about COVID vaccine storage? 1st, if you get the vaccine you want it to work. 2nd, there are lessons for storage of all drugs!
Can Your Medicines Cause Insomnia?
Hundreds of medicines cause insomnia. Bet you didn't know that statins like simvastatin might do it. So can corticosteroids and decongestants.
Side Effects of the COVID Vaccine?
Are you planning to get the coronavirus immunization? Why is it important for you to know what side effects to expect from the COVID vaccine?
What Are the Best BP Drugs for Hypertension?
If you have hypertension why did your doctor choose one med over another? You might be surprised to learn which BP drugs score highest.
Do Statins Save Lives? Doctors Don’t Agree!
How good are statins for preventing heart attacks in primary prevention? More important, do statins save lives? Read surprising new results.
Critically Important Information You’ll Never See in Drug Advertisements
There is a major deficiency in drug advertisements because a hugely important and relevant body of knowledge is conspicuously absent.
Are Statins and Leg Cramps a Neglected Challenge?
Many people complain about statin side effects, such as muscle pain and weakness. Statins and muscle cramps seem to be ignored complications.
Flu Shots Linked to Deaths in South Korea
People in South Korea are concerned about influenza vaccinations this year. That's because flu shots linked to deaths have made headlines.
Does Genetic Testing Help Avoid Problems With Anesthesia?
A reader would like genetic testing before undergoing surgery so that the choice of anesthesia can be personalized.
Should We Worry About the New Holds on Vaccine Trials?
Holds on vaccine trials are not unexpected, but they could delay development of an effective protection against COVID-19.
Are Popular Drugs Responsible for the Diabetes Epidemic?
A number of prescription drugs and some OTC medicines may be partly responsible for the diabetes epidemic worldwide.
Do Your Medicines Suppress Your Vitamin D?
Corticosteroids, anticonvulsants and certain other medicines suppress your vitamin D levels. Will that make you more vulnerable to infection?
Mistakes in the Pharmacy Could be Deadly
Mistakes in the pharmacy are shockingly common. No other profession could get away with so many errors and remain respected. How can you protect yourself?
Will You Lower Your Cholesterol With Milk Thistle?
MIlk thistle extract can lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. It blocks the same enzyme as statins.
18 Pharmacists Discuss Their Most Memorable Medication Mistakes
Have you ever gotten the wrong drug from the pharmacy? Here, pharmacists reveal their memorable medication mistakes.
Big Pharma’s Secret Strategy to Fool You
Do you have any idea how effective your medicine really is? Drug companies have a secret strategy: misleading drug stats can confuse doctors.
Shame on Us for Describing Drug Company “Girls’ Night Out”
Drug company execs are NOT supposed to meet with competitors to set prices. Men played golf and women sipped martinis at Girls' night out.