The People's Perspective on Medicine
Are Older Patients More Likely to Suffer Adverse Drug Reactions?
A study in Ireland shows that many older people experience adverse drug reactions from their prescriptions.
Why Have I Lost Faith in the FDA?
The FDA maintains that if it approves a medication, it is "SAFE and EFFECTIVE." Is that true? Have you lost faith in the FDA? If so, why?
Does Injection Technique Lead to Bruising from Immunization?
Over the last few decades, nurses and pharmacists have changed their standard injection technique. Does that affect patient reactions?
Is Vitamin Deficiency at the Bottom of Burning Sensation?
A burning sensation in the feet or the tongue could be the result of inadequate vitamin B12 levels. Some drugs may contribute to reduced B12.
Did COVID Vaccines Erase Warts?
COVID vaccines work by stimulating the immune system. Is it possible that COVID vaccines erase warts through the same mechanism?
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!
Ibuprofen and High Blood Pressure: A Dangerous Reaction!
Do you ever have aches and pains? Almost everyone does. Do you reach for an OTC pain reliever? There is a link between ibuprofen and high blood pressure.
YIKES! FDA Approves Lecanemab Against Alzheimer’s
Is a new dementia drug a breakthrough? The FDA has approved lecanemab for Alzheimer's. What's the back story? What about side effects?
A Dose of Carcinogens with your BP Medicine?
Three more companies have recalled blood pressure drugs. Some quinapril (Accupril) pills had a dose of carcinogens (nitrosamines). Enough!
Prednisone Side Effects: Deal With The Devil?
Prednisone is a valuable medication for many serious conditions, but prednisone side effects can be serious, including sepsis and psychological reactions.
The Miracle of Metformin Against Diabetes, Cancer and COVID-19
Metformin helps manage blood sugar. It is the miracle of metformin. Metformin also helps prevent long COVID and some common cancers.
Curing Cracks at Corners of the Mouth Saved Mom’s Life
Vitamin B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia can be life threatening. Find out why cracks at the corners of the mouth may be an early tip off!
Benzodiazepine Dependence | A Hard Habit to Kick
Getting off benzos can be tough. Benzodiazepine dependence is more common than many people realize. Symptoms can be davastating. A SLOW taper is essential!.
Can You Get Off a PPI Without Suffering Heartburn?
Readers found ways to get off a PPI without withdrawal symptoms: Eat just one low-carb meal a day to reduce discomfort, or take psyllium.
Aduhelm for Alzheimer’s: Breakthrough or Boondoggle?
Congressional committees just issued a report on the Alzheimer's drug Aduhelm. They are critical of both the FDA and the drug company! Why?
Will Flu Shots Protect You from Alzheimer Disease?
Several studies suggest that flu shots protect older adults from dementia as well as from infection. Regular immunizations seem to work best.
Amlodipine (Norvasc) Side Effects
Amlodipine (Norvasc) is thought to be a super safe blood pressure medicine. Many visitors report side effects from rashes to swollen feet.
Are Your Children Getting High Doses of Food Dye and Sugar?
Some popular brands of cereals and candies contain unexpectedly high levels of food dye. Research in mice links this to bowel inflammation.
The Inside Story of Tamiflu Side Effects & Benefits
What's the story on drugs for influenza: Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Xofluza (baloxavir)? What about Tamiflu side effects? Beware nausea!
You Have Likely Been the Victim of Diagnostic Mistakes
Diagnostic mistakes are common. They can lead to disability, death or unnecessary treatment. A new study shows they are rampant in the ED.
Will Cannabis Cream Really Ease Neuropathy?
There is too little research on cannabis cream for nerve pain to know for sure that it will help. However, the studies that have been done suggests that is possible for some–not all–patients.
Are Doctors Overprescribing Gabapentin for Pain?
Opioids scare people. Many doctors have turned instead to gabapentin for pain management. Even surgeons are prescribing this epilepsy med.
People in Pain Need Access to Suicide Hotline Number
People contemplating suicide because of untreated pain or any other reason should call 988, the Suicide Hotline Number.
Is Lp(a) the Best Kept Secret in Heart Disease?
Doctors rarely test for Lp(a), but 1 out of 5 people have high levels. Statins raise Lp(a) but a low-carb diet lowers this key risk factor.
Drug Boomerang: When Meds Cause What They Should Cure
Medicines should NOT cause the problem they are supposed to treat! Surprisingly, though, the drug boomerang effect is far too common.
Thyroid Medicine You Can Take with Breakfast
Liquid or soft-gel thyroid medicine (Tirosint) does not interact with coffee or common breakfast foods as Synthroid does. Consistency is key.
Do Doctors Know How to Help Patients Stop Medications?
Have you ever been told how to stop medications? It's rare for prescribers to provide detailed withdrawal instructions. The FDA doesn't help.
Do Treatments for Knee Arthritis Do More Harm Than Good?
Treatments for knee arthritis are turning out to be either ineffective or harmful. Steroid shots and arthroscopic surgery are problematic.
Beware of Serotonin Syndrome from Cough Remedy Interaction
Have you ever swallowed cough medicine? A surprising number of drugs can lead to a cough remedy interaction. Serotonin Syndrome can be awful!
Should Doctors Prescribe Ozempic for Weight Loss?
Because of the buzz on social media semaglutide is in short supply. Doctors are prescribing the diabetes drug Ozempic for weight loss. Shame!
Will Oklahoma Upend Mail-Order Pharmacy?
How were your medications shipped to your pharmacy or mailbox? Who monitors mail-order pharmacy? Oklahoma has proposed a revolutionary rule!
Soluble Aspirin May Be Easier to Swallow
Aspirin dissolved in water may be easier to swallow than regular enteric-coated tablets. Here's how to do it at home.
Do NSAIDS for Osteoarthritis Wreck Joints?
A surprising new long-term study suggests that if doctors prescribe NSAIDs for osteoarthritis of the knees, the drugs may damage joints.