The People's Perspective on Medicine
How Bad is Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure) for the Brain?
Should people be concerned about low blood pressure? Can it lead to falls or dementia? Are there remedies for HYPOtension?
Type 2 Diabetes, Largely Preventable, Accounts for Many Pharma Ads
Do you pay attention to the side effects listed in pharma ads? Perhaps the companies should tell us how to prevent type 2 diabetes on TV.
Why Do Statins Remain Controversial?
The statin wars have been raging for decades. How can statins remain controversial after so many years? A doctor takes us to task on statins!
Will Testosterone Help Women Feel Strong and Sexy?
Will testosterone help women maintain a strong sex drive after menopause? It may benefit some women, but not others. Sex is complicated!
What’s the Best Way to Take Delayed Release Risedronate?
Delayed release risedronate for osteoporosis should be taken during breakfast or immediately afterwards to avoid digestive distress.
Do People With Low Thyroid Prefer Double Hormone Therapy?
When people have low thyroid hormone levels, they don't feel good. An old-fashioned treatment can often help.
Can Aspirin Help Protect You from COVID-19 Infection?
In Israel, researchers found that low-dose aspirin helps protect older individuals with cardiovascular conditions from catching COVID-19.
Can Statins Cause Transient Global Amnesia?
Statins remain controversial. Many think they are the best drugs in the pharmacy. Others maintain statins cause transient global amnesia.
Narcolepsy Drugs and Disturbing Side Effects
Do you ever fall asleep unexpectedly during the day? Ever been tested for narcolepsy? There are new narcolepsy drugs but they are pricey!
Show 1250: Antimicrobial Resistant Infections Could Be the Next Pandemic
Overuse of drugs, especially for food production, has led to antimicrobial resistant infections. These could become a huge challenge.
Will the Antidepressant Fluvoxamine Fight COVID-19?
Fluvoxamine (Luvox) has been marketed as an antidepressant since 1984. Why would this very old SSRI offer some promise against COVID-19?
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.
How Safe and Effective Are Your Medicines? You Might Be Surprised!
Is your medicine safe and effective? How would you know? The FDA says a drug is "safe" even if it can cause cancer, heart attacks or death.
Zolpidem Has Different Dose for Women
The popular sleeping pill zolpidem has a lower recommended dose for women because they eliminate it from their bodies more slowly.
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.
Glaucoma Patients Should Not Take Blood Pressure Pills at Bedtime
If blood pressure drops too low overnight, it can aggravate optic nerve damage. That is the last thing glaucoma patients need!
NasalCrom (Cromolyn Sodium) Is Surprisingly Helpful for Allergies
Are you sneezing, sniffling and congested? Are allergies making you miserable? Antihistamines and corticosteroids are popular. NasalCrom is another option!
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?
When Vitamin B12 Deficiency Causes Mental Confusion
When people become forgetful or have memory problems they often worry about Alzheimer's disease. But what if vitamin B12 deficiency causes mental confusion?
Is Vaseline Petroleum Jelly Safe For a Dry Nose?
Perhaps you've heard the expression "Don't stuff beans up your nose." What about Vaseline Petroleum Jelly? According to some doctors, that's not such a good idea either.
If Acetaminophen Is Killing People, Why Should You Trust Tylenol?
The popular pain reliever acetaminophen may be riskier than you think. A 2014 ProPublica report has some chilling statistics.
The Never-Ending Breast Implant Scandal
What happens when a breast implant breaks and leaks? The FDA recently announced serious side effects. We call this a breast implant scandal!
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 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?