The People's Perspective on Medicine
Does Red Yeast Rice Raise Blood Sugar Levels Like Statins?
Red yeast rice contains some statin-like compounds. Does that mean it can cause statin-like side effects? Will red yeast rice raise blood sugar levels?
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.
How Dangerous Is It to Stop Taking Aspirin?
The US Preventive Services Task Force says millions of people should stop taking aspirin to prevent a heart attack. Better be cautious!
Petting the Cat Almost Killed It!
Petting the cat can cause a life-threatening reaction if you have a topical NSAID on your skin. Pillow poisoning of pets is another hazard!
Valsartan (Diovan) Side Effects Include Terrible Cough!
Sometimes a drug side effect gets overlooked. Has that happened with blood pressure medications called ARBs (like losartan and valsartan)?
Show 1278: Evaluating the Benefits and Risks of Medical Breakthroughs
Medical innovation teaches us a lot we didn't know before. How do we evaluate benefits and risks of medical breakthroughs?
COVID-19 Vaccine for Younger Kids Is on the Runway
FDA and CDC may soon authorize a COVID-19 vaccine for younger kids, ages 5 to 11. That extends the protection for families.
15 Ways Pharma Cleverly Manipulates You
You’re probably unaware of the many ways that Big Pharma manipulates you into accepting pills for everything.
Lead in Hair Dye Is Finally Coming Out!
Did you know that the FDA has finally banned lead in hair dye after more than 30 years? It has been a struggle, but the lead will disappear!
Do Doctors Hate Stories of Statin Side Effects?
Have you ever experienced statin side effects? Some cardiologists think stories of statin side effects are fake medical news or worse, fear mongering.
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!
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.
If Statins Cause Diabetes, Why Should ALL Diabetics Take a Statin?
Evidence from many studies indicates that statins cause diabetes. People who are at risk for this metabolic disorder should be wary.
Pepto-Bismol May Rescue Wedding Guest
If you need to control the odor of intestinal gas temporarily, Pepto-Bismol can be a big help. Don't use it every day.
Metoprolol Mess (Toprol XL) Reveals Serious Flaws With FDA’s Generic Process
We've been hearing about problems with generic metoprolol since 2007. They're still coming in. If you can't afford Toprol XL what can you do?
OTC Statins? Crestor or Lipitor Without an Rx?
Many cardiologists think that more people should be taking statins to lower cholesterol. Should OTC statins like Crestor get FDA approval?
Show 1275: The Vicious Cycle of COVID and Diabetes
Diabetes expert Mitchell Lazar, MD, PhD, describes an under-recognized vicious cycle between diabetes and COVID-19 infection.
Should You Worry About Myocarditis from COVID Vaccination?
New information from Israel provide evidence about myocarditis from COVID vaccination. Should the shot be given in the old-fashioned way?
Statins and Diabetes! A LONG Delayed Warning
Statins have been prescribed since 1987. A new study reveals an association between statins and diabetes management. It's harder with statins!
Stopping Zyrtec (Cetirizine) Led to Itchy Nightmare
When people take cetirizine for allergy symptoms they do not think about side effects when they stop the drug. But reports of withdrawal itching continue!
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 risks with steroids shots?
Anticholinergic Drugs and Dementia: The Link Gets Much Stronger!
Alzheimer disease is devastating. People think it's caused by bad genes or bad luck. But data link anticholinergic drugs and dementia.
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.
Lisinopril and Angioedema: A Life-Threatening Side Effect
Have you heard of angioedema? Most people haven't. Doctors may miss the diagnosis especially if lisinopril and angioedema affect the abdomen.
Excessive Flatulence Creates Challenges
Have you ever passed gas? Of course you have! Everyone does. But some people experience excessive flatulence. Gum or meds could be the cause!
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.
Are Antibiotics and Colon Cancer Linked?
Antibiotics save lives! But data are showing a link between antibiotics and colon cancer. Could an increase in this malignancy be related?
Lisinopril Side Effects Can Be Life Threatening: Beware Angioedema and ACE Inhibitors!
Lisinopril and other ACE inhibitors can cause a serious complication: angioedema. The face and neck swelling of angioedema could result in death.
Statins and Dermatomyositis: An Often Ignored Reaction!
Most people know about statins and muscle aches. Much more serious is an autoimmune reaction. Research now links statins and dermatomyositis.
Scary Side Effects of Immune-Modulating Drugs
Drugs to dampen the immune system are BIG sellers. Humira and Enbrel make billions. How safe are these immune-modulating drugs during COVID?
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.