The People's Perspective on Medicine
Show 1343: Hidden Harms of Herb and Drug Interactions
To protect yourself from the hidden harms of herb and drug interactions, discuss your regimen with your pharmacist and prescriber.
Will Ketamine Really Battle Life-Long Depression?
Ketamine infusions seem promising against life-long depression. A new study reports ketamine worked as well as electro-convulsive therapy!
Should You Be Taking Vitamin Supplements?
Many medications can interfere with good nutrition. If you are taking pills for certain conditions, perhaps you should be taking vitamin supplements.
Will Ozempic Lead to Hair Loss?
Ozempic (semaglutide) seems less likely than some other medications to trigger cardiovascular problems, but diabetic retinopathy may worsen.
Can Statins Cause Memory Loss and Transient Global Amnesia?
Most health professionals do not believe that statins can cause transient global amnesia or other memory problems. What do patients say?
Many Drugs Cause Bad Dreams
Certain medicines may trigger bad dreams or even nightmares. One reader found that Xyzal for allergies was a problem.
Is Hormone Therapy Safe for Menopausal Women?
There is no simple answer to the question: is hormone therapy safe? Each woman must evaluate the pros and cons of HRT based on risk factors.
Veozah Is A New Non-Hormonal Drug for Hot Flashes
Veozah (fezolinetant) is a new non-hormonal treatment for the hot flashes of menopause. How well does it work and what are the downsides?
Is Fish Oil Linked to Heart Rhythm Changes?
How risky is fish oil or purified EPA in Vascepa when it comes to heart rhythm changes called atrial fibrillation? Learn about absolute risk!
Getting Off Omeprazole Can Be Challenging!
Many remedies can help with the challenge of getting off omeprazole by easing the symptoms of rebound reflux. Can famotidine (Pepcid) help?
Should Doctors Prescribe Ozempic for Weight Loss?
This reader eats to live & no longer lives to eat thanks to semaglutide. She also has diabetes. Should MDs prescribe Ozempic for weight loss?
Probiotic Can Help Prevent C. Diff Due to Antibiotics
A nontoxic bacterial cocktail or a probiotic called Saccharomyces boulardii may help you avoid diarrhea from C. diff due to antibiotics.
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 any risks?
Fluoride Exposure and Thyroid, Kidney and Liver Function
Over 200 million people experience fluoride exposure every day. Does it affect the thyroid gland or impact kidney function in adolescents?
Why Are FDA Inspections So Ineffective and Disappointing?
Are you losing faith in the FDA? ProPublica reports a scandal about FDA inspections and tainted medicine. This has been going on for TOO long!
Is Donanemab a Breakthrough Against Alzheimer’s?
Donanemab is the latest anti-amyloid drug against Alzheimer's disease. Is it a breakthrough? Here's the back story.
Pharmacists’ Biggest Secret (About Themselves)
Pharmacists' biggest secret is that they would rather help people develop healthy lifestyles than dispense unnecessary medicines.
Will Chinese Herb Andrographis Ease Misery of Flu?
Evidence supports taking the herb Andrographis paniculata to relieve cold and flu symptoms. It helps more than placebo.
Preventing Deadly Drug Interactions Harder Than You Think
Do you swallow more than 3 pills daily? Preventing drug interactions is hard, especially during a pandemic! Beware Paxlovid interactions!
Is Hair Loss a Side Effect of Wegovy and Ozempic?
Are people taking Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide) to lose weight also losing hair? Why does Wegovy reveal this problem but Ozempic does not?
Cortisone Injections Can Have Devastating Effects
People who receive cortisone injections into joints for pain relief may also experience systemic side effects such as insomnia or anxiety.
Reclast Side Effects Incapacitate Patient
Reclast is a once-a-year injection for osteoporosis. That means it is LONG-LASTING. For those who have Reclast side effects, that's trouble.
St. John’s Wort Can Lift Mood, But May Damage Eyes
One side effect of St. John's wort, photosensitivity, can damage eyes. People may wish to consider other ways to manage depression.
Do Your Medicines Suppress Your Vitamin D?
Corticosteroids, anticonvulsants and certain other medicines suppress your vitamin D levels. That could make you more vulnerable to infection.
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!
Is There a Natural Herbal Remedy for Colds?
Colds in the spring can be really bad for people with high blood pressure. Can you get relief from an herbal remedy for colds?
Statins and Muscle Pain: What Else Can He Do To Lower LDL?
Many physicians are adamant that statins rarely cause any side effects. And yet readers continue to report a connection between statins and muscle pain.
Are Old Antidepressants (MAO Inhibitors) Still Helpful?
Depression is common and disabling. Modern antidepressants are not as effective as many think. Are older MAO inhibitors worth consideration?
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?
Should You Use NasalCrom for Your Allergies?
Decongestant nose sprays can be used for only a few days before you risk dependence. Using NasalCrom for your allergies is an alternative.
YIKES! FDA Approves Lecanemab Against Alzheimer’s
The FDA granted accelerated approval to lecanemab for Alzheimer's. What's the back story? New reports of brain shrinkage are worrisome to us.
Why Is Pharmacy Pushing to Refill Prescriptions?
Pushing to refill prescriptions intended for short-term use and failing to refill needed prescriptions can both cause patients problems.