The People's Perspective on Medicine
Do ACE Inhibitors or ARBs Work Better for Blood Pressure?
When prescribing blood pressure pills, should doctors choose ACE inhibitors or ARBs? ARBs are equally effective with fewer side effects.
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?
Statins and Shortness of Breath (Pleural Effusions)
The FDA does not acknowledge a link between statins and shortness of breath. A reader wonders if statins and pleural effusions are connected.
Do You Love Your Liver Enough?
Are you nice to your liver? Most Americans take their livers for granted. That could be disastrous! Is coffee good for your liver? How much?
Can People Overdose on Potassium-Rich Foods?
Many people are low in potassium. That's because they take thiazide diuretics to control blood pressure. Is it possible to overdose on potassium-rich foods?
Stopping Antihistamine Leads to Unbelievable Itching
Abruptly stopping the antihistamine cetirizine (Zyrtec) led to unbelievable itching. The doctor who reported this had not seen it in the medical literature.
How Well Does the New Weight Loss Medicine Work?
In June, FDA approved a new weight loss medicine, Wegovy. This once-a-week injection works by reducing appetite and improving insulin release.
Show 1178: Do We Need a Revolution in Managing Pain? (Archive)
Opioids are an important tool for managing pain, but they are not the only option. Dr. Sean Mackey says we need a revolution in thinking about pain.
Can You Reverse Tardive Dyskinesia from Abilify?
Drugs prescribed for bipolar disorder, depression and schizophrenia can cause involuntary movements. Can new meds reverse tardive dyskinesia
If Acetaminophen Is Killing People, Why Should You Trust Tylenol?
The popular pain reliever acetaminophen may be riskier than you think. A ProPublica report has some chilling stats. DON'T OVERDOSE on APAP!
Which Blood Pressure Pills Help Protect Memory?
ACE inhibitors that can get into the brain may protect memory in older adults. ARBs that cross the blood-brain barrier also seem to work.
Do Statins Affect Memory or Scramble Your Brain?
Millions take statins to prevent heart problems. Can statins affect memory? This question still remains highly controversial after decades.
Do Steroid Injections Melt Bones and Weaken Joints?
When knees or hips hurt, life gets hard. Climbing stairs is challenging. Hiking hurts. Steroid injections are tempting. Do they cause damage?
Problems with Generic Wellbutrin (Bupropion)? Not Again!
We hoped that problems with the generic antidepressant for Wellbutrin (bupropion) were over. They're still coming! But Wellbutrin is PRICEY!
Surprising Gabapentin Side Effects
Doctors should be cautious about prescribing gabapentin off-label, because gabapentin side effects can be quite serious.
When PM Pain Meds Might Make Sense
PM pain meds contain diphenhydramine. This anticholinergic drugs is controversial, but it could make sense short term for someone in pain.
New Alzheimer’s Drug Aduhelm: Breakthrough or Boondoggle?
The FDA just approved the first new drug for AD in nearly 20 years. Is Aduhelm a breakthrough as some suggest? Get the inside scoop!
Show 1261: Overcoming Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a common problem, but you don't have to suffer in silence. New technology may offer options to help you hear better.
Why Won’t Pharmacies Fill Prescriptions with Authorized Generic Drugs?
How can you get your pharmacist to fill prescriptions with authorized generic drugs? It's a lot harder than you might think, but worth the effort.
Why Drug Commercials Are Far More Harmful Than You Realize
A pharmacist explains why drug commercials are far more harmful than you realize. They promote a world view without responsibilities or risk.
Probiotic Can Help Prevent C. Diff Due to Antibiotics
A gut-friendly probiotic yeast called S. boulardii can help you avoid diarrhea from C. diff due to antibiotics.
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) Side Effects & Complications
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) has been associated with muscle pain and weakness. It this because of the statin or are such symptoms coincidental?
Do Flonase and Nasacort Harm the Sense of Smell?
Steroid nasal sprays may reduce or damage the sense of smell or taste; in some cases, they do not recover.
Will Saffron Extract Help You Sleep Better?
Research shows that saffron extract from crocus stamens can ease insomnia and depression and slow the progress of macular degeneration.
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.
How To Stop Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Without Withdrawal Symptoms
Millions of people take antidepressants for anxiety, arthritis, depression, nerve pain or fibromyalgia. Are they told how to stop duloxetine?
Solve Spring Allergy Symptoms Safely!
Should you use antihistamines, steroid sprays or more natural approaches for spring allergy symptoms?
Can You Delay Alzheimer Disease with Drugs for Diabetes?
New research on brain tissue hints that drugs for diabetes may prevent genes relating to dementia from turning on. This could delay its development.
Can You Trust Your Drug Quality? Maybe Not!
The FDA has suspended most foreign inspections. Can you trust those companies to maintain drug quality?
Constipation | Will Miralax Cause Gas?
Constipation is a major problem in America. That is why Miralax is so popular. Does Miralax cause gas?
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?