The People's Perspective on Medicine
Will a Big Dose of Vitamin D Give You Leg Cramps?
Will taking a big dose of vitamin D alleviate nighttime leg cramps or trigger them? The answer may vary from one individual to another.
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?
St. John’s Wort Can Lift Mood, But May Damage Eyes
One side effect of St. John's wort, photosensitivity, can be harmful to vision. People may wish to consider other ways to manage depression.
Can You Trust TV Ads for Cancer Drugs?
Drugs commercials want you to "ask your doctor" for an Rx. Ads for cancer drugs are very persuasive. How can the FDA permit this? Stop them!
Will Low Blood Pressure Increase the Danger of Dementia in Older People?
Is lower blood pressure always better? Many people think that 120/80 is ideal but older people may be at risk for dementia if diastolic BP goes too low.
What Cold Medicine Is Safe for People With High Blood Pressure?
Decongestants can boost blood pressure. People with high blood pressure should look for cold medicine without phenylephrine.
What You Should Know About New Antiviral COVID Pills
If you are wondering about the new antiviral COVID pills, Paxlovid and molnupiravir (Legevrio), we've got you covered with this in-depth info
Taking Thyroid Medicine at Bedtime Fights Off Fatigue
Taking thyroid hormone at bedtime avoided interactions with coffee, supplements and soy. As a result, people had more daytime energy.
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!
Are Heartburn Drugs (PPIs) Linked to Stomach Cancer?
Heartburn drugs (PPIs) are hugely popular. Doctors prescribe them in enormous quantities and they are widely available over the counter. Is there a link with stomach cancer?
Do Heartburn Drugs or Antihistamines Trigger RLS (Restless Legs Syndrome)?
Restless legs syndrome can be mysterious. Most people do their best to cope with RLS. But did you know that some meds like antihistamines trigger RLS?
Meloxicam Raised Blood Pressure Through the Roof!
Have you taken an NSAID such as celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen or naproxen. All can raise BP. Meloxicam raised blood pressure too high!
Can Sildenafil – Viagra Help Prevent Dementia?
When most people read about Viagra they think erectile dysfunction. But could Viagra help prevent dementia? A new study is intriguing!
Do Walnuts Really Interfere with Synthroid Effectiveness?
The manufacturer warns patients not to eat walnuts if they take Synthroid. Research studies don't reveal the reason.
Alendronate Makes Dental Correction More Difficult
People taking alendronate to counteract osteoporosis may not respond well to orthodontic treatment moving their teeth.
Do Statins Increase the Risk for Diabetes or Not?
There has been resistance to the idea that statins increase the risk of diabetes. Doctors don't like dealing with this statin side effect.
Is the Oral Pill Paxlovid an Answer to COVID-19?
What should you know about PAXLOVID, an oral medicine against COVID-19? Is it more effective than molnupiravir? Are there any downsides?
FDA Warning For Popular Cipro and Levaquin Antibiotics!
It took the FDA decades to recognize the serious and potentially irreversible side effects of Cipro and Levaquin antibiotics. We hope the new warning works.
Taking Prostate Drug Abiraterone (Zytiga) with Food Could Save $300,000
Abiraterone (Zytiga) is a key advance for treating prostate cancer. The cost: over $100,000 a year. Taking it with food could save big bucks!
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?
Does Popular OTC Antihistamine Increase Risk of Dementia?
Does the antihistamine diphenhydramine (DPH) increase the risk of dementia? What about anticholinergic drugs for overactive bladder (OAB)?
Noxzema Relieved Eczema
Many readers have reported that Noxzema relieved eczema. The herbal extracts it contains seem to counteract itch.
Common Medications That Raise Blood Pressure
Are you taking medications that raise blood pressure? You may be surprised to learn that many drugs can do this, including NSAIDs for pain.
Why Put Aluminum or Benzene In Your Armpits?
We used to worry about aluminum in antiperspirants. There's a new concern: benzene in your armpits. MoM deodorants are free of both. On sale!
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.
Doctors Deny That PPIs Can Cause Kidney Damage
PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) are great at suppressing acid, relieving heartburn and healing ulcers. But evidence suggests PPIs can cause kidney damage.
Will Certo and Grape Juice Help Your Sore Knees?
Drinking a concoction of the liquid pectin Certo and grape juice appears to ease knee, shoulder or hip pain for many people. Will it help you?
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?