The People's Perspective on Medicine
Is Fish Oil Linked to Heart Rhythm Changes?
People taking fish oil or purified EPA, a component of fish oil, appear more susceptible to heart rhythm changes called atrial fibrillation.
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.
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.
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?
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!
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.
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)?
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.
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.
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.
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!
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?