The People's Perspective on Medicine
Why Popular Heartburn Drugs PPIs Are Linked to Premature Deaths
Acid-suppressing drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are go-to drugs for heartburn. Should you be concerned that PPIs are linked to premature deaths?
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!
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do You Take Your Pain Medicine for Granted?
Do you take pain medicine at least once a week? How about once a day? Do you know the pros and cons of ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen?
Paradoxical Excitation from DPH Sleeping Pills
Diphenhydramine (DPH) is the antihistamine in the allergy med Benadryl. It makes many drowsy. But DPH pain relievers wake some people up!
Bupropion
Bupropion (Wellbutrin) works differently from all other antidepressants on the market. One complication that slowed its launch was seizures!
Alcohol for Longer Life? How Much Is Enough and How Much Is Too Much?
Is alcohol for longer life a viable concept or a myth? How many drinks count as moderate alcohol consumption? Studies tackle these questions.
If You Take Paxlovid, Will You Get Over COVID More Quickly?
How well does Paxlovid work to prevent serious illness or death from COVID-19? If people take Paxlovid, will it prevent long COVID?
Will Naloxone (Narcan) Really Save Lives?
Will over-the-counter naloxone (Narcan Nasal Spray) save lives? This opioid antagonist can restore breathing in minutes. Will it be used?
Quinolone Antibiotics Can Cause Devastating Side Effects
Quinolone antibiotics can be very useful in treating dangerous infections but they can also cause severe reactions such as seizures.
Is Vaseline Petroleum Jelly Safe For a Dry Nose?
Perhaps you've heard the expression "Don't stuff beans up your nose." What about Vaseline Petroleum Jelly? Some doctors say: not a good idea!
Statin Side Effects Are All In Your Head! Really?
Researchers often suggest statin side effects are imaginary. A study of the new drug, Nexletol, admits that statin side effects are real!
How Can You Stop PM Sleeping Pills?
Millions of people take OTC pain relievers to combat insomnia. Do they realize that these "PM" sleeping pills have anticholinergic activity?
Is It Safe to Take Alli for a Long Time?
Alli is an over-the-counter weight loss pill that lowers cholesterol too. Can you safely take Alli for a long time?