Tag Archives: drugs

PostInvestigatesStatins-Slideshow

The Cholesterol Conundrum

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Statin drugs benefit some people immensely but are taken by millions more. If you’re at low risk for heart disease, taking drugs to lower your cholesterol may be doing you no good. Is it time we took a second look at statins? ... More

How to Keep Updated on Drug Safety

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Do you know the FDA issues almost daily warnings about food or medical products? Here’s how to sign up for consumer updates, plus recent alerts about a popular asthma inhaler and unsafe supplements. ... More
Be Careful with Coumadin

Be Careful with Coumadin

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Warfarin (Coumadin), a prescription drug used to 
prevent blood clots, saves countless lives. However, many drugs and supplements (even common pain 
medicines like aspirin and ibuprofen) can intensify its anti-clotting effect and put patients at risk of excessive bleeding. When Coumadin therapy is indicated, give your doctor—and your pharmacist—a comprehensive list of your prescription drugs, ... More
Thyroid Pills

Thyroid Pills

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I have been taking Synthroid for many years. A March report in the From the Pharmacy column indicates that this drug contains T4 thyroid hormone but not T3 hormone. Does that mean I am only getting half of what I need? It’s scary to think I’ve been shorting my system for so many years. ... More
Building Better Bones

Building Better Bones

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I’ve been taking the osteoporosis drug Actonel for five years. It has helped my hips and spine, but a dental report suggests that it is harming my jawbone. Are alternative drug treatments available? My doctor suggests I see an endocrinologist. Phyllis Kentucky It is good advice to discuss your treatment options with an endocrinologist—who specializes ... More
Tylenol: Use as Directed

Tylenol: Use as Directed

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When used correctly, acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) is safe and effective with a lower risk of stomach upset than other over-the-counter pain relievers. However, acetaminophen overuse is also the most common cause of liver failure in the United States. Many people are unaware that acetaminophen is found in many over-the-counter and prescription drugs. ... More
Keep Track of Your Drugs

Keep Track of Your Drugs

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Therapeutic substitution is a relatively new way for doctors and insurance companies to control prescription drug costs. Unlike the familiar practice of switching from a brand name product to its generic version, therapeutic substitution involves replacing a brand name or generic drug with another medication that is expected to have the same clinical effect. A ... More