Tag Archives: Medication

PostInvestigatesStatins-Slideshow

The Cholesterol Conundrum

By:
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
Tylenol: Beware of Overuse

Tylenol: Beware of Overuse

By:
Check labels of cold and flu medicines for acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol). Used correctly, acetaminophen is safe and effective with a lower risk of stomach upset than other over-the-counter pain relievers. However, taking multiple products that contain the compound can be dangerous. ... More
Tylenol: Use as Directed

Tylenol: Use as Directed

By:
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
A Heartfelt Thank You

A Heartfelt Thank You

By:
Dear Dr. SerVaas, In your November/December 2008 issue I happened to read that leg and hand spasms could be caused by the cholesterol medicines. I had been having such severe pains that I would have to pull over in traffic because I was afraid to drive with them. I tried eating bananas and all the ... More
Systolic Hypertension

Systolic Hypertension

By:
I’m diabetic and have systolic hypertension. My blood pressure runs 115/120 in the morning and 120/170 in the evening. I’ve included a list of the medicines I have tried. Is there anything in the pipeline for my condition? You have certainly been through a bunch of medications, but there are others you have not tried. ... More
Heart Weak But Stable

Heart Weak But Stable

By:
In 2000, a cardiologist said that I needed a heart transplant due to heart failure. My left ventricle ejection fraction was about 20 percent. I resisted this advice since I felt fine, did not display signs of heart failure, and could ride the exercise bike at least 30 minutes a day with no problems. Since ... More
Thinning Blood and Coumadin

Thinning Blood and Coumadin

By:
I was recently hospitalized because my blood was dangerously thin. I was taking Coumadin as prescribed by my doctor. I would appreciate any information and also want to know if Bufferin or aspirin do thin the blood. Coumadin (trade name warfarin) “thins” the blood by interfering with its normal clotting processes. This action is important ... More
Psoriasis Relief

Psoriasis Relief

By:
Concerning your excellent article on psoriasis that appeared in the July/August issue, I was given a product five years ago that completely suppressed (but not cured) the hereditary ichthyosis I had suffered from all my life. Ichthyosis is very similar to psoriasis. The product is called Aquaphilic, manufactured by a small company in Iowa called ... More
Steroid Eye Drops and Mood Disorders

Steroid Eye Drops and Mood Disorders

By:
Dear Dr. SerVaas, I remember reading in Medical Mailbox that taking steroids can sometimes bring on a manic episode in people who are so inclined, but may not have yet been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. What about using eye drops that contain steroids? I have a family history of bipolar and don’t want to take ... More
Heel Pain Advice

Heel Pain Advice

By:
My terrible heel pain went away after about three weeks of taking vitamin B6. Now I suggest the vitamin to anyone who tells me they have heel pain. Would you be kind enough to tell me if 100 mg daily of B6 could be harmful? A coworker’s mother tried B6 and ended up having to ... More
Aging Eyes

Aging Eyes

By:
I would so appreciate any information about age-related macular degeneration. It is scary not knowing what is ahead! Might special vitamins be of help? While vitamins can’t cure age-related macular degeneration (AMD), research suggests that eating plenty of fish, green leafy vegetables, and fruits may delay its progression and preserve vision. See below for a ... More