The number one most-prescribed drug in America is atorvastatin (Lipitor). More than 21 million people in the U.S. take it to lower their LDL cholesterol.
Nearly 15 million more take other statins such as simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and lovastatin (Mevacor).[1]
With these kind of numbers, you’d think there would be clear and convincing evidence that the drugs worked.… Read More
The most widely used type of blood pressure drug may do more harm than good for your heart, according to a major new study.
A research team led by Pennsylvania State University looked at L-type calcium channel blockers (LCCBs). These include verapamil (Calan, Isoptin) and diltiazen (Cardizem).[1]
LCCBs work by keeping excessive calcium from entering blood vessel cells. Too much calcium causes the vessels to become thick and stiff, which raises blood pressure.… Read More
Penicillin has been called the greatest advancement in the history of medicine.[1]
Since its discovery in 1928, penicillin, the world’s first antibiotic, has saved millions of people from dying of pneumonia, tuberculosis, rheumatic fever, strep, and other previously untreatable bacterial illnesses.
One researcher estimated that penicillin has prevented some 200 million deaths. That’s the equivalent of saving the life of every American living east of the Mississippi River.… Read More
In 2013, a new class of diabetes drugs was approved by the FDA. It was hailed as a breakthrough.
The medications were called SGLT2 inhibitors. They included Invokana (canagliflozin), Farxiga, (dapagliflozin), and Jardiance (empagliflozin).
The drugs worked by causing the kidneys to remove more blood sugar.
SGLT2 inhibitors were touted as providing superior blood sugar control for type 2 diabetics with no serious side effects.… Read More
It happened again.
A big pharmaceutical company has admitted to bribing doctors.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals paid $678 million to settle a case in which it was accused of giving thousands of dollars to doctors in return for prescribing the company’s medicines.
Besides cash, the drug giant lavished doctors with expensive dinners, wine tastings, sporting events, and even trips to Hooters.
The settlement stems from 2013.… Read More
Nature gave us stomach acid for a reason.
It helps our digestive system break down food and absorb nutrients. And it protects against germs.
When we eat something containing a virus or bacteria, our stomach acid kills it, stopping an infection before it starts.
But millions of Americans don’t have this protection.
Forty percent of older adults take heartburn drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that suppress stomach acid production.… Read More