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Medications and treatments Archive

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Is your medication killing your sex drive?

Low libido can include both less desire for and less satisfaction with sex. A variety of medications can dampen sex drive by altering hormone levels or nerve signals, dulling sensation in the genitals, or triggering fatigue or mood changes. They include some antidepressants, cardiovascular drugs, antihistamines, antiseizure drugs, opioids, chemotherapy, hormone blockers, oral contraceptives, and fertility drugs. People whose medications affect their libido can ask their doctor to adjust the dose or timing or substitute another drug without sexual side effects.

Oral side effects of common medications

Many common medications can affect oral health, causing issues like dry mouth, taste changes, gum swelling, mouth sores, or thrush. Patients should check side effects on medication labels, report persistent symptoms, review medications annually, and keep up with regular dental visits.

Is MRI contrast dye safe?

MRI contrast dye is widely used and considered safe. It helps highlight blood vessels, tumors, and other structures to improve diagnostic accuracy. Rarely, contrast dye can trigger a serious condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in people with advanced kidney disease.

What are the long-term risks of taking the biologic treatment Humira?

Humira can control autoimmune disease, such as psoriatic arthritis. But it also alters immune defenses. Learn about infection, cancer, and other potential long‑term risks.

Don't let decongestants squeeze your heart

Many manufacturers are changing the ingredients in over-the-counter decongestants. How the new and old ingredients can affect your health, especially if you have heart disease.

GLP-1 drugs may lower odds of developing substance use disorders

A 2026 study suggests that people who take GLP-1 drugs-prescribed for diabetes and weight loss-are less likely to develop a substance use disorder. Among people who already have addiction, use of a GLP-1 was linked with fewer complications such as overdose and death.

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