Medications Archive

About half the time, people alter how much, how often, or how long they take a prescribed medication, or they don't take it at all. This phenomenon, called medication nonadherence, can gravely threaten people's health, and is linked to about 125,000 deaths annually. People might not be able to comply with their drug regimen if they feel they take too many drugs, they don't like the side effects, the prescriptions cost too much, or they have memory problems or depression. Doctors should review medication lists and remove what patients no longer need.

The FDA has approved an over-the-counter topical gel to treat erectile dysfunction that men apply immediately before intercourse. It works in approximately 10 minutes.

People with esophagitis (esophageal inflammation) can use proton-pump inhibitors to manage their acid reflux. This kind of medication can protect against scarring and narrowing of the lower esophagus.

In May 2023, the FDA approved fezolinetant (Veozah), a nonhormonal drug specifically designed to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes in women. Potential side effects include liver damage, abdominal pain, diarrhea, insomnia, or back pain.

The vast majority of online pharmacies are rife with risks. They might sell medications that are expired, fake, or contain harmful ingredients. Before ordering from an online pharmacy, one should look it up on the Buy Safely tool from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) to make sure the pharmacy is verified. One can also look for a symbol on a pharmacy website indicating that it's earned NABP accreditation. The symbol resembles a vertical infinity sign (like the number 8) inside a red circle, and the words "NABP Accredited Digital Pharmacy."

Preventable adverse medical events occur in up to 7% of hospital admissions and sometimes can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications. Examples include inaccurate medications, unexpected infections, and problems during surgery. To help protect yourself from these events in the hospital, have a trusted partner be with you as much as possible, inquire about each of your medications when offered, and work with your nurse to move around safely.

Approval by the FDA of a new drug combination for treatment of advanced prostate cancer fills a need and offers new hope to men whose cancer has progressed and who have already tried other therapies.

People with diabetes who take pain relievers known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be at higher risk of heart failure, according to a 2023 study. NSAIDs include ibuprofen, which is sold over the counter as Advil and Motrin.

Adults over 60 are the largest users of prescription opioids in the United States. Opioid use disorder and death rates among older adults have skyrocketed in recent years. Various factors make people more likely to abuse opioids, including smoking or earlier substance use problems. People can avoid sliding into opioid misuse by taking opioids for the shortest possible time, using non-opioid medications, and trying alternative pain relief approaches.

An ad for a medication to treat thyroid eye disease accurately describes the symptoms of the condition, but as is common with such ads it does not discuss other possible treatment options, or other information that people should be aware of.