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Medication

All articles tagged with #medication

Statins explained: how cholesterol-lowering pills work, who should take them, and their side effects
health1 month ago

Statins explained: how cholesterol-lowering pills work, who should take them, and their side effects

Statins are cholesterol-lowering medicines prescribed after a GP-based cardiovascular risk assessment; they reduce LDL (and sometimes triglycerides), with atorvastatin being the most commonly prescribed type, and are usually taken nightly with regular follow-up blood tests. They work best alongside a healthy lifestyle, and stopping them should only be done under medical guidance since cholesterol can rise again. While many people report side effects, a Lancet study found no significant increase in most adverse effects; certain individuals (pregnant/nursing, liver or kidney problems, previous reactions) may not be eligible. Grapefruit should be avoided because it can affect effectiveness.

Rethinking probiotics: 3 strategies to protect your gut during antibiotics
wellbeing-body3 months ago

Rethinking probiotics: 3 strategies to protect your gut during antibiotics

Probiotic supplements aren’t proven to help during antibiotic courses and may slow gut recovery; most people’s microbiomes rebound after a course, though some antibiotics can cause lasting changes, and probiotics may help only in high‑risk cases to prevent C. difficile. The author endorses prudent antibiotic use and completing prescribed courses, plus three non‑probiotic strategies to bolster the microbiome during therapy.

Hims & Hers plots wellness-and-longevity pivot beyond weight-loss meds
health3 months ago

Hims & Hers plots wellness-and-longevity pivot beyond weight-loss meds

Hims & Hers, the telehealth company built on selling GLP-1 weight-loss drugs online, plans a pivot into wellness and longevity, including potentially FDA-regulated peptides. The founder-CEO aims to source peptides in the U.S. and lean on its mass-marketing platform to push broader wellness products, signaling a transition from prescription-focused care toward a broader wellness business amid regulatory scrutiny.

65% Cut in Traveler’s Diarrhea With a Simple OTC Remedy
wellbeing4 months ago

65% Cut in Traveler’s Diarrhea With a Simple OTC Remedy

Regular use of the over-the-counter remedy bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can cut the risk of traveler’s diarrhea by about 65%, especially in high-risk regions such as Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia; maintain consistent dosing and consider dietary precautions, as probiotics or antibiotics may not be the best preventive measures.

Supplements aren’t a cancer shield, warns an oncologist
health6 months ago

Supplements aren’t a cancer shield, warns an oncologist

An oncologist notes that while most dietary supplements aren’t harmful, some—particularly antioxidants for immunocompromised patients—should be used with caution. There’s no clear evidence that supplements prevent cancer, and their use can raise safety and interaction concerns with cancer therapies; patients should discuss any supplement plan with their clinician and be mindful of regulatory and safety considerations.

Oprah Shares Her Journey to Sobriety and Health with GLP-1s
health7 months ago

Oprah Shares Her Journey to Sobriety and Health with GLP-1s

Oprah Winfrey revealed she stopped using GLP-1 weight loss medication after 12 months, learning that maintaining weight loss with medication is a lifelong commitment. She shared her journey of understanding obesity as a condition influenced by genetics and environment, emphasizing the importance of compassion and accurate information in addressing obesity. Winfrey also discussed her new book on health and weight management.