Dear Pharmacist,
I’ve had monthly cramps for years so I take lots of Motrin and Midol.  My mom came over and put an old-fashioned castor oil pack on me.   It worked like magic.  Can I apply it regularly? What else are castor oil packs used for?
–C.S. Gainesville, Florida
Answer:  Castor oil packs are a safe, natural [...]

The reality is that many of you reading this live in bodies riddled with chronic pain.  Some of you are saddled with emotional pain too, because healthy onlookers may be quick to criticize.  No one says anything to you if your leg is in a cast because they see that you have a broken leg.  [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I am stressed out that I may not be able to get my pain medication, Vicodin.  I’ve taken it for years, following a work accident. I’m not addicted. I really have pain but the pharmacist told me that it’s going off the market. Please tell me he’s wrong.  I can’t live without it. –P.T.  [...]

Dear Pharmacist,

I have MS and I’ve taken the medicine Copaxone. Last year, you said not to rev up my immune system with vitamins. Can you explain why and tell me what kinds of supplements are safe?

R.T., Decatur, Illinois

A: Imagine looking into the mirror, but instead of seeing your sweet self, you see a creepy robber [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I suffer from gout and would like more information about this
condition. What foods should I avoid, and what foods can help me?
L.B., New York, New York
ANSWER: Even though the pain may be in your big toe, what you
put in your mouth really does matter. People with gout often wake
up with an extremely painful, [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I’ve been taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) on and off for years and now I hear that it is poisonous. Is this media poof or is it true?
W.J., Daytona, Florida

Answer: Poisonous? No, but the safety of this drug has been questioned before. In high doses, chronic use or in combination with other [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I suffer from gout and would like more information about this condition. What foods should I avoid, and what foods can help me?
L.B., New York, N.Y.

Answer: Even though the pain may be in your big toe, what you put in your mouth really does matter. People with gout often wake up [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I have arthritis and wondered what you thought of glucosamine and chondroitin.  As a diabetic, is it safe for me to take this supplement along with my insulin?
KL  Lake City
Answer: Glucosamine is found in the body naturally, and is essential for the maintenance of tendons, cartilage, blood vessels, heart valves and other parts [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I have arthritis and wondered what you thought of glucosamine and chondroitin.  As a diabetic, is it safe for me to take this supplement along with my insulin?
K.L.,  Lake City

Answer: Glucosamine is found in the body naturally, and is essential for the maintenance of tendons, cartilage, blood vessels, heart valves and [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
Sexual intercourse has become very painful since stopping
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). I’ve tried progesterone
and Vagifem, but nothing helps. I think this is a concern
for many women. Do you have any other suggestions?
E.K., Ocala, Florida
ANSWER: Indeed, many women have this problem, especially
older ones who experience vaginal dryness while going through
menopause. Some women also take [...]