Dear Pharmacist,
Last week, you gave a ‘Dumb’ Award to “anti-depressant drugs and the doctors who prescribe them for every woman who is tired or tearful.” I struggle with depression, and my medications don’t help. Can you elaborate?  –D.D.  Tacoma, Washington

Answer: You and millions of other people will get shuffled from one psychiatrist to another, [...]

Dear Readers,
After I presented last year’s dumbest healthcare ‘awards,” I received your emails and chuckles for months afterwards.  Sometimes, ridiculous things happen in the medical industry, so at this time, I’d like to present my second annual ‘Dumb Awards’ in Medicine:
Dumb Award: The first ones goes to (drum roll please)… the Federal Communications Commission for [...]

Click Here To Visit Lifescript For My New Column.

Dear Readers,
Here are the most interesting FDA-approved items for 2009.  I wish you all a very happy new year!

Adcirca (tadalafil) tablets, Rx: Sex pills may help you breath easy!  Adcirca is just Cialis renamed. It treats pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) which causes excessive pressure in the arteries of the lungs. PAH symptoms [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I had a mastectomy this summer and I am scared to lose my other breast too.  I recently found out about you and bought your “24-Hour” book and it has some information, but I want more guidance, specifically as it pertains to breast cancer.  What else can you tell me?
–N.L.  Seattle, Washington

Answer: [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
In a previous column on apple cider vinegar (ACV), you stated that “heartburn and reflux can sometimes be related to insufficient levels of stomach acid, not high levels like many of you who take acid blockers assume.”  Really Suzy?  I’ve been on Omeprazole for years for heartburn.  My doctor says you’re nuts and got [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I’m 31 and the only medication I take is Camilla (birth control pills) and occasional ibuprofen for menstrual cramps.  Today, the doctor prescribed Synthroid (for my fatigue and low thyroid ) and Paxil because I cried when I told him how badly I felt.
–H.W. Miami, Florida

Answer:  Welcome to the medication merry go [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I am hearing more about the Swine Flu and I’m getting nervous.  I wasn’t going to get the vaccine, but I’m reconsidering it. Can you help me make this decision?
–E.B. Boston, Massachusetts

Answer: Discussing vaccinations is like discussing religion and there are highly educated and caring people on both sides of the vaccine argument.  [...]

Dear Readers: With all the news about Swine Flu, I’d like to address the best ways to help keep your immune system strong. I’m not overjoyed at the prospect of millions of you getting shot with vaccinations that have been hurriedly tested, so I’d rather give you a list of natural ways to boost [...]

Dear Pharmacist,
I read your column in the Sun Sentinel and I am very impressed with your knowledge. I’m a 73-year-old woman who’s always had fine hair. It’s getting much thinner now, and quite noticeable. Is it possible that medicines cause hair loss? I presently take blood pressure and cholesterol medicine. God bless you.      [...]