Dear Pharmacist,
I take Fosamax every day for osteoporosis. It really upsets my
stomach but my doctor says I have to keep taking it. Is there a way
to help me with this? A.L., Ocala, Florida
ANSWER: Fosamax is the blockbuster drug created by Merck
& Co. but it notoriously causes heartburn, diarrhea, nausea and
stomach [...]
Dear Pharmacist,
My friend and I are arguing about giving our daughters the Gardasil
vaccine to prevent cervical cancer that you is transmitted from
unprotected sex. I say “no” and she says “yes.” Settle this: Would
you give it to your daughter? F.E., Gainesville, Florida
ANSWER: No, I wouldn’t. Gardasil – released in 2006 – [...]
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 [...]
Dear Pharmacist,
My marriage is on the rocks. Recently, my husband told me, “If
you don’t do something for your PMS, I’m packing my stuff
and leaving!” I honestly want to get well, and I’ve tried birth
control pills, Midol, countless tranquilizers and antidepressants.
I feel doped and still cry a lot and feel moody. Can you help?
E.R., New York, [...]
Dear Pharmacist,
I’ve been having hot flashes so I bought a cream containing
“wild yam” extract from a health food store to help balance my
hormones, particularly progesterone. Will this do the trick?
T.E., Los Angeles, California
ANSWER: No, that would not be my pick. The theory that wild yam
converts to progesterone in the body is not bullet-proof. [...]
Dear Pharmaicst,
I used to take Prempro, but shortly after that scary study years ago
my doctor stopped all my hormones. He said it could increase my
risk for breast cancer or a heart attack. It’s been four years since I’ve
been off hormones. Does this mean I don’t have to worry anymore?
L.K., Bethesda, Maryland
ANSWER: That scary study you [...]
Dear Pharmacist,
My husband and I are tea lovers and we were so glad to find out about matcha green tea from your article last year. Are you aware of other healthy tea drinks such as this? –P.M. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Answer: Yes, as a matter of fact. When I was traveling [...]
Published 3-21-09
Dear Pharmacist,
I watched Montel Williams talk about his multiple sclerosis on Oprah. He described a knife-like, burning pain in his legs similar to what I experience. Since I’ve started taking the vitamin B12 you suggested in Chapter 15 of your Drug Muggers book, my pain has lessened. What other suggestions do you have for [...]
Published 3-14-09
Dear Pharmacist,
I have hemorrhoids that are very uncomfortable. What can I do to treat them and prevent the flare ups? –J.C. Ocala, Florida
Answer: Hemorrhoids (also called “piles”) are blood vessels that have become abnormally enlarged and swollen around the area of the rectum. They cause a lot of pain for about 9 million Americans [...]
Published 3-7-09
Dear Pharmacist,
After recent blood tests, I have been diagnosed with Lyme disease, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Can you suggest supplements to help me get a life?
A.D. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Answer: Lyme disease -an infection transmitted by ticks- can cause headaches, severe muscle and joint pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, memory loss and difficulty concentrating. It [...]
