Posted today in Medical

How Would Your Family Weather a Disaster?

News coverage of Hurricanes Irma and Harvey have made one thing abundantly clear: Planning for disasters could save your life. "The biggest issue that we as first responders run into is that people fail to plan. Then things that could have been simple issues become big problems," said Scott Buchle, program manager for Penn State Health Life Lion EMS....

Posted 3 days ago in FDA Alerts

Opioid Addiction Medications in Patients Taking Benzodiazepines or CNS Depressants: Drug Safety Communication - Careful Medication Management Can Reduce Risks

ISSUE: Based on additional review, FDA is advising that the opioid addiction medications buprenorphine and methadone should not be withheld from patients taking benzodiazepines or other drugs that depress the central nervous system (CNS). The combined use of these drugs increases the risk of serious side effects; however, the harm caused by untreated...

Posted 2 days ago in Medical

Chlorine plus Pee equals Breathing Trouble for Waterpark Workers

Another summer ends, and at least some of America's waterpark attendants may be breathing easier, a new report finds. The research -- conducted at an unnamed indoor waterpark in Ohio last year -- found that high levels of chlorine in water can mix with patrons' sweat and urine to create a toxic atmospheric brew. In fact, the investigation "found that...

Posted 2 days ago in Medical

For Men, Fitness Can Often Last a Lifetime

Active middle-aged men are likely to stay active into old age, a new study finds. The research included nearly 3,500 British men, aged 40 to 59 at the start of the study. The researchers followed the men's health for 20 years. Those who were physically active in mid-life were nearly three times more likely to be active at the end of the study period. Men...

Posted 2 days ago in Medical

Health Tip: Stair Safety For Older People

-- Some elderly people are at heightened risk for falling, especially at home. Six of 10 falls occur within the home -- often due to lax stair safety, the National Institute on Aging says. The agency offers these safety suggestions: Install tightly-fastened handrails on both sides of the stairs. Always hold the handrails while going up and down...

Posted 2 days ago in Medical

Health Highlights: Sept. 21, 2017

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay: More Fetal Deaths, Fewer Pregnancies When Flint Had High Lead Levels in Drinking Water: Study There was an increase in fetal deaths and a decrease in pregnancies when Flint, Michigan had high levels of lead in its drinking water, a new study says. The...

Posted 2 days ago in Medical

When a Cold or Flu Strikes a Family Member

When one child gets sick, you might brace yourself for everyone getting sick. But it's possible to keep healthy family members from falling ill, too. When taking care of a sick child, handwashing is more important than ever. All healthy family members should wash frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub. Do this after every contact...

Posted 2 days ago in Medical

Health Tip: Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

-- Carbon monoxide (CO) is routinely called a "silent killer," since the toxic gas is odorless and tasteless. More than 400 people die each year in the United States from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, and more than 50,000 people visit the emergency room due to CO exposure, the CDC says. The agency suggests how to reduce your chances of CO...

Posted 2 days ago in Medical

Could Pests, Dust Lower Kids' Odds for Asthma?

Early exposure to pest and pet allergens -- cockroaches and mice droppings included -- may actually guard children against asthma, a new study of inner-city kids suggests. "This confirms a similar finding last year that June Cleaver was, in fact, wrong," said Dr. Kelvin MacDonald, a pediatric lung specialist at Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Oregon...

Posted 2 days ago in Medical

Inflammatory Bowel Disease May Raise Cancer Risk in Kids

Children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) face an increased risk of cancer, a new study claims. The risk persists into adulthood, and is especially elevated for gastrointestinal cancers, the researchers added. The "extent and duration of chronic inflammation might be the main driving mechanisms underlying the increased risk of cancer," the researchers...

Recently added consumer and prescribing information: Aliqopa, benznidazole, Kymriah, Duzallo, Mavyret, Idhifa, Vosevi, Nerlynx, Tremfya, Bevyxxa

Posted in Blog

Drugs.com Recognized as ‘Health Information Website Brand of the Year’ in 2017 Harris Poll EquiTrend® Study

The team at Drugs.com is humbled and heartened to have been recognized as the ‘Health Information Website Brand of the Year‘ in the 2017 Harris Poll EquiTrend Study. The annual Harris Poll EquiTrend® Study measures and compares a brand’s health over time and against key competitors. Other categories measured include travel, financial, automotive and entertainment. […]

Posted in Blog

REMS@FDA: An Upgraded Patient Safety Program

REMS Overview Fact: Prescription drugs are complicated, and they are getting more complicated every day. Issues with complex drugs and side effects is not just a concern for the healthcare provider, it directly impacts the patient and caregiver, too. We’ve all heard the long list of adverse effects and warnings that unfold during a primetime […]

Posted in Blog

Drugs.com the First Major Consumer Health Publisher to Implement Full HTTPS Encryption

Drugs.com is pleased to announce the introduction of full HTTPS encryption for all web site visitors. With this significant and important change, nearly 70 million monthly visitors will have access to critical health and medicine information in a safe, secure and private environment. Why HTTPS Encryption? Almost everything you do on the Internet leaves a digital […]