Posted today in Medical

The Scoop on Avoiding 'Brain Freeze'

Gulping down a cold smoothie or giant scoop of ice cream sometimes leads to a fleeting severe headache known as "brain freeze." But a neurologist says you can avoid it. "A brain freeze is what happens when cold food touches a bundle of nerves in the back of the palate," said Dr. Stephanie Vertrees, a headache specialist and clinical assistant professor...

Posted yesterday in FDA Alerts

ED-530XT Duodenoscopes by Fujifilm: Safety Communication - Recall Issued, Updated Design and Labeling

[Posted 07/21/2017] ISSUE: On July 21, 2017, Fujifilm issued an Urgent Medical Device Correction and Removal notification informing customers of its voluntary recall of all ED-530XT duodenoscopes. This action includes replacement of the ED-530XT forceps elevator mechanism including the O-ring seal, replacement of the distal end cap, and new Operation...

Posted 2 days ago in Medical

Health Highlights: July 20, 2017

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay: Republican Senator John McCain Has Brain Cancer Sen. John McCain, who was the Republican presidential nominee in 2008, has been diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer. A statement released from McCain's office Wednesday night said the cancer,...

Posted 2 days ago in Medical

Antidepressants in Pregnancy Tied to Slight Increase in Autism

In the long-standing debate over whether antidepressants are safe to take during pregnancy, a new study suggests that exposure to the drugs in the womb might bump up a child's risk of autism. The risk of autism was 45 percent higher for kids whose moms took antidepressants compared to kids born to mothers with psychiatric disorders who weren't prescribed...

Posted 2 days ago in Medical

Sen. John McCain Has Brain Cancer

Sen. John McCain, a respected longtime lawmaker, former prisoner of war and the Republican presidential nominee in 2008, has been diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer. A statement released by McCain's office Wednesday night said the cancer, known as a glioblastoma, was discovered after a procedure to remove a blood clot above his left eye last...

Posted 2 days ago in Medical

More Patients OK'd for Cancer Trials Under Obamacare: Study

The Affordable Care Act has enabled more privately insured patients to enroll in clinical trials for new cancer treatments, a new study contends. Speedy approvals are important for patients who want to participate in clinical trials, said study author Dr. David Hong. He's deputy chair of investigational cancer therapeutics at the University of Texas...

Posted 2 days ago in Medical

Scans May Show Consciousness in 'Comatose' Patients

Sophisticated brain scans might be able to detect consciousness in brain injury patients who appear unconscious in the intensive care unit, a new study says. "Early detection of consciousness and brain function in the intensive care unit could allow families to make more informed decisions about the care of loved ones," said study co-lead author Dr....

Posted 2 days ago in Medical

What's Ahead for Health Reform in 2018?

The Republican Party's quest to undo the Affordable Care Act -- either by replacing it, repealing it or letting it fail -- is creating enormous uncertainty for millions of Americans who buy their own health insurance. Senate Republicans huddled again Wednesday night to discuss a path forward on health care after several doomed attempts to move bills...

Posted 2 days ago in Medical

Health Tip: Ease the Pain of a Blister

-- A blister may be painful and uncomfortable, though it's best to avoid popping it. But it's important to keep the area clean, especially if the wound pops on its own. The Mayo Clinic offers these care suggestions: Washing your hands with soap and water before touching the blister. Using soap and water to carefully wash the blister. Using iodine...

Posted 2 days ago in Medical

Targeting 9 Risk Factors Could Prevent 1 in 3 Dementia Cases: Study

One-third of dementia cases worldwide might be prevented by paying attention to nine risk factors throughout life, researchers say. These measures include: staying in school until you're at least over the age of 15; reducing hearing loss, obesity and high blood pressure in mid-life (ages 45 to 65); and reducing smoking, depression, physical inactivity,...

Recently added consumer and prescribing information: Vosevi, Nerlynx, Tremfya, Bevyxxa, Rituxan Hycela, Baxdela, Imfinzi, Radicava, Kevzara, Tymlos

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 […]