Recent Postings

B vitamins have been proposed as a means to lower the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. A recent study found that long-term dietary and supplemental intake of these vitamins was not associated with a lower risk of the disease.

Learn about the Beers Criteria, which are used for determining potentially inappropriate medication use in people age 65 and older; the criteria have recently been updated.

Lifestyle changes not involving medications appear to offer some relief for people with recurrent migraine headaches. A recent review article assessed the evidence for changes related to stress management, sleep, diet and exercise. The review found that sleep-related issues were the only consistent lifestyle factor associated with migraine frequency.

Palforzia, a peanut allergen protein powder, is an oral desensitization immunotherapy for children and adolescents (age four to 17 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of peanut allergy. Learn why Public Citizen’s Health Research Group has classified Palforzia as a Do Not Use drug.

Melatonin, which is used to help with certain conditions such as jet lag and sleep-wake disorders, is regulated as a dietary supplement, not a drug. A recent study found that melatonin gummies sold in the U.S. contain inconsistent quantities of melatonin, and the quantity is usually higher than the amount listed on the product label.

The FDA recently approved lecanemab (LEQEMBI) for patients with mild cognitive impairment and in the mild dementia stages of the disease. Learn why Public Citizen’s Health Research Group has classified lecanemab as a Do Not Use drug.

In 2010, the FDA proposed a rule about the disclosure of risk information in television and radio direct-to-consumer advertisements of prescription drugs. Thirteen years later, and if the Office of Management and Budget allows the regulation to be finalized, the presentation of risk information about drugs advertised directly to consumers should improve.

In 2022, the FDA approved tirzepatide (MOUNJARO) as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Learn about the evidence for the use of tirzepatide for diabetes and chronic weight management. As of mid-September 2023, the FDA had not approved tirzepatide for chronic weight management.

Brexpiprazole (REXULTI) is an atypical antipsychotic drug that the FDA initially approved as an adjunctive treatment to antidepressants for major depressive disorder. In 2023, the FDA extended the indications to include the treatment of agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. Learn why Public Citizen’s Health Research Group has classified brexpiprazole as a Do Not Use drug for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease-associated dementia.

A recent large adequately powered randomized clinical trial that directly compared furosemide and torsemide found that both drugs are equally effective in improving the survival of patients with heart failure.

A recent large adequately powered randomized clinical trial that directly compared furosemide and torsemide found that both drugs are equally effective in improving the survival of patients with heart failure.

A review study, published earlier in 2023 in <em>The BMJ</em>, found limited evidence of low or moderate quality supporting the effectiveness of antidepressants for several conditions associated with chronic pain, including fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain and chronic tension headache.

<em>Worst Pills, Best Pills News</em> often highlights expensive drugs that have limited benefits and significant health risks. At the same time, some inexpensive and highly effective drugs are in such short supply that they are being rationed. The “From the Editor” column discusses the persistent problem of drug shortages in the United States.

Patients taking the oral antidepressant drug desipramine (Norpramin) should be aware that it has clinically important interactions with many other prescription medications. Public Citizen’s Health Research Group has designated desipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, as a <strong>Limited Use</strong> drug; antidepressants in other drug classes are safer and better tolerated.

Thiazide diuretics often are prescribed to prevent recurrent kidney stones. However, a recent randomized, controlled trial found that hydrochlorothiazide was no better than placebo at preventing the recurrence of kidney stones.

Learn about sofosbuvir, a highly effective antiviral medication that is used for chronic hepatitis C infection, alone or in combination with other antivirals.