10 Questions to Ponder Before Taking Medicine
Dear Pharmacist What does it mean when it says “take on an empty stomach” or “take with food” because I never adhere to those warnings and I’m still alive. Does it really matter? —J.J., Denver, CO
Dear Pharmacist What does it mean when it says “take on an empty stomach” or “take with food” because I never adhere to those warnings and I’m still alive. Does it really matter? —J.J., Denver, CO
Dear Pharmacist, I recently read a magazine article that discussed the health benefits of glutathione, and I was shocked at how many there are. Do you recommend this supplement for everyone? - L.S. Orlando, FL
Certain name brands, including physician-formulated brands, work extremely hard to keep their products free of common allergens, including gluten. I can’t vouch for every single product for every category, but there are companies worth paying extra for because they are “cleaner” in terms of common allergens, binder, fillers and other excipients. Among the best are:
Dear Pharmacist, I have fibromyalgia, uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breasts and endometriosis. I fired my old doctor, because I wasn’t getting any better. My new doctor prescribed bio-identical hormones, iodine tablets, and a strong multi-vitamin. I’m eating ground flax seeds thanks to your recent column. Am I missing something? I’m still uncomfortable. –E.W. Sacramento, CA
Dear Pharmacist, I am 90 pounds overweight and just began taking the medication Orlistat. Is there another drug that works better than this? Are there any supplements you recommend? - J.M., Dallas, Texas
Dear Pharmacist I started bioidentical hormones thanks to you, and feel dramatically better. I can’t convince my sister who still takes a prescription estrogen drug from horse urine. What can I tell her since she won’t switch medicines? -T.W., Decatur, Illinois
Dear Pharmacist, I take 4 different medications now. Lately, I’ve had stomach pain, insomnia, headaches and dizziness. I am sure it’s related to my medicine. What should I do, stop everything? -L.E., Seattle, Washington
Dear Pharmacist, I have neuropathies all over my body, it feels like pins and needles. I take pain medications. Is there anything natural I can do or take? -G.D. Seattle, Colorado
Dear Pharmacist, Recently I saw a major network news program about researchers looking for drugs to prevent Alzheimer’s. The doctors interviewed didn’t mention diet and exercise. Both my parents had dementia. I’m scared of it happening to me. –A.F., Chicago, Illinois
"Dear Pharmacist,Two of my relatives have pancreatic cancer, and I’m worried sick for myself. No symptoms yet, but is there anything I can share with them, or take myself?" --D.T., Sacramento,…