Side Effects

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Meds for certain chronic conditions trigger heat-related dangers

Medications for four categories of conditions make it difficult for the body to handle hot weather by reducing its ability to sweat or increase blood flow to the skin. That can result in heat-related illness or increase risk of heart attack. Are your meds on this hot list?

Joyce Hollman

Heart-protecting drugs that backfire when it’s hot out

It’s common for people with coronary heart disease to take medications that protect the heart and reduce risk of a heart attack or stroke. But these very same protective medications may actually elevate these risks during summer heat. Take these precautions…

Carolyn Gretton

Medications that can increase your skin cancer risk

I learned at a young age that my pale skin burns fast. So I have an arsenal of all the “right ways” to protect it. Imagine my dismay at discovering all the medications that could sabotage my efforts…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

What happens when sleep aids clog the brain’s waste drain

When sleep problems creep up with age, some may turn to sleep aids. But a commonly used sleep drug clogs the plumbing of a little-known brain system, preventing the brain from clearing out toxic waste and potentially leading to cognitive decline.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Aspirin: A high-risk gamble or perfect prevention?

Innocuous little white tablets, perfect for a headache and a blood thinner anyone can grab at the drugstore. But it turns out an awful lot of us don’t realize the true scope of aspirin’s dangers or benefits and for whom which is which.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

‘Miracle weight loss drugs’ may be shrinking hearts

“Miracle weight” loss drugs are making a lot of people happy. However, a growing list of side effects that indicate they have the potential to be detrimental in the long term can’t be overlooked…