Medications and treatments Archive

Contrary to previous recommendations, people who think they are having a heart attack or stroke should not take an aspirin on their own. Their symptoms might be caused by a different problem that might be made worse by taking aspirin.

By now, you've probably run into a product containing cannabidiol, also known as CBD. It is in everything from drinks and pet products to lotions and chewable gummies. But many people still don't really know what CBD is, what it does and doesn't do, and how it works. Below, we sort through the confusion by answering some of the most common questions about CBD.

The medication Suboxone has helped many people who are addicted to opiates, but even within the addiction treatment community there are misunderstandings about this drug and its effects on the brain.

Just because you can get a particular test or treatment or take a supplement doesn't mean you should. One study suggests as much as 20% of all health care in the US is unneeded. Skipping unnecessary care might actually improve your health, while saving time and money.

In 2024, the FDA approved the sale of pivmecillinam (Pivya), an antibiotic to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. When the drug becomes available in 2025, it will join the lineup of existing first-line antibiotic treatments for UTIs, such as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) and nitrofurantoin (Macrobid). Doctors say having another treatment option on the same tier will be helpful, since some germs that cause UTIs have become resistant to existing antibiotics.

Some people with diabetes use a device that continuously monitors the level of blood sugar. The monitor sends the information wirelessly to another device, such as a smartphone, so the person can easily see the blood sugar level. As of 2024, there is no solid evidence that these monitors can help people who do not have diabetes. However, the monitors may one day prove to be useful in people with diabetes risk factors, such as obesity, prediabetes, or a family history of diabetes.

Artificial intelligence (A.I.) has made significant strides in helping doctors better diagnose and treat prostate cancer. A.I. uses mainly software programs that apply complex computational algorithms to improve precision and efficiency in diagnosis, treatment, and management. Three areas where A.I. will likely have the most impact are examining prostate biopsies with greater insight, finding hard-to-see tumors on MRI images, and determining which men undergoing radiation may also benefit from androgen deprivation therapy.

A 2024 study suggests that hormone therapy for women under 60, including micronized progesterone and estrogen taken through the skin, effectively treats menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats while posing few health risks.

The most common causes of hand pain include osteoarthritis, nerve conditions, and tendinitis. To help manage the pain and avoid surgery, doctors recommend splinting, corticosteroid injections, anti-inflammatories, heat and cold applications, and hand exer