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RUMOR: Sunscreens can cause cancer. |
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TRUTH: It's just a rumor...there's no convincing evidence that using sunscreen causes cancer. read entire truth
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RUMOR: You can’t abruptly stop Advair or Symbicort. |
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TRUTH: This is only partly true.
Some patients want to stop these combo inhalers...due to warnings about an increased risk of death with long-acting beta-agonists. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Glymetrol can help maintain healthy blood glucose. |
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TRUTH: It’s just a rumor. Don’t rely on Glymetrol to help anyone. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Topical nasal steroids such as Flonase may reduce snoring. |
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TRUTH: This is true...but only if nasal congestion is the primary reason the person is snoring. Most often snoring is caused by obstruction in the back of the throat...not the nose. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Combining Motrin and Robitussin can cause heart attacks in kids. |
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TRUTH: Websites and email inboxes are flooded with claims of an 8 year-old girl named Madison dying after taking this combo. The story varies a bit...changing the little girl's name and hometown. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) don't need to be taken before meals after the first few doses. |
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TRUTH: Some providers are telling patients that it's not necessary to take PPIs (omeprazole, etc) before meals...after the first few doses. They believe that the drug reaches steady state after a few days...and therefore timing of dosing doesn't matter. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Antibacterial cleansers containing triclosan can cause infertility and other health risks. |
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TRUTH: Increasing reports of life-threatening infections with drug resistant “super bugs” like resistant Staph and C. diff are enough to send some consumers on an antimicrobial cleansing rampage. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Chloroquine (Aralen) can be used for leg cramps. |
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TRUTH: Some prescribers are turning to chloroquine (Aralen) or hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) as alternatives to quinine for nighttime leg cramps. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Adding topiramate to phentermine increases weight loss. |
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TRUTH: Some prescribers are writing for phentermine plus topiramate (Topamax) for weight loss. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Tramadol will be scheduled as a controlled substance. |
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TRUTH: Not at a federal level...but some states are taking the initiative. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Promethazine enhances the analgesic effect of opioids. |
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TRUTH: The myth that promethazine potentiates analgesia has been around for over 40 years...despite research to the contrary. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Erectile dysfunction drugs (Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra) can be used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. |
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TRUTH: More men are getting prescriptions for DAILY use of erectile dysfunction drugs to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). read entire truth
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RUMOR: Doxycycline MONOHYDRATE (Monodox) is better tolerated than doxycycline HYCLATE (Vibramycin). |
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TRUTH: There are two doxycycline oral solid dosage formulations on the market...doxycycline monohydrate (Monodox) and doxycycline hyclate (Vibramycin, Vibra-Tabs). Pharmacists often get prescriptions written for doxycycline with no specification of which formulation to dispense. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Patients with corn allergy or sulfite hypersensitivity can't use the new albuterol HFA inhalers because they contain ethanol. |
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TRUTH: Some of the HFA inhalers contain small amounts of ethanol as a co-solvent. Ethanol is sometimes made by fermentation of corn...and some alcohols are known to contain sulfites. Some patients with corn or sulfite sensitivities believe this is why albuterol HFA inhalers don't seem to work as well as the CFC inhalers. This isn't likely. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Gabapentin (Neurontin) does NOT work for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. |
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TRUTH: This comes from an ongoing lawsuit against Pfizer for promoting unapproved uses of Neurontin. Pfizer is now accused of suppressing studies that show Neurontin does NOT relieve diabetes-related nerve pain. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Gardasil vaccine is unsafe. |
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TRUTH: The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine continues to be plagued by safety concerns. read entire truth
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RUMOR: The flu vaccine is more effective if it's given intraDERMALLY than by the standard intramuscular route. |
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TRUTH: True for some patients, but not quite ready for prime time. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Long-term use of birth control pills can harm future fertility. |
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TRUTH: Many women fear that oral contraceptives may delay or impair their ability to get pregnant after they go off the pill. Some believe that they need to take periodic breaks from the pill to let their body “recover” in order to preserve future fertility. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Fruit juices other than grapefruit can interact with drugs. |
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TRUTH: We're all aware that grapefruit juice can affect the absorption and metabolism of some drugs. In many cases, it can increase absorption and sometimes lead to toxicity. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Applying a steroid spray (Nasacort AQ, etc) onto the skin before applying a topical patch helps decrease skin irritation. |
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TRUTH: Some patients complain of skin redness or itching after applying Duragesic and other patches. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Singulair MUST be taken in the evening for asthma. |
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TRUTH: Asthma symptoms tend to be worse during the night and early morning hours. Singulair (montelukast) has a short half-life of about 4-7 hours with blood levels peaking 3-4 hours after a dose. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Erectile dysfunction drugs (Cialis, Levitra, Viagra) cause amnesia. |
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TRUTH: First it was vision loss...then hearing loss...now memory loss. All three PDE5 inhibitors...Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra...will list transient global amnesia on their labels. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Smaller particle size increases efficacy of inhaled steroids. |
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TRUTH: Some reps will suggest better efficacy with their inhalers over others because of smaller or “micronized” particle sizes. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Colon cleansing and other "detoxification" methods leads to better general health. |
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TRUTH: You've heard the claims...that regular colon or liver cleansing and other methods of detoxification help rid the body of pollutants, aids in weight loss, prevents cancer, and more. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Taking aspirin at bedtime LOWERS blood pressure. |
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TRUTH: Patients who take aspirin 100 mg at bedtime can see a drop of about 6/4 points in systolic/diastolic blood pressure. But taking the same dose in the morning does NOT give this same benefit. read entire truth
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RUMOR: SNRI antidepressants (Effexor, Cymbalta, etc) can worsen heart failure. |
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TRUTH: Heart failure patients have high circulating levels of norepinephrine to compensate for poor cardiac output. Norepi helps to make the heart pump faster and more forcefully. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) helps with weight loss. |
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TRUTH: Many weight loss clinics are offering injections of human chorionic gonadotropin hormones for weight control. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Vinegar helps control type 2 diabetes. |
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TRUTH: Preliminary evidence suggests that adding a little vinegar to the diet may help control postprandial and fasting blood glucose. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Hyoscyamine (Levsin, Levbid, etc) is going off the market |
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TRUTH: All hyoscyamine products are unapproved. They came on the market before FDA approval was required. The FDA hasn't taken any action against these products...yet. But several companies have voluntarily withdrawn their products. read entire truth
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RUMOR: "Super glue" can be used to mend skin wounds. |
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TRUTH: Using superglues (Krazy Glue, Flash Glue, etc) will work in a pinch to seal small wounds such as cracks or paper cuts. But it's not a good idea to use them on deep or large wounds. They can be toxic to tissues and delay healing. read entire truth
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RUMOR: SSRIs can cause jaw clenching. |
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TRUTH: There are reports of people unconsciously gritting or grinding their teeth while taking Paxil, Lexapro, and other SSRIs. This bruxism can lead to headaches, jaw pain, and cracked fillings or other dental problems. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Eating chia seeds is heart healthy. |
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TRUTH: Chia seeds are well known for sprouting the fast-growing "hair" on little clay Chia Pets. Now people are eating the nutty-flavored grains in hopes of reducing their risk of heart disease. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Long-term treatment with bisphosphonates INCREASES the risk of fractures. |
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TRUTH: There are several reports of unusual fractures that occur from minimal trauma in patients on long-term or high-dose bisphosphonates. read entire truth
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RUMOR: A new oral insulin will soon be available. |
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TRUTH: People are hearing about an ORAL insulin called Oral-lyn. It's not approved in the U.S. yet...but is available in a couple of other countries. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Proton pump inhibitors decrease the effects of clopidogrel (Plavix). |
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TRUTH: Patients commonly receive a PPI when getting clopidogrel (Plavix)...to decrease the risk of GI bleeding after a coronary stent. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Artificial food additives make kids hyper. |
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TRUTH: The belief that artificial food additives might be related to hyperactive behavior in children stems from over 30 years ago. read entire truth
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RUMOR: It's illegal for a prescriber to write an Rx outside of their usual practice. |
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TRUTH: It depends on whether it's within their prescribing authority. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Aromatase inhibitors (Femara, etc) can be used to treat infertility. |
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TRUTH: Some fertility experts are using letrozole (Femara) and other aromatase inhibitors off-label to induce ovulation. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Artificial sweeteners make people GAIN weight. |
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TRUTH: Some researchers say, "yes." They say that artificial sweeteners "trick" the body into thinking that calories are coming. When the calories don't come, the body's response is hunger...making patients eat even more. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Byetta can be used as a substitute or in addition to insulin. |
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TRUTH: People are asking whether type 2 diabetes patients using insulin can be switched to Byetta (exenatide). This stems from a recent study showing that exenatide sustains similar glycemic control when substituted for insulin. But this is very misleading. read entire truth
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RUMOR: The new Dilantin 100 mg capsules aren't the same as the original Dilantin Kapseals. |
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TRUTH: Pfizer stopped making the original Dilantin Kapseals 100 mg when they updated their manufacturing process. The ingredients inside the new capsules are exactly the same...just the capsule shell has changed. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Prostaglandin eye drops (Lumigan, etc) can enhance eyelash growth. |
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TRUTH: True...and some manufacturers of “eyelash enhancers” are taking advantage of this side effect. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Alka-Seltzer can cure a urinary tract infection (UTI). |
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TRUTH: Patients who suffer from recurrent UTIs are always in search for a non-prescription fix to the problem. One very popular home remedy is to use Alka-Seltzer tabs. People are instructed to "just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms." read entire truth
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RUMOR: There will soon be a new behind-the-counter or "BTC" category of drugs. |
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TRUTH: FDA is tossing around the idea of a BTC category of drugs...but changes aren't likely any time soon. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Meds containing lactose can cause GI problems in patients with lactose intolerance. |
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TRUTH: It's possible...but not very common. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Hydrocodone cough suppressants will be taken off the market. |
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TRUTH: The FDA will be pulling some unapproved hydrocodone cough suppressants from the market. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Metered dose inhalers can give a false-positive breathalyzer result. |
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TRUTH: There are some cases of this actually happening. read entire truth
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RUMOR: The pediatric pneumococcal vaccine, Prevnar, is to blame for an INCREASE in drug-resistant ear infections. |
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TRUTH: Drug-resistant ear infections in kids are beginning to emerge. Some claim that the Prevnar vaccine is partly at fault. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Januvia (sitagliptin) impairs the immune system. |
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TRUTH: Januvia helps treat diabetes by inhibiting the breakdown of incretins...hormones that increase insulin release in response to meals. It does this by blocking dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), an enzyme that inactivates incretins. read entire truth
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RUMOR: SSRIs can help with behavioral problems in dementia patients. |
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TRUTH: Some preliminary evidence suggests this may be the case. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Freezing fish oil caps will eliminate the fishy aftertaste. |
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TRUTH: Many people claim that freezing or refrigerating fish oil supplements helps reduce gastrointestinal adverse effects such as nausea, belching, and the "fishy burp." The idea is that by the time the fish oil reaches room temp, it will be far enough down the gut to reduce these unpleasant symptoms. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Metamucil can help prevent gastrointestinal side effects of orlistat (Alli, Xenical). |
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TRUTH: Orlistat reduces calorie intake by blocking the breakdown and absorption of dietary fats. It's a safer OTC alternative to appetite suppressants, but many people discontinue treatment due to side effects like oily stools, flatulence, and anal leakage. It's been called "Antabuse for dieters." read entire truth
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RUMOR: Antibiotics can put irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in remission. |
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TRUTH: Some evidence suggests that a short course of antibiotics can relieve IBS symptoms...and benefits may last for a couple of months. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Statins decrease the efficacy of Plavix (clopidogrel) |
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TRUTH: Years ago, researchers used to think so. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Chlorthalidone works better than hydrochlorothiazide for lowering blood pressure. |
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TRUTH: Thiazide diuretics are recommended as part of initial therapy for uncomplicated hypertension. Blood pressure guidelines currently lump all thiazides together...with the assumption that they are equally effective. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Docusate liquid can be used to remove ear wax. |
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TRUTH: Some physicians tell patients to put docusate liquid in their ears to help flush out excessive ear wax. The surfactant properties of the stool softener act as solvents to disperse ear wax. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Diflucan is less effective in women with diabetes for treating vaginal yeast infections. |
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TRUTH: Most vaginal yeast infections are caused by C. albicans which Diflucan is 70-90% successful at treating. read entire truth
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RUMOR: H2-blockers (cimetidine, famotidine, etc) can be used to treat skin allergies. |
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TRUTH: Urticaria or "hives" is primarily caused by the release of histamine in response to an allergen...and most of this histamine activity is mediated by h1 receptors in the skin's blood vessels. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Using Bengay can lead to salicylate poisoning. |
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TRUTH: News reports of a teenage athlete's death possibly from salicylate toxicity have people worried whether Bengay and similar sports creams are dangerous. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Vicks Vaporub applied to the feet can stop a cough. |
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TRUTH: Vicks Vaporub is well known for its use to ease chest congestion. Now people are hearing that Vicks applied to the soles of the feet will curtail a bad cough. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Pink grapefruit does not have the enzyme in it that interacts with drugs metabolized by CYP3A4. |
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TRUTH: ALL types of grapefruit have the potential to interact with drugs metabolized by CYP3A4. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Phenocane is a safe COX-2 herbal remedy for arthritis. |
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TRUTH: Phenocane is the brand name used by several herbal products being promoted for pain relief. The products vary in the type and amount of herbs they contain, but the usual main ingredients are curcumin, boswellia, and phenylananine. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Guaifenesin can cure fibromyalgia. |
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TRUTH: Guaifenesin has been promoted for years as a "cure" for fibromyalgia. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Treating genital herpes reduces HIV transmission. |
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TRUTH: Most people with sexually acquired HIV also have herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), the cause of genital herpes. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Acetaminophen can cause high blood pressure. |
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TRUTH: Observational studies suggest that frequent users of acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and aspirin are more likely to develop hypertension than non-users of these pain relievers read entire truth
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RUMOR: The regular flu shot can protect against the bird flu. |
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TRUTH: Researchers say that the yearly influenza vaccine might offer some cross protection against the avian flu. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Generic Oxycontin is going off the market. |
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TRUTH: It looks like this may be the case. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Statins increase the risk for Parkinson's disease. |
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TRUTH: Preliminary evidence suggests a link between lower LDL cholesterol levels and Parkinson's disease. This has researchers looking into whether statins might increase the risk for Parkinson's through LDL lowering. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Lavender and tea tree oils can cause gynecomastia. |
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TRUTH: Preliminary evidence suggests that lavender and tea tree oils might cause gynecomastia in young boys. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Rotateq vaccine can cause intestinal problems. |
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TRUTH: Parents may be alarmed about news reports of bowel obstruction in infants vaccinated with Rotateq. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Bisphosphonates can cause eye problems. |
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TRUTH: There are reports of patients developing blurred vision, eye pain, and inflammation while taking a bisphosphonate. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Cold-fX is unsafe for women with cancer or a family history of cancer. |
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TRUTH: Emails are circulating that claim Cold-fX "feeds" hormonal cancers such as breast or uterine cancers. read entire truth
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RUMOR: New lower-dose birth control pills are less effective than old, regular-dose pills. |
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TRUTH: Women are hearing that the newer generation of oral contraceptives has TWICE the failure rate for preventing pregnancies than the older ones. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Viagra (sildenafil) can reduce ability to smell. |
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TRUTH: Recent research suggests that Viagra may cause a reduced sense of smell in some patients. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Opioids can actually WORSEN pain. |
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TRUTH: When patients say their opioids aren't working, we automatically think disease progression...or opioid tolerance. But researchers say that something else could be going on. read entire truth
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RUMOR: NSAIDs can make vaccines less effective. |
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TRUTH: Many vaccines can cause irritation, pain, and/or redness at the injection site, leading patients to take ibuprofen, aspirin, etc. Now some research suggests that taking NSAIDs around the time of vaccination dampens the immune response. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Maalox can be used topically to treat diaper rashes. |
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TRUTH: Many pediatricians and parents swear by Maalox for diaper rashes. But despite numerous reports of anecdotal success, there is no evidence that it works. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Other salicylates can be used in place of aspirin for cardiovascular protection. |
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TRUTH: Some patients are asking if a dose of Pepto-Bismol, or other drugs containing salicylates, will do in a pinch when aspirin's not on hand. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Citrus soft drinks containing grapefruit juice can inhibit the metabolism of some drugs. |
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TRUTH: ;Sun Drop and Fresca sodas contain bergamottin...one of the constituents in grapefruit juice thought to be responsible for it's CYP3A4 inhibition. This has led some to believe that these soft drinks could affect metabolism of some drugs. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Bupropion can be used to treat low sex drive in women. |
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TRUTH: Bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL) is often used to counteract sexual dysfunction in patients taking SSRIs, Effexor, and similar antidepressants. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Duct tape can eliminate the common wart. |
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TRUTH: Duct tape has a reputation as the all-purpose fixer. It's been used for everything from repairing cars...to spacecraft...to healing warts. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Morgellons Disease is a newly discovered infectious disease. |
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TRUTH: Reports of a mysterious medical condition called "Morgellons Disease" are cropping up across the country. But doctors are divided on whether it is a new disease or a manifestation of some other condition. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Regular use of aspirin and NSAIDs is beneficial for prostate health. |
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TRUTH: Several observational studies suggest that aspirin or NSAIDs may prevent the incidence and/or progression of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). read entire truth
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RUMOR: Vitamin D helps prevent some cancers. |
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TRUTH: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of breast, colon, prostate, pancreatic and ovarian cancer. Researchers think vitamin D might have antiproliferative effects in these cancers. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Lip balm is addictive. |
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TRUTH: Many people swear that lip balm is addictive. Some even have conspiracy theories that lip balm manufacturers put secret ingredients in their products to encourage people to use them more often. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Vitamin K helps prevent osteoporosis. |
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TRUTH: Low vitamin K intake is associated with bone loss and fractures in people with osteoporosis. And some research suggests that chronic warfarin, a vitamin K antagonist, decreases bone density. read entire truth
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RUMOR: NSAIDS should not be used after a fracture because they can delay bone healing. |
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TRUTH: NSAIDs inhibit the production of prostaglandins which help with bone repair. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Chronic acid suppressive therapy can cause iron deficiency anemia. |
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TRUTH: Gastric acid is important for the absorption of iron, particularly dietary non-heme (plant-derived) iron. By inhibiting gastric acid secretion, PPIs and H2 blockers may impair the absorption of iron. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Policosanol helps lower cholesterol. |
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TRUTH: Policosanol is a natural product heavily promoted for its lipid-lowering effects. Lots of supplements for "cholesterol support" now contain policosanol...ONE-A-DAY Cholesterol Plus, CholeRx, Cholest-Response, etc. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Drinking milk INCREASES mucus production. |
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TRUTH: Lots of people are under the impression that milk and other dairy products increase the production of mucus. Some providers even recommend that patients with asthma or those suffering from a cold avoid milk so as not to worsen respiratory symptoms. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Enteric-coated aspirin is less effective than plain aspirin for preventing cardiovascular events. |
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TRUTH: Several studies suggest that enteric-coated aspirin doesn't inhibit platelet aggregations as well as plain aspirin. Researchers speculate that enteric-coated aspirin might not be absorbed as well as plain aspirin in some patients. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Lantus can be mixed with other insulins. |
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TRUTH: The package insert for Lantus recommends not mixing Lantus with other insulins. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Statins do NOT cause liver injury. |
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TRUTH: All statins are associated with increases in liver enzymes. But experts say that these increases in AST and ALT are NOT associated with liver damage or dysfunction. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Vick's Vaporub can be used to treat nail fungus. |
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TRUTH: Many people with nail fungus say that applying Vicks VapoRub seems to help. There may be something to it. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Sunscreens with an SPF greater than 30 are not more beneficial than SPF 30. |
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TRUTH: More sunscreen manufacturers are coming out with versions that have an SPF of 45, 50, even 60. But there's controversy about whether products with an SPF greater than 30 offer any advantages. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Atrovent and albuterol metered dose inhalers are being taken off the market. |
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TRUTH: This confusion stems from promotional ads and drug reps for Spiriva and Xopenex claiming that Atrovent and albuterol inhalers are being discontinued. But they fail to mention that these products will remain commercially available in an HFA formulation. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Topical aloe gel helps heal burns and wounds. |
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TRUTH: Products containing aloe are commonly used and recommended to speed healing of burns and wounds. Aloe might have anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions. And it also seems to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Sunscreens are good for only one year. |
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TRUTH: Most bottles of sunscreens don't list an expiration date on the tube. And many people are often told to throw their sunscreen away at the end of every season. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Benzoyl peroxide causes cancer. |
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TRUTH: Years ago, safety concerns with benzoyl peroxide were raised when rodent studies suggested that it increased the development of skin cancer. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole is no longer effective for uncomplicated UTIs. |
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TRUTH: There's lots of talk about the increasing resistance of E. coli to TMP-SMX (Bactrim, Septra, etc). But in many areas, E. coli is still susceptible to TMP-SMX. Nevertheless, many clinicians are automatically reaching for quinolones...even in areas with little resistance. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Alcoholics or people with chronic liver disease shouldn't take acetaminophen...even therapeutic doses. |
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TRUTH: Many health care providers were taught that moderate to heavy drinkers of alcohol are at risk for hepatotoxicity with therapeutic doses of four grams or less per day of acetaminophen. In fact, this claim has been coined with the term "alcohol-acetaminophen syndrome." And packages of acetaminophen sold in the US are labeled with warnings of liver failure in patients who "consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day." read entire truth
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RUMOR: WD-40 acts as a joint lubricant and pain reliever in arthritis. |
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TRUTH: Patients who suffer from arthritis are trying anything to relieve those stiff and aching joints. Some have even tried spraying sore joints with WD-40 as they would to fix a squeaky, door hinge. But this folk remedy is not proven to work and may even be harmful. read entire truth
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RUMOR: A few drops of Visine in someone's drink causes diarrhea. |
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TRUTH: Some people have heard that slipping someone a "Visine mickey" will give them a bout of sudden, but harmless, diarrhea. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Taking bisphosphonates long-term can cause death of bone tissue in the jaw. |
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TRUTH: It's rare, but true. Jaw osteonecrosis has been reported most commonly with the use of intravenous bisphosphonates (Aredia, Zometa) in cancer patients. But it has also been reported with the use of Fosamax and Actonel. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Xenical (orlistat) causes colon and breast cancer. |
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TRUTH: Public Citizen, a consumer watchdog group, has petitioned the FDA to remove Xenical from the market due to fears it can lead to breast and colon cancer. The consumer group is also asking the FDA to refuse approval of Alli, an OTC version of the weight loss drug. read entire truth
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RUMOR: The sugar substitute, Splenda, is unsafe and will be pulled from the market. |
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TRUTH: The consumer group, Citizens for Health, is pushing the FDA to take Splenda (sucralose) off the market. They say that Splenda advertising slogan "Made from sugar, so it tastes like sugar" is leading consumers to believe Splenda is natural. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Chondroitin supplements can cause prostate cancer. |
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TRUTH: This rumor stems from preliminary research that suggests an association between chondroitin and prostate cancer. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Taking human growth hormone supplements will prevent or slow the aging process. |
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TRUTH: Consumers are seeing all sorts of ads for dietary supplements claiming to contain human growth hormone (HGH) or ingredients that will increase its release. They claim that boosting HGH blood levels can reduce body fat, build muscle, improve sex life, restore hair growth and color, etc. But these products are nothing more than a lot of hype. read entire truth
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RUMOR: You can't overdose on water-soluble vitamins. |
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TRUTH: Many people think that there's no such thing as taking too much of a water-soluble vitamin. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body. Excessive amounts are flushed out of the body into the urine. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Darvocet and Darvon will be taken off the market. |
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TRUTH: The consumer group, Public Citizen, is pushing for propoxyphene-containing products (Darvocet, Darvon, etc) to be taken off the market. They say that the benefits of propoxyphene aren't worth the risks. It's linked to over ten thousand deaths...with over a third of them being accidental overdoses. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Calcium and vitamin D don't help in preventing fractures. |
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TRUTH: Calcium and vitamin D are often recommended to prevent bone loss. Now a recent study suggests that calcium and vitamin D don't protect against fractures in postmenopausal women. But tell patients not to give up on these supplements just yet. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Drinking carbonated beverages can cause calcium loss and lead to osteoporosis. |
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TRUTH: Some observational studies suggest that people who drink carbonated beverages have a higher risk of fractures. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Antiperspirants cause breast cancer. |
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TRUTH: Women keep hearing that antiperspirants cause breast cancer. This myth first entered the rumor mill in the form of an email back in the 1990s. It seems to resurface every year or so...and it's making the rounds again. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Benicar (olmesartan) works better than other antihypertensives for blood pressure. |
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TRUTH: Some reps for Benicar claim that it's superior to Diovan, Avapro, Cozaar, and Norvasc for lowering blood pressure. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Cenestin is better because it's natural. |
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TRUTH: Ads for Cenestin claim its estrogen formulation is plant-derived. Some women are misinterpreting these ads to mean that Cenestin is natural. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Breast milk contains perchlorate which decreases thyroid hormone production in infants. |
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TRUTH: Perchlorate is a widespread contaminant found in drinking water, foods, and in some women's breast milk. Large amounts block iodine uptake by the thyroid...potentially decreasing thyroid hormone production. Thyroid hormones are critical for normal growth and development of the central nervous system of fetuses and infants. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Gargling with water will help prevent colds and flu. |
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TRUTH: Some people believe that gargling with antiseptic mouthwashes will kill bacteria in the mouth and throat that can lead to upper respiratory tract infections. Now researchers say that simply gargling with water may do the trick. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Atarax is for itch and Vistaril is for anxiety. |
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TRUTH: Many people believe that hydroxyzine HCl tablets (Atarax) are the best choice for itch and hydroxyzine pamoate capsules (Vistaril) are for anxiety or sleep. This belief is often passed down to students and shared among colleagues. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Castor oil helps with arthritis. |
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TRUTH: Many patients who suffer from arthritis pain are claiming relief from topical castor oil. This remedy is getting a lot of attention since being published in the popular syndicated newspaper column, "Dr. Gott." read entire truth
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RUMOR: Selenium can prevent bird flu mutations. |
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TRUTH: There is panic talk of the bird flu causing millions of deaths if it should mutate to a form that is transmissible human to human. Some experts believe that selenium deficiency may be a driving force for viral mutations. But the information is being misconstrued...giving many people false hopes. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Chelated minerals are better absorbed. |
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TRUTH: Minerals need stomach acid to dissolve the minerals into a form that can be absorbed. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Cymbalta is better than Effexor XR for depression. |
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TRUTH: Both Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Effexor XR (venlafaxine) are dual-uptake inhibitors. They inhibit the reuptake of serotonin AND norepinephrine. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Lunesta causes cancer. |
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TRUTH: Public Citizen, a watchdog consumer group, has expressed concern about possible cancer risks with the newly approved sleeping pill, Lunesta (eszopiclone). read entire truth
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RUMOR: Red Bull plus alcohol can kill you. |
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TRUTH: The popular energy drink that claims "it gives you wings" is a popular mixer with alcohol. Fans of the drink believe it helps them party longer. But there are a couple of reports of people who died after consuming Red Bull mixed with alcohol. read entire truth
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RUMOR: A woman who has a food or drug allergy can have an allergic reaction after having sex with someone who has consumed the food or drug. |
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TRUTH: Since drugs can show up in body secretions and fluids such as breast milk and urine, it is theoretically possible for a drug to be transferred through semen and be absorbed across the vaginal mucosa. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Sublingual nitroglycerin tablets should be discarded six months after opening. |
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TRUTH: Past tradition has led pharmacists to counsel patients on the "instability" of sublingual nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, NitroQuick, NitroTab). read entire truth
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RUMOR: Children do NOT need antibiotics for pink eye. |
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TRUTH: This is usually true. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Chocolate is "heart healthy" |
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TRUTH: There IS some truth to this...but maybe not exactly what you'd like to hear. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Kudzu can help curb binge drinking in heavy drinkers. |
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TRUTH: Kudzu, commonly referred to as the "vine that ate the south," is a plant that grows wild in parts of the southeastern United States. It got its nickname because it is so aggressive and grows all over almost everything. Kudzu has been used for centuries in China for treating alcoholism and other ailments. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Sunscreens cause cancer. |
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TRUTH: People are constantly being told to use sunscreens when in the sun...to prevent sunburn, wrinkling, and some forms of skin cancer. But sunscreens not only block out skin damaging UV rays, but also the body's ability to make vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency might increase the risk of other kinds of cancer. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Taking large doses of vitamin B every day wards off mosquitos. |
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TRUTH: Vitamin B supplements are often recommended in the popular media as a systemic repellent against mosquitoes. The theory is that mosquitos don't like the smell of people who take vitamin B. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Eating dairy products helps with weight loss. |
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TRUTH: People are being bombarded with TV and radio ads that say they can shed pounds by consuming more dairy products. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Artificial sweeteners are unsafe. |
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TRUTH: The Internet is flooded with rumors that artificial sweeteners (Splenda, Nutrasweet, etc) can cause ailments such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, dementia, and many others read entire truth
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RUMOR: Eating yogurt or taking probiotics will prevent yeast infections from antibiotics. |
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TRUTH: Yogurt and probiotics containing lactobacilli are commonly used and recommended to prevent vaginal yeast infections that often develop after antibiotic treatment. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Sleeping with soap will ease restless legs syndrome. |
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TRUTH: Patients who have restless legs syndrome are trying anything to get a good night's sleep. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Statins INCREASE the risk for developing osteoarthritis. |
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TRUTH: Statins have received a lot of attention for their anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers are looking into uses beyond cholesterol-lowering such as Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. But recent evidence suggests that elderly women taking statins are more likely to develop severe osteoarthritis in the hip. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Taking IP-6 (inositol hexaphosphate) will help to prevent and treat cancer. |
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TRUTH: IP-6, also known as myo-inositol hexaphosphate and phytic acid, is being touted on the Internet and in health food stores as a "cancer fighter." It's a naturally occurring carbohydrate found in whole grains, cereals, nuts, and legumes. It's also found in most mammalian cells where it assists in regulating a variety of important cellular functions. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Statins can cause memory loss. |
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TRUTH: Some patients taking statins are complaining of cognitive impairment such as forgetfulness, confusion, and memory loss. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Fenugreek is helpful in promoting lactation in women. |
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TRUTH: Fenugreek is an herb that has been used for years by women wanting to stimulate lactation...but there are no clinical trials testing its efficacy or safety in mother or infant. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Children with ADHD should take certain vitamins and minerals. |
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TRUTH: Some research suggests that ADHD is linked to nutritional deficiencies. Parents of children with ADHD often ask if there are any vitamins or minerals that can help. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Patients with recurrent kidney stones should restrict their calcium intake. |
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TRUTH: Most kidney stones are made of calcium salts. So many patients think that reducing calcium intake will help prevent getting more kidney stones. read entire truth
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RUMOR: CHRONIC use of stimulant laxatives for constipation is harmful. |
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TRUTH: Many health care providers advise patients not to use stimulant laxatives long-term. This stems from concerns that chronic use can decrease normal colon function through detrimental effects on enteric nerve and smooth muscle. Other concerns include increased risk of cancer, tolerance, and addiction or abuse. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Acetaminophen can increase the risk of asthma. |
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TRUTH: Asthma in the US has risen by 75% in the last 3 decades. Some experts think that the increasing use of acetaminophen may be partly responsible. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Plastic containers should NOT be used for freezing or microwaving foods. |
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TRUTH: The internet has been flooded with warnings to avoid freezing water bottles or using plastics in the microwave. This is mainly from concerns that carcinogenic dioxins can leach out from the plastics and into the food. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Ibuprofen can cause blindness in children. |
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TRUTH: Recent press reports have parents concerned about giving ibuprofen to their children. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Airborne can help prevent or shorten duration of colds. |
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TRUTH: Airborne is a dietary supplement used for prevention and treatment of colds and flu. It's the one that was "developed by a school teacher who was sick of catching colds in class." Airborne contains several vitamins, minerals and herbs. The manufacturer suggests taking one tablet every 3 hours at the first sign of a cold. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Serevent is dangerous. |
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TRUTH: Asthma patients are asking about the safety of Serevent. Recently, there have been a lot of news reports about some prescription drugs that may be dangerous. These reports started when Congress held a hearing about Vioxx after it was taken off the market. An FDA staff member raised concerns about the safety of some other drugs and Serevent was on the list. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Patients taking antibiotics shouldn't drink alcohol. |
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TRUTH: Patients often ask if it's ok to drink alcohol while on antibiotics. Some are being told to avoid alcohol altogether...others are told that a couple of drinks is fine. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Some forms of vitamin E are safer than others. |
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TRUTH: A recent meta-analysis of 19 different studies suggests that 400 IU or more of vitamin E daily increases mortality. But some people claim that the results don't apply to all forms of vitamin E. read entire truth
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RUMOR: People getting radioactive treatments can set off the new radiation detectors that are part of Homeland Security. |
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TRUTH: Radiation detection devices have been installed as part of heightened Homeland Security measures. They are now tucked away in many public places such as subway stations, tunnels, and national borders. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Calcium supplements can REDUCE the effectiveness of calcium channel blockers. |
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TRUTH: Calcium is needed for cardiac and vascular smooth muscles to contract. Calcium channel blocking drugs work by reducing the amount of calcium available to heart and vascular tissues. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Patients on acid suppressive therapy should take supplemental vitamin B12. |
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TRUTH: Gastric acid is needed to release food-bound vitamin B12 from protein for absorption. By inhibiting gastric acid secretion, PPIs and H2 blockers may impair the absorption of dietary vitamin B12. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Patients on statins should take coenzyme Q10 to prevent myopathies. |
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TRUTH: Some clinicians are recommending coenzyme Q10 to prevent myopathy in patients taking statins. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Prilosec OTC is not as effective as Prilosec by prescription. |
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TRUTH: Lots of patients are being switched from prescription Prilosec to Prilosec OTC because it costs less. Some insurance companies and state Medicaid programs have mandated using Prilosec OTC first before trying other PPIs. read entire truth
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RUMOR: People allergic to shellfish are also allergic to iodine. |
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TRUTH: There seems to be some confusion concerning shellfish and iodine allergies. read entire truth
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RUMOR: The aluminum and mercury in influenza vaccines can cause Alzheimer's disease. |
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TRUTH: The flu vaccine does not contain aluminum, but does contain a form of mercury called thimerosal, which is also used in eye drops and contact lens solution. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Vicodin (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) is changing from schedule III to schedule II |
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TRUTH: This all started in early 2004 when the White House Office of Drug Control Policy issued a new report outlining a plan to curb prescription drug abuse read entire truth
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RUMOR: Vitamin E interacts with statins |
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TRUTH: Lots of patients take vitamin E and other antioxidants with the hope of preventing heart disease read entire truth
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RUMOR: Combining glucosamine plus chondroitin is more effective than taking the individual ingredients |
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TRUTH: Hundreds of products combine glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis...Cosamin DS, Arthrimin, Flex-A-Min, Joint Essentials, Move Free, etc. read entire truth
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RUMOR: NSAIDs decrease the effectiveness of aspirin. |
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TRUTH: Tylenol ads now caution about taking ibuprofen with aspirin read entire truth
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RUMOR: Crestor is unsafe and will be taken off the market. |
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TRUTH: The consumer group, Public Citizen, is pushing for Crestor (rosuvastatin) to be taken off the market. They say that the rates of kidney damage and rhabdomyolysis are too high. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Statins need to be taken at night. |
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TRUTH: We often tell patients to take statins in the evening because most cholesterol is produced at night. But this isn't always necessary. read entire truth
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RUMOR: Magnesium is needed for calcium absorption. |
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TRUTH: All sorts of snazzy ads are touting the benefits of combo calcium and magnesium products (CalMax, coral calcium, etc)... read entire truth
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RUMOR: Cimetidine gets rid of warts. |
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TRUTH: For years, there's been talk that cimetidine helps warts. read entire truth
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RUMOR: ORAL vitamin K is not as effective as INJECTABLE vitamin K for reversing warfarin anticoagulation. |
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TRUTH: For years, it's been thought that ORAL vitamin K is not as effective as INJECTABLE vitamin K for reversing warfarin anticoagulation.
This stems from a study that suggests oral vitamin K produces variable responses due to unpredictable absorption. But this is not the whole story... read entire truth
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RUMOR: Meperidine is better than morphine for pancreatitis. |
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TRUTH: Many clinicians were taught to use meperidine instead of morphine for pancreatitis. This recommendation still appears in some textbooks... read entire truth
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RUMOR: Vaccines are made from aborted fetuses. |
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TRUTH: Some Internet sites are claiming that vaccines are derived from aborted fetuses. This is raising concerns that fetuses are being aborted in order to manufacture vaccines... read entire truth
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RUMOR: Antibiotics reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. |
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TRUTH: Women have been warned for decades to use backup contraception when taking oral contraceptives and antibiotics together. This all started back in the '70s when a few women on oral contraceptives took rifampin and then got pregnant. Additional anecdotal reports started popping up, suggesting that other antibiotics might be related to unwanted pregnancies in women taking oral contraceptives... read entire truth
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RUMOR: Floating an asthma inhaler in water tells if it's empty. |
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TRUTH: For years we've heard that if an asthma inhaler floats it's empty. In fact some patient handouts and websites still suggest putting the canisters in water to see if they float or sink... read entire truth
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RUMOR: It's okay to take drugs that interact with grapefruit, as long as they are separated by two hours. |
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TRUTH: Patients often ask how long to avoid grapefruit juice if they take certain drugs. Some are being told to avoid grapefruit altogether...others are told to separate grapefruit from their drugs by a few hours... read entire truth
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