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Is high blood pressure always bad?

Is high blood pressure always bad?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a risk factor for several health conditions, including cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and other metabolic issues. However, is high blood pressure always a cause for concern? New findings question that assumption. Having high blood pressure may sometimes have a protective effect. Up to 75 million adults in the United States […]

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Type 2 diabetes: Work stress may raise risk in women

Type 2 diabetes: Work stress may raise risk in women

A new review featuring in the European Journal of Endocrinology suggests that a stressful work environment may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in women. A stressful work environment may increase the likelihood of type 2 diabetes in women, suggests new research. More than 100 million people in the United States have diabetes […]

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imiquimod (Aldara, Zyclara)

imiquimod (Aldara, Zyclara)

What is imiquimod, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Imiquimod is a topical medication that activates the immune system and is used for treating (not curing) genital warts. Although the exact mechanism of action imiquimod is not known, imiquimod is presumed to work by activating immune cells and chemicals that affect the immune […]

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leflunomide (Arava)

What is leflunomide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Leflunomide is an oral, disease-modifying drug that is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide reduces inflammation in the joints that is responsible for both the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and the destruction of joints. This reduces symptoms as well as the progressive […]

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isoniazid

isoniazid

What are the side effects of isoniazid, INH? Hepatitis When isoniazid is broken down by the liver, one of the products is acetylhydrazine, a potent toxin for the liver. When taken over a long period of time at standard doses, isoniazid can cause important and even fatal liver injury (hepatitis) in approximately 1 out of […]

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Are Some Birth Control Methods Doomed to Fail?

Are Some Birth Control Methods Doomed to Fail?

Latest Women’s Health News TUESDAY, March 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Women who get pregnant when using certain contraceptives might have their genes to blame, a new study suggests. A gene variant that breaks down hormones in birth control could be the culprit, researchers reported. “When a woman says she got pregnant while on birth […]

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potassium iodide

potassium iodide

What is potassium iodide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Potassium iodide is a iodine-containing liquid that is used to protect the thyroid gland and to loosen secretions in the lungs (expectorant) so that they can be more easily coughed up (expectorated). Procedures that involve the use of radioactive iodine can damage the […]

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Shingles Vaccine (Zoster Shingles Vaccine Live, Zostavax)

Shingles Vaccine (Zoster Shingles Vaccine Live, Zostavax)

What is Zoster Vaccine Live (Shingles Vaccine), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Zoster vaccine contains live, attenuated (weakened) varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Varicella-zoster causes chickenpox and then becomes dormant in nerves. VZV reactivates and causes herpes zoster (shingles or zoster) later in life (usually 60 years of age or older) when immunity against […]

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Common Household Chemicals Harm Sperm in Both Men and Dogs

Common Household Chemicals Harm Sperm in Both Men and Dogs

Latest Sexual Health News TUESDAY, March 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Two chemicals found in household products and food could harm male fertility in both dogs and people, U.K. researchers say. The chemicals are the plasticizer DEHP — used in products such as carpets, flooring, upholstery, clothes, wires and toys — and the industrial chemical […]

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Health Tip: Snake Bite First-Aid

Health Tip: Snake Bite First-Aid

(HealthDay News) — About 8,000 of the 45,000 snake bites in the United States each year are caused by venomous snakes. But most traditional first-aid methods do more harm than good, the World Health Organization says. Latest Prevention & Wellness News WHO recommends: Reassure the victim, if he or she is anxious. Immobilize the person’s […]