Regular aspirin use may reduce the risk of certain cancers, especially colorectal, breast, skin, and prostate cancers, in individuals with a family history or genetic susceptibility, but should only be undertaken under medical supervision due to potential serious side effects.
Long-term use of losartan, a blood pressure medication, is not commonly associated with hand tremors, though some reports exist with similar drugs like lisinopril. Patients experiencing tremors should consult their doctor to consider alternative treatments, as the connection between losartan and tremors remains unclear.
Indian consumers' casual and long-term use of antacids is leading to serious health risks, including damage to the heart, kidneys, and gut, and potentially masking serious illnesses, according to doctors across Indian cities.
New preliminary research suggests that long-term use of melatonin supplements may be associated with an increased risk of heart failure and higher mortality, raising concerns about its safety beyond short-term use. The study analyzed health records from over 130,000 adults and found significant associations, though limitations in methodology mean further research is needed. Despite its popularity and general safety for short-term use, these findings highlight the importance of cautious long-term consumption and further investigation into melatonin's effects.
A recent study suggests that long-term use of melatonin supplements may be associated with an increased risk of heart failure hospitalization, raising safety concerns despite melatonin's common use for sleep. However, the findings are preliminary and more research is needed to establish causality.
The NHS has issued a warning about the long-term use of omeprazole, a common medication for heartburn and acid reflux, highlighting serious potential side effects such as vitamin B12 deficiency, weakened bones, allergic reactions, and lupus, especially with prolonged use over a year. Users are advised not to take it without a prescription for more than two weeks and to consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
A study suggests that long-term use (over 4.5 years) of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), common medications for acid reflux, may be associated with a 33% increased risk of developing dementia, though it does not establish causation. The research analyzed data from over 5,700 participants and highlights the need for further investigation and consultation with healthcare providers before making changes to medication routines.
A study found that over half of patients using medical cannabis for chronic musculoskeletal pain stop within a year, with older age being the main predictor of discontinuation, raising questions about its long-term effectiveness.
Recent studies suggest that long-term or frequent use of gabapentin may be associated with an increased risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment, especially in users aged 35-64. While not proving causation, these findings prompt a reevaluation of its long-term use, emphasizing the importance of consulting healthcare providers, exploring alternatives, and adopting lifestyle measures to protect brain health.
Experts warn that antidepressant withdrawal is a significant public health issue, especially for long-term users, with recent research indicating severe and lasting withdrawal symptoms that are often underestimated due to reliance on short-term, industry-funded studies. The UK government now recognizes this problem, which has been historically overlooked due to outdated guidelines and limited long-term data. A new review suggests current studies may underestimate withdrawal risks, emphasizing the need for better understanding and management of antidepressant discontinuation.
A new review downplays the severity of antidepressant withdrawal effects, relying on short-term, industry-funded studies, despite evidence showing long-term users face significant, often severe, withdrawal symptoms that can last for months, highlighting a potential underestimation of the risks associated with long-term antidepressant use.
A study suggests that long-term use (over 4.4 years) of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for heartburn may be associated with a 33% increased risk of developing dementia, though causation is not proven. Experts advise consulting doctors before making changes to medication routines, as prolonged use has also been linked to other health issues.
A study finds that longer use of antidepressants is linked to more severe, longer-lasting withdrawal symptoms, especially after more than two years of use, highlighting the need for careful discontinuation strategies and updated clinical guidelines.
A study suggests that long-term use of the contraceptive pill desogestrel may slightly increase the risk of developing non-cancerous brain tumors called meningiomas, especially after more than five years of continuous use. The risk is small, and the tumors often regress after stopping the medication. No increased risk was found with levonorgestrel, another progestogen. Women should discuss contraceptive options with their healthcare providers, considering these findings.
A large French study suggests that using the progestogen-only contraceptive pill desogestrel for more than five years may slightly increase the risk of developing benign brain tumors called meningiomas, but the risk diminishes after stopping the medication. Short-term use does not appear to increase risk, and the findings highlight the importance of healthcare provider consultation for women on long-term contraceptives.