Concerns about the time demands of clinical trials often deter cancer patients from enrolling. But a new study, published last month in JAMA Network Open, offers a reassuring counterpoint: For people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), trial participation may not increase the time spent receiving care. It may even reduce hospitalizations.A group of researchers, led by Timothy P. Hanna, M.D., Ph.D., at Queen’s University in Ontario, analyzed data from 250 patients who died between 2...

Around 60 percent of women report brain fog during the menopause transition—a frustrating symptom marked by memory lapses, trouble focusing, and a general sense of mental fogginess. The most likely culprit? Estrogen decline. This hormone isn’t just about reproduction—it plays a critical role in brain function.

Best known as a bright yellow spice, turmeric is also found in dietary supplements. Some studies suggest it may offer small benefits for people living with high blood pressure (hypertension).1 The main active compound in turmeric is curcumin, which gives it both its golden color and many of its beneficial properties, including its potential blood pressure–lowering effects.2 But because curcumin can interact with certain drugs, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider before adding turmeric to your routine.

Cambia (diclofenac potassium) can cause side effects ranging from mild to serious. More common side effects include nausea. If side effects from Cambia become difficult to tolerate, ask your doctor about coping tips or treatment options.Cambia is prescribed for adults to treat migraine with or without aura. (Aura is a group of symptoms that may occur before or during a migraine episode. They may include visual, sensory, and speech or language symptoms.) Cambia is not used to prevent migraine epi...

If you have pain, scratchiness or irritation in your throat, especially when you swallow, sore throat sprays can help ease your discomfort. We surveyed pharmacists to collect expert recommendations for the best brands of sore throat sprays. Also view Best Cough Drops, Best Zinc Lozenges and Best Cough Suppressants.

If you or a loved one has sleep apnea, you may be considering different treatment options. A new treatment you may hear about is Zepbound (tirzepatide). In December 2024, Zepbound became the first FDA-approved medicine for treating obstructive sleep apnea. More specifically, Zepbound received approval for treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.Zepbound was first approved by the FDA in Nove...

Opdivo Qvantig is a brand-name injection prescribed for certain types of cancer. It contains the active ingredients nivolumab and hyaluronidase-nvhy and belongs to the immunotherapy drug class.

The typical dosage of Cialis for BPH is 5 mg taken once daily, with or without food.Tadalafil can start to reduce symptoms like frequent urination and a weak urine stream within a week, and many see full benefits within four weeks.Cialis (tadalafil) is FDA-approved to manage the urinary symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It’s also approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), making it a good option for those dealing with both ED and an enlarged prostate.If you have benign prostatic...

Key takeaways: Bisoprolol is a beta blocker that treats high blood pressure and other heart-related conditions. Taking it with certain heart medications can raise the risk of severely low blood pressure or heart rate. Examples include diltiazem (Cardizem), digoxin, and disopyramide (Norpace). Other bisoprolol interactions include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), alcohol, and insulin or other diabetes medications. Taking bisoprolol with these medications can raise the risk of side effects. Certain dietary supplements may interfere with how well bisoprolol works. These include ginseng, licorice root, and St. John’s wort. Talk to your healthcare team before taking any supplements with bisoprolol. It’s fine to occasionally eat bananas, drink caffeine, and take Tylenol while taking bisoprolol. But large amounts of these items aren’t recommended. They may contribute to heart-related problems.

Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate ER) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are both FDA-approved weight-loss medications. Wegovy requires a weekly injection under the skin, while Qsymia is an oral capsule taken once daily. Wegovy may start working faster and result in more weight loss overall than Qsymia. But both medications have led to significant weight loss after 8 to 12 weeks in most people. Both medications have different drug interactions and side effects to consider. Your healthcare team can review your medication list and personal history to help you decide which medication is best for you. There are ways to save on Qsymia and Wegovy which are both only available as brand-name medications. If you’re eligible, manufacturer savings cards can help make your prescription more affordable. Patient assistance programs are also available.

Key takeaways: Viibryd (vilazodone) is used to treat depression. It isn’t a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). But it works in a similar way to treat depression, with an added benefit of causing less weight gain and fewer sexual side effects. In most cases, you’ll take Viibryd for at least 4 to 12 months, but long-term treatment is also possible. It isn’t safe to stop taking Viibryd on your own. Your prescriber can give you directions for slowly lowering your dose once you’ve decided it’s time to stop taking it. Viibryd may start working in 1 to 2 weeks, but typically takes up to 8 weeks to reach its full effects. Side effects should go away after a few weeks once your body adjusts to the medication. Viibryd is available as a lower-cost generic. GoodRx can help you save over 80% off the average retail price at certain pharmacies.

If you or a loved one has lung cancer, you may be interested in learning more about medicines used to treat it. One option is an immunotherapy medicine called Imfinzi (durvalumab). Immunotherapy medicines work by helping your immune system find and attack cancer cells.The FDA approved Imfinzi in 2017. It is approved to treat non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in certain people. NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer.  Imfinzi is also FDA-approved to treat other types of cancer, including a...

What is Lutathera used for? Lutathera (lutetium lu 177 dotatate) is commonly used to treat certain types of tumors in your digestive system. Specifically, Lutathera treats gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). Lutathera may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

Key takeaways Viagra (sildenafil) slightly lowers blood pressure, but the effect is usually minor and safe for most people. Viagra should not be taken with nitrates, as the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. While Viagra's effect on blood pressure is usually mild, it's still important to watch for symptoms like dizziness or fainting, especially if you're taking blood pressure medications.

Dry skin is a common issue that can happen for many reasons. Your age, environment, and lifestyle can all play a role. But it’s easy to overlook another common cause of dry skin: your medications.Here, we’ll discuss seven types of medications known to have drying effects on the skin. We’ll also review what you can do to help manage dry skin when it happens.Retinoids are medications related to vitamin A. They’re used to treat acne and reduce the appearance of age-related skin issues. But they can...

What is dorzolamide used for? Dorzolamide is commonly used to lower pressure inside the eye in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. These conditions cause increased pressure inside the eye. Dorzolamide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

A diagnosis of advanced cancer upends the lives of patients and their loved ones. In addition to the severity of the disease and fears of mortality, cancer treatment typically brings with it the heavy, intrusive hand of toxicities. There are the well-chronicled biological toxicities from chemotherapy and radiation treatments, such as hair loss, nausea and fatigue. The cost of cancer treatment and where insurance coverage falls short has been characterized as financial toxicity, which can not only cause dire financial hardship but also affect treatment itself, as people may skip, delay or avoid treatment altogether due to the high cost.

Key takeaways: - Retin-A and Retin-A Micro are topical forms of tretinoin. They’re approved to treat acne and used off-label to help reduce wrinkles and skin discoloration. Retin-A Micro uses microspheres to deliver tretinoin slowly over time. This helps lessen side effects, so Retin-A Micro may be a better option for those with sensitive skin. But Retin-A may work slightly faster. - Retin-A comes as a cream and a gel. Retin-A Micro only comes as a gel. Creams may be better for dry skin, while gels may be preferred if you have oily skin. - You should wait 20 to 30 minutes after washing your face to apply Retin-A. But you don’t need to wait before applying Retin-A Micro. Both medications can worsen acne and skin appearance for the first few weeks. But you should notice an improvement after 12 weeks (about 3 months) of regular use with either medication. - There are many ways to save on Retin-A and Retin-A Micro. If you’re eligible, manufacturer savings cards can help make your prescription more affordable. Patient assistance programs are also available.

Key takeaways: - Aromatase inhibitors are prescription medications used to treat hormone-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Three aromatase inhibitors are available: anastrozole (Arimidex), letrozole (Femara), and exemestane (Aromasin). - All three aromatase inhibitors are similarly effective for treating breast cancer. Anastrozole and exemestane (but not letrozole) are also effective at lowering the chance of breast cancer in those at high risk for it. - Common aromatase inhibitor side effects include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and muscle or joint pain. Don’t stop taking an aromatase inhibitor on your own. Often, your prescriber can treat your side effects or switch you to a different medication to manage them. - There are many ways to save on aromatase inhibitors. GoodRx can help you navigate your options, which may include GoodRx discounts, copay savings cards, and patient assistance programs. You can find aromatase inhibitor prices as low as $10.00 per month with a free GoodRx discount.

Dilantin is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for seizures in adults and children. The medication is available in the following oral forms: capsule, chewable tablet, and liquid suspension. Dilantin belongs to the antiepileptic drug class.