The AP (12/30, Mason, Mendoza) reports that healthcare professionals treating HIV/AIDS patients in sub-Saharan Africa are witnessing an "unforeseen consequence of good intentions." Resistance is growing as clinics suffering from a shortage of new antivirals turn to "inferior meds" -- a scenario being played out around the world. A decade ago, ...

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MedWire News Administration of the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5) tadalafil citrate is associated with a reduction in oxidative stress and increased serum levels of paraoxonase(PON)-1, Turkish researchers have shown. They say their findings support a potentially beneficial impact of PDE5 inhibition on the cardiovascular system, provi...

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Source: ABC15.com Despite the national awareness campaigns for diabetes, a new survey shows Americans aren’t paying attention and could cross the diabetic line without even recognizing a risk factor. According to a recent Consumer Reports study, Americans know their cholesterol and blood pressure numbers, but when it comes to blood sugar levels...

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  New methods mean women must weigh decision. Puzzled by the onslaught of advertising that touts pregnancyprevention along with bonuses like clearer skin and a period-free lifestyle, Jennifer Meyer balked at a birth control pill that would reduce her monthly cycles to just four per year. "It's just not something we should s...

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Source: MedWire News The impact of statins on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels is unrelated to their effect on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations, a meta-analysis of over 30,000 patients suggests. LDL cholesterol decreases are implicated in the cardiovascular risk reductions that accompany statin treatment but mounting evidence s...

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Complementary remedies claiming to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) can be dangerous, misleading and contain unspecified chemical ingredients, the United Kingdom drugs regulator has warned. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said patients were taking "major risks" by taking herbal remedies for ED and has urged patients...

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A new web-based tool could help doctors better predict those more likely to suffer a second stroke. Studies suggest that people who have a second stroke soon after a first stroke are more likely to die or have a severe disability. "We currently don't have a well-developed tool for predicting short-term risk of early recurrent stroke, so this tool...

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The Wall Street Journal (12/16, Dooren) reports that in a 12-4 vote, an FDA panel recommended expanded use of AstraZeneca PLC's cholesterol drug Crestor (rosuvastatin). In a company-sponsored study of 18,000 patients, researchers found 44 percent fewer heart problems among patients taking Crestor.         Ast...

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