by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

An article in the August 2008 journal, Pedatrics, investigated unexpected infant deaths in Arizona over a span of 1 year (2006) The common factor in 10 out of 21 autopsied babies (all under age 1) was that each had over-the-counter cough and cold medications in their system. Although this could not be confirmed as the cause of death, it is suspicious and just another reminder that children, of a certain age, should not be given these medications, ever. The article states that 123 deaths of children under 6 have been reported to the FDA in all.

Actually the FDA has already issued a warning against giving these meds to children under 2. The FDA’s Drug and Pediatric Advisory Committe says no one under 6. So what should do when your child is under 6 with a bad cough?

(more…)

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

I quit playing competitive basketball in my late 30s because I had seen several weekend warriors near my age who had torn their Achilles. It would just happen out of the blue. To me, it did not seem to be worth the risk. Tendon tears are very painful and sometimes require surgery, and you might have to wear a splint or cast for six weeks to three months.

The FDA has issued a strong warning about an increased risk of tendinitis (inflammation) or tendon rupture (tear) with flouroquinolone antibiotics (such as Avalox, Cipro, Factive, Floxin, Levaquin, Noroxin and Proquin XR).

The warning will be in a “black box” in the package insert. Doctors widely prescribe flouroquinolones for wound, ear, urinary tract, prostate and other infections. They’re usually well tolerated.

So, what is a person to do?

(more…)

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

Companies that market fake cures for cancer are unbelievable. They take hope and money from people at their most vulnerable. In addition, they take away valuable time that these people don’t have. Some cures actually do direct harm.

(more…)