(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) November 19, 2009
U.S. health officials are warning people who take the blood thinner Plavix (clopidogrel)that combining the drug with heartburn meds such as Prilosac, Prevacid, or Protonix may reduce the blood thinner's effectiveness by half. Read Summary >
An analysis by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation has found that monthly premiums will rise an average 11 percent, though the premium changes vary widely by which plan seniors select. Read Summary >
Drugmakers say the current FDA guidelines requiring both benefits and risks of drugs on ads hampers advertising on the Internet given the space constraints for ads on Web pages. Read Summary >
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a landmark healthcare reform after a 14-hour day of debate, with only one Republican backing the measure along with 219 Democrats. Read Summary >
Drugs that suppress stomach acid--including over-the-counter antacids--may leave people at greater risk for food poisoning, experts at UC Berkeley say. Read Summary >