Community ClicksQ: I’ve been taking Fosamax for about 12 years. (I’m 45.)
Last summer, I had acid reflux and pain.
My doctor discovered I have Barrett’s esophagus, a premalignant condition of the esophagus.
I hate to think I could have ended up with esophageal cancer. Could Fosamax have caused my esophagus problem?
My doctors disagree.
In any event, no more Fosamax for me.
I’d be very interested in any information you have on other approaches to osteoporosis.A: Fosamax can be very irritating to the esophagus. Diane Wysowski, Ph.D., of the Food and Drug Administration has suggested that people with Barrett’s esophagus should not take it (New England Journal of Medicine, Jan. 1, 2009).
There don’t seem to be enough data to determine if Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva actually increase the risk of esophageal cancer (New England Journal of Medicine, April 23, 2009).
This is a controversial question.
We are sending you our Guide to Osteoporosis, which has a more complete discussion of risk factors, prevention and other treatments for this condition.
For a copy, send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. U-92, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
Or download it for $2 from www.peoplespharmacy.com.
Q: How can you tell if a can has BPA in its lining?
I have been eating canned salmon after reading that it is wild-caught and preferable to farm-raised salmon.
Now I wonder if I am getting too much BPA.
A: BPA (bisphenol A) is tasteless and odorless.
It is a component of the plastic resin that lines many metal food and beverage cans.
It also is found in hard clear plastic such as that in polycarbonate water bottles.
There has been much controversy about the health hazards of BPA because it acts like estrogen and might disrupt hormones.
In December, Consumer Reports published research showing that many canned foods contain surprisingly high levels of BPA.
Most labels don’t disclose this.
According to the article, “The StarKist Chunk Light canned tuna we tested averaged 3 ppb [parts per billion] of BPA, but BPA levels in the same brand in a plastic pouch weren’t measurable.”
You might want to look for salmon in a pouch.
Q: You often have questions on nosebleeds, particularly on whether using certain products in the nose would cause lung problems.
I have had many nosebleeds through the years and not long ago had to go to the emergency room to get one stopped.
Some doctors have told me to use Neosporin or Bacitracin in my nostrils.
Others say these products could cause lung problems.
The only product I’ve found that works and is safe is Ayr Saline Nasal Gel.
I have sleep apnea and use a CPAP mask that tends to dry out my nose.
I got this tip from a doctor, and Ayr says on the box it is good for people who use CPAP.
A: A CPAP mask is a respiratory device that helps people breathe properly while sleeping and prevents snoring.
Because it pushes air into the nose, the nostrils may become dry.
Pulmonologists have warned us that regular use of petroleum jelly or similar products in the nose could lead to lung inflammation.
Water-based saline gels or sprays (like Ayr) are safe and effective.
Q: I learned a procedure from a wrestling coach to stop nosebleeds.
Determine which nostril is bleeding, remove the shoe from the opposite foot and, with the heel of your hand, give two good thumps to the heel of that bare foot.
I have used this tactic many times in the gym, on field trips, at Little League games and even on my wife sitting in the car.
You should have seen the look on passers-by!
Why does this work?
A: We wish we could tell you. It makes about as much sense to us as dropping keys down the back of the neck to stop a nosebleed.
Many readers have shared success stories with that technique.
Even though we can’t explain either approach, it will be obvious within seconds whether it has worked.
Drugstore alternatives include Nosebleed QR, NasalCEASE and Seal-On.
Q: My mother has type-2 diabetes and has had a terrible time getting her blood sugar under control even though she takes metformin and Actos.
I suspect that the risperidone she takes for her nerves and the Lipitor for lowering cholesterol might be making this harder.
Are there any natural approaches that might help her keep her blood sugar and cholesterol under control?A: Dozens of drugs can make blood-sugar control more difficult. Diuretics for hypertension such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), certain beta blockers such as Coreg, the arthritis medicine Celebrex and the antipsychotic drugs Risperdal (risperidone), Seroquel and Zyprexa all can raise blood sugar.
Higher blood sugar also has been reported as a side effect of Lipitor (Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis, June 2009).
Your mother needs to discuss her medications with her doctor and ask about alternatives for risperidone and Lipitor.
Our new book, Favorite Foods: Mother Nature’s Medicine, has suggestions for food remedies to help control blood sugar as well as cholesterol. It is available online at www.peoplespharmacy.com.
Risperidone has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes.
Anyone taking this medicine must be monitored very carefully.
Q: I suffer from heart disease and take aspirin and Plavix as blood thinners as well as Lipitor and fish oil to lower cholesterol.
The medical literature suggests that ibuprofen interferes with the heart benefits of aspirin and may cause an increase in heart attacks.
I need an anti-inflammatory drug for muscle aches and joint pain.
What can I take safely?
A: Low-dose aspirin appears to protect against heart attacks, but NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren) might counteract this benefit. NSAIDs raise blood pressure, cause fluid retention and can worsen heart failure.
Such drugs can be hard on the digestive tract and kidneys.
They also can interact with Plavix to increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Acetaminophen may be a safer option, or you might want to consider food remedies.
Many readers have found gin-soaked raisins, tart cherry juice, pineapple juice or grape juice mixed with vinegar or with Certo helpful.
For more details on such home remedies, anti-inflammatory herbs and topical NSAIDs, we are sending you our brand-new Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis.
For a copy send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. AA-2, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
It also can be downloaded for $2 from our Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.com.
