Alarming headlines in several UK newspapers and news websites this week (27 January 2015) claiming a US study concluded common hay fever tablets available over the counter raise the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
While there are significant findings in the study, the news reporting was not entirely accurate according to NHS ‘Behind the headlines’ (page now removed). Much of the reporting failed to highlight the study focus was on prescribed medicine for over 65s only; some brand name drugs contain different ingredients in the US to the UK; and other limitations of the study findings.
Although some of the drugs can be bought over the counter, the study only included prescribed medicines which have an anticholinergic effect, including some antihistamines, antidepressants and drugs for an overactive bladder, and concludes those over 65s taking the highest levels of anticholinergic prescribed medicines were at a higher risk of developing dementia compared with those not taking any.
Some of the medicine brands also contain different ingredients in the UK than the US: Benadryl and Piriteze do not contain ingredients identified in the study as causes of concern. Read in full
Many millions of men have taken Viagra (sildenafil) repeatedly and regularly for up to 15 years, since it became available in 1998.
The concerns raised in this article are based on a single short term study in mice, which may not be relevant to humans. The mice study was carried out using very much higher doses than are taken in humans.
The side effects of medicines are monitored. There has been no reporting of widespread permanent damage to vision in men taking Viagra/sildenafil. There is no need for men to be alarmed as we discuss this is more detail. Read in full
Over the past decade and beyond, technology has increasingly become part of our lives, gaining functions as its form factor has shrunk in size. Until recently, however, the focus has been on helping us get a clearer view of the world “out there”. Constantly evolving technology has allowed individuals to research, learn, stay-up-to-date and communicate in new and ever-deeper ways – but will the next frontier be within ourselves? Technology is poised to start looking in, rather than helping us to look out. The latest tech trends help us to monitor ourselves. Read in full
TEVA launched their generic version of Viagra called TEVA sildenafil the day after the Viagra patent expired in several European countries (including the UK) on 22 June 2013.
Viagra was the drug that changed the world in 1998 and revolutionised treatment for men with erectile dysfunction (ED). Cialis was the second ED drug brought to market and earned the nickname The Weekend Pill as it’s duration of action is 36 hours (Viagra lasts for 4 hours). Other tablets to treat ED are Levitra and Spedra.
Viagra has been ‘off patent’ since 2013 which means legal copies of the drug can now be sold in the UK as generics called sildenafil, and there are now many brands of sildenafil available. The patent for Cialis expired November 2017 and lower cost generic Tadalafil is also now available. Read in full
The BMJ (British Medical Journal) is an international, peer reviewed, influential and widely read medical journal.
Tony Steele, a general practitioner, set up online medical services through his website, DrFox (www.doctorfox.co.uk), two years ago. He told the BMJ that many routine face to face consultations with GPs could be done safely online. He said, “It should be possible to do the necessary safety checks without interfering with primary care’s function. We are aware that some treatment areas are complex, and we don’t get involved in that. Hay fever or malaria medication would normally involve an appointment with the doctor, whereas online it may actually be better.” The site also provides copious written information for patients.
Steele told the BMJ, “We know that in ED [erectile dysfunction], the NHS will fund only small quantities [of drugs], and most men don’t qualify for a supply on the NHS, so it will likely be a private prescription anyway. Many people with busy lives might need a stopgap when they can’t get it from their GP, they are busy at work, or have travel commitments. We would only do this if there is the mechanism for making sure it was safe and by doing the necessary checks.”
Steele is aware that his service doesn’t have access to notes on medical history. He said, “We are more conservative than any other clinic we know.” He also said that a GP’s contact details are required when women request repeat supplies of contraceptive pills or cystitis treatment. However, for other treatments between 20% and 30% of patients ask for details not to be sent to their GP. The DrFox website has 2500 visitors a day, with 5% making an order. Half these orders are repeat prescriptions, especially for erectile dysfunction drugs, travel drugs, and cystitis. The site has issued 70 000 prescriptions to date, with no reported adverse effects (personal communication).
Erectile dysfunction is a condition that is usually experienced by ageing men – but it isn’t always the older generations who are affected by it. Younger men can also experience erectile dysfunction and it certainly isn’t that unusual if you are experiencing it yourself.
If you do think you have erectile dysfunction, no matter what age you are, the most important thing to do is to see your GP. This is because the condition can be a symptom of other issues, such as diabetes. It could also be caused by something in your lifestyle, such as excessive consumption of alcohol. Your doctor will check your history to see what might be causing your problems.
However, in many younger men, the cause of erectile dysfunction isn’t medical at all. Very often, the cause of it is performance anxiety. This is a psychological issue that needs to be taken seriously, as the feelings of anxiety can often be deep rooted and need to be dealt with. Read in full
Dominic Littlewood from Fake Britain (BBC) follows Operation Pangea aimed at stopping the multi-billion pound international trade in fake medicines run by sophisticated drug gangs, and the UK dealers that make thousands from peddling them.
Operation Pangea is an international week of action tackling the online sale of counterfeit and illicit medicines and highlighting the dangers of buying medicines online. Coordinated by INTERPOL, the annual operation brings together customs, health regulators, national police and the private sector from countries around the world.
Activities target the three principal components used by illegal websites to conduct their trade – the Internet Service Provider (ISP), payment systems and the delivery service.
The operation has gained significant momentum since its launch in 2008. The first phase of the operation brought together 10 countries, with the number rising to more than 80 in 2011.
Over the past decade and beyond, technology has increasingly become part of our lives, gaining functions as its form factor has shrunk in size. Until recently, however, the focus has been on helping us get a clearer view of the world “out there”. Constantly evolving technology has allowed individuals to research, learn, stay-up-to-date and communicate in new and ever-deeper ways – but will the next frontier be within ourselves? Technology is poised to start looking in, rather than helping us to look out. The latest tech trends help us to monitor ourselves. 
Dr Fox has been featured in an article by Margaret McCartney in the British Medical Journal: 
Erectile dysfunction