DEAR PEOPLE’S PHARMACY: I read that men who developed erectile dysfunction had, on average, a shorter life expectancy. Recently, I began experiencing some erectile dysfunction symptoms. My physician prescribed daily sildenafil.
To take the medication safely, I began to explore the internet regarding interactions with other medications, food and beverages. Much to my surprise, I also found several sites describing the health benefits of erectile dysfunction medications.
Specifically, a study of 23,000 men with diagnosed erectile dysfunction who were prescribed a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE-5i) found that they had a 13% lower rate of major adverse cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke or heart failure. This is in comparison to 48,000 men with diagnosed erectile dysfunction who were not prescribed a PDE-5i drug. In addition, those taking an ED drug had a 39% lower rate of death due to cardiovascular disease and a 25% lower rate of death due to any cause.
Is the information reporting the health benefits of sildenafil sound? If sildenafil does have such profound health benefits, why are physicians not prescribing it to improve health outcomes and longevity?
A. Thank you for alerting us to an interesting study (Journal of Sexual Medicine, January 2023). This research, based on insurance claims information from a large population, did indeed produce the results you have outlined for both sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis).
Scientists know that these ED drugs work by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow. Consequently, it shouldn’t be a big surprise that they could have health benefits throughout the body. Because they are so strongly identified with sexual medicine, it may take some time for researchers to confirm these broader health benefits.
DEAR PEOPLE’S PHARMACY: I had back surgery several days ago. The surgeon prescribed oxycodone to help with the pain. As a result, I have experienced severe constipation. Since returning home from the hospital, I have not had a bowel movement.
I tried MiraLax but it has not helped. Is there anything else that could ease my discomfort?
A. Opioid-induced constipation can be a serious problem. Doctors have a few prescription options for this problem, though. Medications that counteract the action of opioids within the digestive tract include naloxegol (Movantik), methylnaltrexone (Relistor) and naldemedine (Symproic). Your physician might prescribe you one of these until you no longer need the oxycodone. Fiber and fluids are also essential.
Unfortunately, these drugs are quite pricey. We don’t know if your insurance will cover the cost. In addition, side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
DEAR PEOPLE’S PHARMACY: Now that summer’s here, I see people slathering on sunscreen. I think that’s a mistake.
I use just enough to keep from burning. Otherwise, I worry about developing vitamin D deficiency. Isn’t sun exposure the main source of vitamin D?
A. Sun exposure is the most important natural source of vitamin D. But exposure to ultraviolet radiation leads to premature aging and an increased risk for skin cancer.
A review of the limited research that has been conducted on sunscreen use and vitamin D levels concludes that there is little evidence this poses a problem (British Journal of Dermatology, November 2019).
You can learn more about the importance of vitamin D and its sources in our “eGuide to Vitamin D and Optimal Health.” This online resource can be found under the Health eGuides tab at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Scientists have not studied the impact of high SPF sunscreens on vitamin D levels.
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In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is “Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them.”
(c) 2023 King Features Syndicate, Inc. I had back surgery several days ago. The surgeon prescribed oxycodone to help with the pain. As a result, I have experienced severe constipation. Since returning home from the hospital, I have not had a bowel movement.
I tried MiraLax but it has not helped. Is there anything else that could ease my discomfort?
A. Opioid-induced constipation can be a serious problem. Doctors have a few prescription options for this problem, though. Medications that counteract the action of opioids within the digestive tract include naloxegol (Movantik), methylnaltrexone (Relistor) and naldemedine (Symproic). Your physician might prescribe you one of these until you no longer need the oxycodone. Fiber and fluids are also essential.
Unfortunately, these drugs are quite pricey. We don’t know if your insurance will cover the cost. In addition, side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Q. Now that summer’s here, I see people slathering on sunscreen. I think that’s a mistake.
I use just enough to keep from burning. Otherwise, I worry about developing vitamin D deficiency. Isn’t sun exposure the main source of vitamin D?
A. Sun exposure is the most important natural source of vitamin D. But exposure to ultraviolet radiation leads to premature aging and an increased risk for skin cancer.
A review of the limited research that has been conducted on sunscreen use and vitamin D levels concludes that there is little evidence this poses a problem (British Journal of Dermatology, November 2019).
You can learn more about the importance of vitamin D and its sources in our “eGuide to Vitamin D and Optimal Health.” This online resource can be found under the Health eGuides tab at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Scientists have not studied the impact of high SPF sunscreens on vitamin D levels.
* * *
In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is “Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them.”
(c) 2023 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
