The FDA has released a warning that the use of red yeast rice (also known as red rice yeast, by its latin name, Monascus purpureus, or by its Chinese name, Hong Qu) may pose a hazard to patients. Their rarionale is that it contains several varieties of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, also known as statins. They consider this an adulteration of an herbal supplement by a pharmaceutical drug. (more…)
Preliminary findings from a review of safety data found that Omeprazole (Prilosec and Zegerid) and Esomeprazole (Nexium) may have increased the risk of heart problems. Further review indicated that there is no substantial increase in heart problems when these medicines are used long term. This interpretation is based on two small long-term studies and further research may change this interpretation. Both of these agents are proton pump inhibitors which help reduce stomach acid in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcer disease (PUD).
Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol) may cause fatal skin reactions, such as Stevens Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysism, in certain individuals. These individuals have a particular gene that is more common in individuals of Asian descent. The gene can be screened for and patients with gene are advised not to intiate drug therapy as the risks outweigh the benefits. Carbamazepine is used to treat epilepsy.