Health Information

The foundation of a long, happy life is knowing how to take care of your health. You only get one body. You can take care of it by learning how your body grows, what diseases or conditions to look out for and how to avoid risky products. Men’s bodies are different from women’s. All of our bodies change from childhood, through adulthood and into old age. Learn about each stage of life, and become a well-informed health consumer to improve your quality of life.

Check out our Interactive Health Guide for information on health risks and tests.

Check Your Health

You and Your Health

People have different health care needs based on several factors that include age and gender, and not all treatments are right for everyone. Certain drugs and medical devices may also have a negative impact on your health.

Men

Men are less likely to go for medical checkups than women and may have hidden health conditions. They are at greater risk for heart disease and certain types of cancer, and some drugs may increase the risk.

Women

Women have unique health care needs and spend hundreds of dollars more on health care each year than men. Certain prescription drugs and medical devices may create unique health risks for women.

Seniors

Almost half of seniors take at least five medications every day. They are more likely to need surgery and joint replacement. Seniors are most at risk for complications from drug side effects or faulty medical devices.

Pregnancy

A woman's pregnancy is both an exciting time and a vulnerable time filled with numerous physical and hormonal changes. It's important for women to consider the assortment of health-related choices they make while pregnant.

Children

Children and adolescents go through important stages of physical and mental development as they age. Parents should be aware of the effects drugs and medical devices can have on a child's development.

Students

Abuse of prescription drugs and alcohol is a growing problem among students, particularly those who are college age. Drug and alcohol abuse can create serious health problems.

About 29.1 million Americans are living with diabetes.

Find out more about treatment options and the side effects of Type 2 diabetes drugs.

Learn More About Diabetes

Health Warnings

Keeping track of the latest health warnings is important. There are a variety of sources for health care information. Always make sure to get information from a trusted, credible source.

FDA

The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for making sure dangerous drugs and medical devices stay off the market. However, it often relies on drug and device companies for funding and safety information.

Drug Interactions

Drugs and supplements may have dangerous side effects when they interact with other medications. Consumers need to be aware of the medications and supplements they take and the effects they may have when mixed.

Drug Side Effects

Every year, nearly 5 million Americans end up in the emergency room or doctor's office as a result of drug side effects, some fatal. Before taking any medication, consumers should be aware of the risks and benefits.

Diabetes

People with diabetes often take several medications to control blood sugar. Unfortunately, some of these medications can lead to additional health concerns, including certain types of cancer.

Bladder Cancer

Each year, about 70,000 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer in the United States, and about 15,000 die. Some bladder cancer cases are linked to prescription drugs like Actos, a type 2 diabetes medication.

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a difficult cancer to treat because it is usually diagnosed too late. Studies show type 2 diabetes medications like Januvia and Byetta can cause cancerous cells to form in the pancreas.

Kidney Damage

Most of the estimated 26 million American adults who suffer from a kidney disease are unaware they have a disorder, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Medicines used to reduce stomach acid called proton-pump inhibitors have been linked to chronic kidney disease for long-term users.

Heart Attack

About 715,000 heart attacks occur each year in the United States. While a number of factors such as smoking, obesity and inactivity increase the risk of heart attack, certain medications like Pradaxa also increase the risk.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is one of the world’s rarest cancers, but it also has another distinction. It is entirely preventable. Asbestos exposure causes this disease, and people who get it should examine their work history and ask questions about it.

Drugwatch Podcast & Blog

Listen to health experts and real people talk about their experiences with drugs and medical devices, and read about current health and legal issues.

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Doctors Treat Medical Device and Drug Complications

Sometimes instead of helping people get healthier, drugs and medical devices can cause injuries and more health problems. In these situations, a medical specialist can help. Drugwatch interviews experienced physicians and surgeons who share their knowledge and expertise. For example, there are specialists who help women with transvaginal mesh and men and women with hip implants.

Women with mesh implants often need doctors to perform extensive surgery to correct tissue and nerve damage as well as to reconstruct lost tissue. Urogynecologists train in complex surgeries that treat these life-changing side effects.

In the case of hip replacements, orthopaedic surgeons fix faulty devices like DePuy ASR hip implants, which are more prone to failure than other implants on the market. Depending on the hip, recipients can experience metal poisoning, a loosening on their device or incapacitating pain and swelling because of other issues. Revision surgeries are more difficult to perform than original hip replacements, and only doctors with experience and special training can perform them with the best outcomes.