European health officials are warning women about the potential hazards of hair dye. Dr. Ian White, a dermatologist at St. Thomas’ Hospital, says a recent investigation shows 36 chemicals in hair dye that could trigger a fatal allergic reaction. Ingredients … Continue reading →

In 2009, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began an investigation into whether Google was profiting from rogue pharmacy ads displayed alongside reputable search results. Google was accused of displaying ads from “Canadian” pharmacy companies, which were actually rogue … Continue reading →

Testosterone is the main hormone that confers masculinity. Levels peak in a man’s early 20s, and after men reach their mid-thirties, testosterone levels naturally decline with age at the rate of about 1% per year. Ads for testosterone replacement, or … Continue reading →

Viagra is going off-patent in the UK on June 21, even though Pfizer’s US patent for Viagra won’t end until the year 2020. Last year, although Viagra generated over $2 billion in revenue for Pfizer, it was only the company’s … Continue reading →

Google is under pressure to remove sites that allow people to buy medications without a prescription. An attorney general is threatening Google with a lawsuit if the Internet mogul doesn’t start policing illegal sites better. Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood … Continue reading →

Every summer you watch for ticks and the bullseye rash that warns of Lyme’s Disease, but this year researchers have a new concern. A different species of tick, known as the lone start tick, is causing people to develop an … Continue reading →

A meningitis outbreak in the autumn of 2012 affected people in 23 states, killing 55 people and sickening over 700. The source of the infections was found to be tainted epidural steroid injections made by the New England Compounding Center … Continue reading →

How would you feel visiting your doctor for a medical problem and having her write you a prescription for the very drug advertised on her clipboard or pen? While most consumers don’t really believe that the drug company gift of … Continue reading →

Just about everyone has sought out health care information online. According to a 2013 study by Kantar Media, 87% of internet users in the US looked up health and wellness information online in 2012. A previous Kantar survey found that … Continue reading →

Along with electronic health records and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) have come hundreds of breaches of patient confidentiality. For example, a UCLA Health System breach that resulted in an $865,000 settlement with federal regulators after employees illegally … Continue reading →