Dr. Cooper in studio: popular prescriptions, red yeast rice, heartburn (see show notes for references)

We'll discuss news regarding many popular prescription and over-the-counter medications. If you take red yeast rice to lower your cholesterol and have been experiencing muscle soreness, there may be a very good reason why that's happening. What about heartburn? If you take Prilosec, Nexium, Zantac, Pepcid, or Tagamet, you may be at greater risk for heart attack or dementia. And if you take aspirin for your heart and ibuprofen for arthritis, Dr. Cooper will explain exactly when and how you should take those medications. Dr. Cooper answers listeners' calls.   Program Reference Notes: FDA warns doctors, consumers about red yeast supplements found to contain lovastatin Acid inhibitors may raise dementia riskA study of elderly blacks indicates that those who are chronic users are more likely to develop the disease. The drugs inhibit a chemical involved in memory. Tonsil Removal May Cure ADHD Behavior in Kids The costly side effects of Nexium's ad blitz Heartburn pills may be safe enough, but their marketing is hazardous F.D.A. Is Reviewing Heartburn Drugs After Studies Find Possible Heart Risk Exercise Caution When Taking Ibuprofen Aspirin: A user's guide to who needs it and how much to take