Men who take aspirin "regularly" have significantly lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels than those who do not according to a new study. (A PSA test is used to screen men for prostate cancer.)
Impact: Aspirin use makes PSA testing less reliable. Tell your doctor about your aspirin use when scheduling a test.
Aspirin Helps Build Bone
Low doses of aspirin—81 milligrams daily—increase production of bone-forming cells. More study is needed before aspirin can be recommended as an osteoporosis preventive.
Amazing Ways Aspirin Protects Your Liver
Aspirin may protect the liver against damage from acetaminophen and other drugs, according to a recent study. This potent anti-inflammatory also may protect against liver disease resulting from alcohol, obesity and other causes. Clinical trials are needed to confirm aspirin's liver-protecting benefits.
Future possibility: Medicines could be formulated containing both acetaminophen and enough aspirin to ward off liver damage.
RA Drugs Raise Risk For Serious Infections
Several drugs known as TNF blockers, immune-suppressing drugs that treat rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and other conditions, can increase patients' risk for severe local or systemic fungal infections. The drugs—Remicade, Humira, Cimzia and Enbrel—work by suppressing the immune system, leaving some patients open to these infections. The Food and Drug Administration has ordered stronger warning labels to alert doctors to the fungal-infection risk. Patients taking TNF blockers should be aware that they are more susceptible to serious fungal infections. If you develop a persistent fever, cough, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss and/or fatigue, seek medical attention promptly.
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