Q. I’ve heard that a daily dose of aspirin may lead to an ulcer due to the corrosive effect of aspirin on the lining of the stomach. Enteric-coated aspirin is sometimes recommended. I understand that it results in the aspirin dissolving in the intestine rather than the stomach. Why is it better to get a hole in your intestine rather than in your stomach?
A. Holes in any part of the digestive tract are undesirable! We spoke with gastroenterologist Waqar Qureshi, MD, chief of endoscopy at Baylor and the Houston VA Medical Center. He said that doctors mostly ignored the effect of medications on the small intestine until recently because it was so hard to examine. But a new “camera pill” allows researchers to look for lesions beyond the reach of an endoscope.
Dr. Qureshi’s research shows that 70 percent of patients taking arthritis medicines (NSAIDs) may develop lesions in the small intestine. He adds that “enteric-coated drugs might, in fact, cause more damage than regular medications.”
Q. I know this is a sensitive issue, but it affects a lot of women. Vaginal dryness is ruining our sex lives. I had breast cancer, so hormones are out. I’m embarrassed to ask my doctor about moisturizer.
My husband works long hours and our opportunities for intimacy are unpredictable. He’s 56 and I’m 49. Is there any natural lubricant I could use right at the time?
A. Readers have suggested olive, almond or vitamin E oil. Some people are allergic to topical vitamin E, though, and it can cause a nasty rash. One woman breaks a leaf off her aloe vera plant and uses the slippery gel that oozes out.
If you prefer a commercial product, we suggest Sylk. This natural lubricant is made in New Zealand with kiwi fruit vine extract. It is available in the U.S. from 866-831-2920.
Q. I am 69 years old and have always been physically fit. I was a marathon runner from age 40 to 55. Now I run for fitness.
I was dismayed to learn that I have high cholesterol despite my exercise. My doctor prescribed Lipitor and I have taken it for two years. I am experiencing leg pains for the first time in my life. I’ve also noticed some alarming memory gaps and loss of feeling in my right-hand fingertips. Occasional depressive moods are new to me since I started on this drug. Could any of these symptoms be side effects of Lipitor?
A. Cholesterol-lowering drugs like Crestor, Lescol, Lipitor, Pravachol and Zocor save lives by reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But as effective as such statins are at lowering cholesterol and inflammation, they can have side effects.
Some people have reported muscle or joint pain, cognitive problems and peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage signaled by burning, tingling or loss of sensation). Such symptoms are not always recognized as reactions to statins.
We recently interviewed several physicians who have studied such issues. If you would like a CD of this one-hour radio interview, please send $15 to: People’s Pharmacy (CD-523), P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
Q. I keep orange juice in the refrigerator in a pitcher. My mother says that unless it has a lid, nutrients escape. Is there any truth to this?
A. Exposure to air reduces the amount of vitamin C by oxidation. The best way to store orange juice is in a tightly closed glass container.
