Medical Treatments

When should a patient in dire condition be allowed to try an experimental treatment?

Health & Safety

More States Adopt Laws To Ease Access To Experimental Treatments

12:00pm November 19, 2014

by Michelle Andrews

While several states have approved so-called right-to-try measures that aim to give patients with life-threatening illnesses access to unapproved drugs, drugmakers don't have to comply.

Are Modafinil's Brain-Boosting Benefits Hype Or Science?

9:08am November 19, 2014

by Maanvi Singh

Modafinil has been approved for treatment of narcolepsy, but it's often used to improve mental performance. The question is, does it work? A new study says probably not.

In California, That MRI Will Cost You $255 — Or Maybe $6,221

9:53am November 18, 2014

by Lisa Aliferis

It's almost impossible to comparison shop for medical tests and procedures. A crowdsourcing experiment by two NPR member stations in California is aimed at making those numbers less mysterious.

Fresh data show that Vytorin, a combination pill for cholesterol, cuts the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Health & Safety

Controversial Cholesterol Drug Redeemed By Global Clinical Test

9:16am November 18, 2014

by Scott Hensley

Merck's Vytorin reduced the risk of heart attack and stroke more than a cholesterol-lowering statin alone. The findings come from an international study of more than 18,000 people in 39 countries.

The Power Of Suggestion Could Trigger Asthma — Or Treat It

4:41pm November 17, 2014

by Patti Neighmond

Strong odors can be a problem for people with asthma. Even anticipating smells like chemicals or heavy perfumes can lead to an asthma attack. Some scientists think this may lead to new treatments.

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Researchers Suggest Ways To Make Pill Swallowing Easier

3:24pm November 17, 2014

by Maanvi Singh

Almost one-third of people have trouble swallowing pills, according to German researchers. They say some people have so much trouble, they avoid taking the recommended dosage.

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NPR's Nina Totenberg says the pop bottle method worked without a hitch.

Trouble Swallowing Pills? Try The 'Pop Bottle' Or The 'Lean Forward'

2:00pm November 17, 2014

by Maanvi Singh

One-third of people have trouble downing pills, and many skip taking medications as a result. A researcher in Germany says that two techniques help. Really? We tested them ourselves to find out.

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Preemies May Be Exposed To High Levels Of Phthalates In The NICU

10:06am November 14, 2014

by Nancy Shute

Chemicals in medical equipment can be transferred to patients, and it's a particular concern with premature infants whose bodies and brains are immature.

A nurse adjusts the position of a patient's arm during dialysis treatment. The treatment requires trained staff that weren't readily available in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Hurricane Sandy Stranded Dialysis Patients. Lessons Learned?

4:12pm November 13, 2014

by Alison Bruzek

A quarter of the dialysis patients who were in New York City when Hurricane Sandy hit missed at least one treatment due to power outages. Yet, not many are prepared for the next disaster.

Health & Safety

Medicare Poised To Cover CT Scans To Screen For Lung Cancer

11:28am November 13, 2014

by Scott Hensley

To qualify for coverage, patients would have to first meet with a doctor to talk through the pros and cons of scans, which involve a low-dose of radiation.