The first rapid blood test for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been approved for persons 15 years and older, announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The OraQuick HCV Rapid Antibody Test is used for people who are at risk for HCV infection and those with signs or symptoms of the [...]

More bad news for the controversial diabetes drug Avandia. New research from two studies, made public Monday, fuels the argument that the popular medication increases the risk of strokes and heart problems. The first analysis followed more than 35,500 individuals and revealed that Avandia significantly ups the chance of a heart attack. The second was [...]

Last October, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) published a warning about hydraulic drilling and its threat to New York City drinking water. The information was based on published data regarding the EWG’s testimony before the NYC Council. Drilling for natural gas in New York’s Marcellus Shale region would be by hydraulic fracturing, also called fracking. [...]

Psychotropic medications such as Haldol, Ritalin and Prozac are associated with higher risk of birth defects, say researchers from the University of Copenhagen’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Studies. “A range of serious side effects such as birth deformities, low birth weight, premature birth, and development of neonatal withdrawal syndrome were reported in children under two years [...]

Pure Base Distribution, LLC of Ontario, CA is recalling its 4 ounce bottles of “Pure Base Garlic Spread – Concentrate” and 7 ounce bottles of “Pure Base Garlic Spread – Ready to Spread” items because they could contain undeclared milk and wheat, announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). People who have allergies to [...]

In a move that  involves millions of cereal packages, Kellogg Company is voluntarily recalling select 
Kellogg’s® Corn Pops®, Kellogg’s® Honey Smacks®, Kellogg’s® Froot Loops®,
and Kellogg’s® Apple Jacks®, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced. Kellogg is working with the FDA to implement the voluntary recall due to an uncharacteristic off-flavor and smell emitting from [...]

A New York jury has eased the pain of Shirley Boles’ osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), known as dead jaw syndrome. The jury ordered Merck & Co. to pay $8 million to the former Fosamax user who claimed she developed ONJ from taking the osteoporosis drug. Surprisingly, the award was $3 million more than plaintiff [...]

Toyota‘s defective vehicle problems continue to mount. According to the LATimes, the auto giant has ceased all sales of its 2010 Lexus HS 250h hybrid vehicles after government tests revealed the vehicle can leak fuel if involved in a rear-end collision. Toyota recalled 17,000 sedans and approximately 4,000 dealerships are affected in the stop sales [...]

About 10 million Americans rely on denture cream and the names Poligrip and Fixodent are practically household words. But most denture wearers are oblivious that denture cream contains zinc. In the body, zinc paired with copper regulates a lot of the neurological activity but too much zinc can be toxic and cause copper depletion. The [...]

BP claims it has already paid roughly $2.35 billion in clean-up and compensation costs, but what about the $20 billion oil spill fund earmarked for personal and business damages resulting from the Deepwater Horizon catastrophe? Was the public misled about its purpose ? Apparently. The media reported the money was to be used for the [...]