I received this via email today. Thought it was worth reposting...


Subject: Eight Drugs Doctors Wont TAke

8 Drugs Doctors Won't Take. Should You?

With those alluring TV and magazine ads for over-the-counter and prescription drugs, it's tempting to beg your doctor for what seems like the perfect medication for your asthma or arthritis. Beware! Many of these highly-advertised drugs have scary--and even potentially fatal--side effects. Men's Health reporter Morgan Lord asked a compelling question of a number of physicians: Which drugs would you never take yourself? The answers may astound you and encourage you to have a frank talk with your doctor about why you're taking a specific medication.

Here's a scary warning: Even recommended doses of Tylenol may cause damage to one organ in particular.

Advair
--Taken for: Asthma
--Problem: It contains the long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) salmeterol. Regular use of LABAs can increase the severity of asthma attacks.

Avandia
--Taken for: Type 2 diabetes
--Problem: Rosiglitazone (brand name Avandia) could cause a heart attack. Specifically, those who take it for at least a year increase their risk of heart failure by 109 percent and a heart attack by 42 percent. Find out how you can get a shot and feel no pain! Just as the nurse is about to stab you, do THIS.

Celebrex
--Taken for: Pain relief, once nicknamed the "super aspirin"
--Problem: In addition to being linked to increased risks of stomach bleeding, kidney trouble and liver damage, Celebrex can more than double your risk of dying of cardiovascular disease.

Ketek
--Taken for: Antibiotic for respiratory-tract infections, such as pneumonia
--Problem: It carries a higher risk of severe liver side effects than similar antibiotics, as well as heart-rhythm problems. People whose hair is THIS color have an innate ability to tolerate more pain than others.

Prilosec and Nexium
--Taken for: Heartburn
--Problem: There is a suspected link between these two drugs and heart attacks. In addition, they very effective at stopping stomach acid, which can raise the risk of pneumonia. (Stomach acid kills incoming bacteria and viruses.)

Visine Original
--Taken for: Dry, red eyes
--Problem: To "get the red out," as it advertises, Visine shrinks the blood vessels. Overuse perpetuated the vessel dilating-and-constricting cycle and may cause even more redness.

Pseudoephedrine
--Taken for: Nasal decongestant
--Problem: In addition to the fact that it can be turned into methamphetamine, it can raise blood pressure and heart rate. For years, it has been linked to heart attacks and strokes. It can also worsen symptoms of benign prostate disease and glaucoma.