Drugs Can Cause Male Breast Growth
Question: Please tell me about drug-induced gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men). Taking Haldol has caused weight gain and given me breasts that now resemble those of the opposite sex.
My doctor says that if I lose weight through diet and exercise, this abnormality will disappear. I have been dieting for two years with no change in the size of my chest. Will dieting ever help, or do I need cosmetic surgery? This abnormality has caused me shame and depression, and made others question my sexual orientation.
Answer: A surprising number of drugs can cause male breast enlargement. Haldol and other psychotherapeutic agents are well-known for this side effect. Other drugs that may trigger this response include Aldactone, estrogen, Lanoxin, marijuana, Nizoral, Tagamet theophylline, and cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Mevacor, Pravachol and Zocor.
Although this reaction may go away once the medicine is discontinued, no one should ever stop a prescription drug without medical supervision. Your doctor might be willing to prescribe an alternative to Haldol that is less likely to cause gynecomastia. If the problem does not disappear, cosmetic surgery such as liposuction could be considered.
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Q: I am only 47, but I have developed a heart rhythm problem called atrial fibrillation. My doctor says I must take Coumadin or risk a stroke. I also have high blood pressure and am on Norvasc.
These drugs are a problem. The Norvasc has made my feet swell so I can’t fit into my shoes. Is there a better blood pressure drug? I have also been told to avoid green vegetables, although I would like to eat a healthier diet to protect my heart.
Last month I developed an ulcer after taking ibuprofen for a bad back. Now I use Extra Strength Tylenol, but my blood tests are still not stable.
A: Coumadin saves lives by preventing blood clots, but getting the dose right can be like walking a tightrope. This drug interacts with many other medications and foods. You may not have to give up green vegetables, however. As long as you maintain a consistent vitamin K intake from day to day, your doctor should be able to adjust the dose of Coumadin.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), aspirin and other pain relievers can increase the risk of a bleeding ulcer, a life-threatening complication of Coumadin. Regular doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol) may also affect bleeding time.
Norvasc can cause swollen ankles or legs. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medicine that will not cause this side effect.
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Q: I am confused. I used to take Maalox for indigestion until I learned it contains aluminum. Last week, my wife brought home some Maalox tablets to take as her calcium supplement. Is this safe?
A: Maalox comes in a variety of formulations. If she bought calcium carbonate chewable tablets, they are a reasonable calcium source and have no aluminum.
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Q: You have written about the difficulties of getting rid of lice. I found a secret that has worked very well for my family and me. My quick remedy is Listerine. I have tried it and am convinced that it works. Put Listerine mouthwash in a spray bottle and spray it all over a child’s head. It will smell strong until it dries, but then there is no smell. Do not rinse the hair.
My child even slept in the same bed with another youngster who was later discovered to have lice. My child was unaffected.
I spray their hair every Sunday night before the school week starts. I think you will find that it helps.
A: Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash contains essential oils of herbs including thymol, eucalyptol, menthol and methyl salicylate. In addition, there is 26.9% alcohol.
An expert in lice treatment confided to us that alcohol does seem to be toxic to lice, so that may partially explain your success. Breathing in the mist may not be safe, so anyone who tries this technique should be extra-cautious to protect a child’s face from the aerosol spray.
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Send questions to them at People’s Pharmacy, care of King Features Syndicate, 235 E. 45th St., New York, NY 10017, or e-mail them via their Web site: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com.
