Ibuprofen cuts aspirin benefits

I’ve heard that ibuprofen will negate the positive effects of aspirin if the two are taken together. I read a report that says ibuprofen blocks aspirin’s effect for only two hours and that it’s safe to take ibuprofen two hours after aspirin to circumvent this effect. Any truth to this?

Several years ago, a report in the New England Journal of Medicine (Dec. 20, 2001) suggested that ibuprofen could counteract the anti-clotting benefits of aspirin. A new study in the journal Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (September 2006) confirms that ibuprofen undermines the effectiveness of aspirin against blood clots.

Waiting two hours won’t solve the problem.

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My doctor has prescribed Avodart for enlarged prostate. I am interested in any adverse side effects from this new drug.

Avodart (dutasteride) blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT stimulates the growth of prostate tissue. Researchers are studying whether it might lower the risk of prostate cancer. Although most men tolerate Avodart very well, a few report reduced libido or impotence.

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For travel sickness, I find ginger to be the best treatment. I buy capsules of ginger and have taken them with me on 10 cruises. Candied ginger is also useful when it would be difficult to swallow capsules.

Ginger root has been used to prevent motion sickness for thousands of years. Placebo-controlled studies have confirmed its effectiveness.

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Joe Graedon, a pharmacologist, and Teresa Graedon, an expert in medical anthropology and nutrition, can be reached at www.peoplespharmacy.com or care of this newspaper.