Recently, a well-known medication used by people to lower cholesterol levels and to lower the risk of heart attack has been in the news. Why? This drug has been shown to have a surprising benefit for those who take it – a lower risk of dying from severe influenza. Other medications also have benefits that extend beyond their initial intended use.
Read on to learn more about this new finding, as well as to learn about other drugs with surprising (additional) benefits.
Statins
People who take this drug daily do so to address abnormal cholesterol levels and to combat heart attacks. Little did these patients know – this drug cuts the risk of dying in half for those people admitted to the hospital for extreme cases of influenza. As stated in USA Today, “Statins have piqued the interest of virologists and others because they may have anti-inflammatory properties that might mitigate the damage from the influenza virus.†At this time, the drug will not be given to those patients who are admitted to the hospital with influenza, and who don’t normally take statins, yet it is surprising that research has shown that those who do take it have a better chance of surviving a bout with the flu.
Aspirin
This medication, used for years as a pain reliever and fever reducer, also has a surprising benefit you may not know about – for some people it lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke. It is imperative to not begin taking a daily dose of aspirin without consulting your doctor first; however, if he or she deems you a candidate for low-dose aspirin therapy, you will increase your chances of NOT dying from heart trouble. As explained by the Mayo Clinic, aspirin reduces the clumping action of platelets in the blood. This, in turn, can help a person who has narrowing of the arteries. They also warn that aspirin can cause unwanted internal bleeding, so this type of therapy should be done only under the supervision of a doctor.
Cymbalta (duloxetine)
Thousands of people rely on anti-depressants to help them live life to the fullest. One drug, Cymbalta, has helped many of these patients to shoo away the clouds of listlessness and of sadness. It has also been prescribed for managing anxiety. Recently, Cymbalta has also been linked to pain reduction. Those who suffer from the aches associated with several illnesses may also benefit from this medication. As described on the Cymbalta website, “It is indicated for the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia…and for the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain due to chronic osteoarthritis pain and chronic low back pain.â€
(A doctor should be consulted before taking any medication. It is never wise to take another person’s medication or to start a new drug without the knowledge of your primary caregiver. Although the medications listed above have benefits that extend beyond their original use, making an appointment with your local health care provider is the best way to deal with a health issue!)
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