Niacin Doesn’t Reduce Cardiovascular Events; Side Effects of Concern

Niacin often is used in the United States to lower cholesterol levels in patients at risk for a heart attack or stroke. A new study, however, raises strong concerns about using the compound for that purpose. Here’s what it says about performance and the risk of some potentially dangerous side effects.

Review Study Finds Link Between Aspirin Use, Lower Risk of Melanoma

Could one of the oldest and cheapest medications on the drugstore shelf help prevent life-threatening melanoma? A new review suggests that aspirin could have that effect on older women, and study authors are calling for clinical trials to test the notion. How much was melanoma risk reduced by aspirin use over time?

Erectile Dysfunction Drug Fails to Improve Function in Heart Failure Patients

Past studies held out some promise that erectile dysfunction drugs, such as Viagra, could improve the clinical status of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. A new study found no evidence of that, however. Find out what the study authors said about the use of sildenafil in patients with heart failure.

Who Uses Emergency Contraception and Why? CDC Provides Answers

Who is most likely to come into a pharmacy seeking emergency contraception, and why do they need it? A new report from CDC sought to answer those questions. It found that use of the medications is especially common among younger women.