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Opill, the first over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill, will soon be available in US pharmacies. The switch to OTC status for this norgestrel-only contraceptive has the support of various physician groups, as it removes a barrier to access for many women who lack insurance. However, some healthcare professionals are concerned that the availability of an OTC pill may lead to missed opportunities for counseling on sexually transmitted diseases. Patients will need to closely read the materials provided for Opill, as there may be a tendency to skip instructions and warnings when a product is sold over the counter. The pill is priced at $20 per month, which may be out of reach for many individuals who would benefit from an OTC option. Perrigo, the manufacturer, plans to offer a cost-assistance program for low-income individuals without insurance. [Extracted from the article]

Dermatologists are recommending that emergency contraception (EC) be prescribed to adolescent patients being treated with isotretinoin for acne. Isotretinoin is an effective treatment for acne but carries serious risks for fetal exposure. However, there is a knowledge gap among dermatologists regarding EC, and many are reluctant to prescribe it. The article also discusses other hormonal therapies for pediatric acne, such as spironolactone and combined oral contraceptives (COCs), and emphasizes the importance of considering polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents with acne. [Extracted from the article]

Details an article in a 2004 issue of the "Pharmacotherapy" journal which reports that St. John's wort, a herbal supplement often used as an antidepressant, appears to reduce the effectiveness of Gleevec, a drug prescribed for chronic myeloid leukemia. Additional finding that St. John's wort reduces the effectiveness of birth control prescriptions and drugs that fight HIV infection.

The plasma concentration of P-glycoprotein substrates decreased in a human colon adenocarcinoma cell line, perhaps due to St. John's wort and its ingredients. 'Continuous use of St. John's wort decreases [...]

Researchers are warning that popular herbs and supplements, including St. John's wort and even garlic and ginger, do not mix well with common heart drugs and can also be dangerous for patients taking statins, blood thinners and blood pressure medications. St. John's wort raises blood pressure and heart rate, and garlic and ginger increase the risk of bleeding in patients on blood thinners, the researchers said. Even grapefruit juice can be risky, increasing the effects of calcium-channel blockers and statins, they said. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article focuses on the application of the extract from a yellow wildflower called St. John's Wort in treating depression. According to companies that sell the extract, it promotes a positive mood and emotional well-being. The author discusses the conflicting results of studies conducted on the efficacy of St. John's Wort as a treatment for depression. Many physicians remain skeptical of the herbal extract, even for minor depression, because many positive studies on it come from German-speaking countries like Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Details several studies published in the U.S. which concern St. John's wort and Zoloft, herbal supplements that have been prescribed to treat mental depression.

Discusses a study on St. John's wort, which was co-authored by David J. Hellerstein, clinical director of the New York Psychiatric Institute, and published in an April 2001 issue of the 'Journal of the American Medical Association.' Indication that the herb is an ineffective alternative to prescription antidepressants; Issue of the study being supported by Pfizer, maker of the antidepressant Zoloft; Criticism of the study's method and results.

Reports that herbal remedy Saint John's wort has been proven useless in treating depression in a study published in the `Journal of the American Medical Association.'

Deals with studies on the impact of Saint John's wort, an herb used as treatment for depression and anxiety, on medications for the treatment of HIV infections. Effect of taking together AIDS drug indinavir and Saint John's wort on the AIDS virus; Comments from Doctor Stephen Piscitelli of the National Institutes of Health; Role of grapefruit juice in increasing the effectiveness of some HIV drugs.

Focuses on a study conducted to determined the detrimental effects of substances on herbs to men as well as women and could interfere with the conception or healthy pregnancy. Ill effects of Saint John's wort, Echinacea purpura and Gingko biloba on either eggs or sperms; Effects of palmetto to the the sperm; Other findings of the study.

Presents information on the lipstick manufactured by Tony & Tina company which contains Saint John's Wort. Psychological impact of lipstick; Details on Saint John's wort; Description of the lipstick; Cost of the lipstick.

Reports on the efforts of Terry Foley, an entrepreneur, to construct an operation in Idaho to grow Saint John's wort, a weed on December 25, 1997. Reputation gained by Foley; Details on the efforts of Foley; Plans of Foley; Discussion of St. John's wort.

Focuses on the popularity of the herb called Saint John wort, in New York. Administration of the herb for the treatment of depression; How the herb popularity heightened following a report by the British Medical Journal; Results of a survey conducted on users of the herb.

Highlights the therapeutic applications and uses of hypericum or Saint John's wort, an antidepressant herb. Side-effects of the drug; Cost of hypericum therapy; Information on how the drug works.

A recent report suggests that the use of the over-the-counter herbal depression treatment, St. John's Wort, may be associated with nerve damage in people who use the product and are [...]