Health

Axios -  The Inflation Reduction Act’s pill penalty will have harmful consequences for patients. Early-stage funding for the development of pills and other small molecule medicines has fallen nearly 70% since the IRA was introduced.  See why this flawed policy puts vital treatments at risk.

NPR-  People often don’t use over-the-counter painkillers correctly. They may take too much too quickly, misdiagnose an ailment and take the wrong medicine, or unknowingly take multiple pain relievers at the same time. Doing this can lead to serious side effects, from bloating and nausea to heart attack and stroke. Life Kit spoke with health professionals on the topic. Here’s what they say are safer and more effective ways to take pain medication:

💊 Acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, is typically the better option to reduce fevers.
💊 NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen are generally more effective than Tylenol for pain relief, especially for inflammatory conditions like muscle aches. 
💊 If you are habitually reaching for the same over-the-counter pain medication, you should talk to your health care provider. The pain could signal a larger underlying health issue.
💊 If unsure which painkiller to use or how much to take, talk to a pharmacist. They can help you make an informed decision by asking about the type of pain you are experiencing.