DEAR DR. ROACH: Is Januvia an effective drug for diabetes? What are the side effects? — M.A.A. ANSWER: Sitagliptin (Januvia) is an oral medication for diabetes mellitus. The way it works is complicated: It inhibits a molecule called ”DPP-4,” which causes an increase in another molecule called ”glucagon-like peptide 1.” GLP-1 causes decreased secretion of […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 70-year-old, retired, white male with no major health history, who is not overweight, diabetic or a smoker. All my bloodwork and my blood pressure are within range for my age. I have had a very healthy diet for a long time, lead a sedentary lifestyle and have some family […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 69, and I retired from a career in primary care and emergency medicine. I have always been very active and have kept fit with biking, cross-country skiing and hiking. My diet has been basically vegetarian with lots of fish and limited sweets. I have had no chronic problems except for […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 72-year-old woman. For many years, or even decades (but infrequently, like every few months), I have experienced sudden chest pressure or tightness while eating my evening meal. Out of the blue, I feel extreme pressure or tightness in my chest, and I must stop eating and take a few […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: After years and years of excessive nasal congestion and postnasal drip that frequently affected my speech, I was diagnosed with a pseudomonas infection in my sinuses. I’ve had a balloon sinuplasty and two rounds of Cipro. My symptoms briefly improved after each treatment, but soon reverted to their prior condition. My ear, […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m 83 and was recently diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. My doctor put me on Eliquis. I have had no problems with it, except the cost! Is there something comparable that is less expensive? — D.C. ANSWER: Apixaban (Eliquis) is one of the new oral anticoagulant drugs, often abbreviated ”NOACs.” They are effective […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 67 years old and in pretty good health. I take atorvastatin daily, and my cholesterol is much better since I started it. I have one big problem: I cannot sleep, and I am tired all day. I read about a polyphenol supplement. It’s supposed to increase your energy level, help […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I keep hearing that I should have my children tested for the MTHFR gene before vaccinating them. What is the MTHFR gene? Does something about it lead to more vaccine injuries? — K.S.H. ANSWER: The MTHFR gene codes for the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, an important enzyme in making the active form of […]