Certain medications can affect your dreams — and not always in a good way. Vivid dreams and nightmares can be an unexpected side effect of several medications and supplements, such as melatonin, beta blockers, and antidepressants. And while they don’t happen to everyone, it’s helpful to be aware of some of the most common offenders. Here’s a list of medications that are most likely to affect your dreams. Key takeaways: Some medications, such as melatonin, Ambien (zolpidem), and Chantix (varenicline), can cause vivid dreams and nightmares. These dreams can be bothersome, but typically aren’t dangerous to your health. Other medications that can…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has announced the winners of the Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards 2024, recognizing outstanding contributions from African researchers in the fields of women’s health and reproductive care. Five researchers from five African countries were honored under two categories: Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers. Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of MARS, commended the winners for their contributions to scientific research in Africa, particularly in areas where women researchers remain underrepresented. She reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to empowering young African scientists, especially…
Shortness of breath isn’t always the result of a lung disease like asthma, pneumonia, or emphysema. Sometimes, medications can cause it. Key takeaways: Rarely, medications can cause new breathing problems or worsen lung conditions you already have. Some people are at a higher risk than others — especially those with lung disease, a history of smoking, and folks taking chemotherapy or rheumatological medications. If you notice shortness of breath after starting a new treatment, let your healthcare professional know. You might need to stop and/or change the medication to protect your lungs. Although it’s rare, a small list of medications can lead…
In the U.S., over 40% of women and around 50% of men report having sexual problems. To live your most meaningful life, it’s important to understand factors that may lead to these problems. But did you know there is a link between certain medications and sexual health? Key takeaways: Sexual problems are common for both men and women. There are many possible causes of sexual problems, including medication. Several medications used to treat cancer, depression, and seizures can cause sexual problems. Heart failure, high blood pressure, and birth control medications can also play a role. If you think you’re having sexual problems due to…
For the first time, Africa is taking a major step toward vaccine self-sufficiency. Two landmark agreements, backed by a $1.2 billion investment from Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, are setting the stage for the continent to become a producer, not just a buyer, of life-saving vaccines. One of the agreements will establish Africa’s first end-to-end mRNA vaccine production platform, capable of manufacturing 100 million doses annually. The other strengthens cross-continental collaboration on homegrown mRNA technology. Signed in Cairo during the 2nd Vaccine & Other Health Products Manufacturing Forum, these deals mark a turning point in Africa’s health security efforts. The first…
When people take medications for certain conditions, like blood pressure or allergies, they don’t often think about eye side effects. But some medications can cause side effects that affect the eyes, from mild dryness to severe inflammation. Your eyes are relatively small but have a rich blood supply, and that combination makes them vulnerable to side effects from medications. Key takeaways: Medications people take for certain health conditions can affect vision and eye health. Some medications can cause blurred vision, eye pain, redness, or double vision. If you develop eye symptoms from a medication, your healthcare professional may need to…
This enigmatic organism, commonly referred to as “zombie fungus,” infects insects and takes control of their nervous systems, ultimately leading to their demise.
Pain, especially neuropathic pain is a big problem for elderly people. This is because the normal NSAIDs aka painkillers don’t work for this kind of pain. What does? Let’s talk about the B-vitamins What is pain? Pain is the body’s alarm system. It is a signal that something is fundamentally wrong. It involves complex interactions between the brain, nerves, and spinal cord, and while no one likes the sensation of pain, it is essential for survival and the avoidance of injury. Pain is categorized into 3: Nociceptive pain Neuropathic pain Nociplastic pain Nociceptive pain is pain that comes from injury,…
In a small hospital ward at the Inpatient Therapeutic Feeding Centre (ITFC) in Unguwa Uku Primary Healthcare Centre, Kano, 26-year-old Zuwaira Muhammad watches over her 10-month-old twins. On her right, Safwan sleeps peacefully; on her left, Safuna receives a life-saving blood transfusion. Like thousands of other children in Kano, Safuna suffers from both severe malnutrition and malaria—a deadly combination plaguing Nigeria’s most vulnerable. In 2024 alone, over 40,000 children in Kano were treated for malnutrition at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)-supported facilities. Worryingly, a significant proportion of them also tested positive for malaria. Between January and May, out of 14,000 children…
The head of the UN climate change body, Simon Stiell, has called on world leaders to submit “first-rate” climate targets by September, after most countries missed the February deadline for submitting their updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Speaking in Brazil, which will host the COP30 climate summit in November, Stiell stressed the urgency of stronger commitments, warning that the world is falling short of the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. “These plans are among the most important policy documents governments will produce this century,” he said. “So taking a bit more time to ensure they are…