This blog explores a number of cautionary examples, reminding that all treatments have potential harms. We should consider the evidence not just about whether a treatment works, but whether it is safe. This is the third blog of our special series on Evidently Cochrane: “Oh, really?” 12 things to help you question health advice.
Pregabalin for neuropathic pain: balancing benefits and harms
Sarah Chapman looks at Cochrane evidence on the benefits and harms of pregabalin for neuropathic pain and reflects on experience of finding a balance between them.
Traditional opioids for chronic non-cancer pain: untidy, unsatisfactory, and probably unsuitable
In this guest blog, Consultant in Pain Medicine Cathy Stannard and pain researcher Andrew Moore discuss some unpalatable truths about traditional opioids for chronic non-cancer pain.
Hormone therapy: will it help or harm your heart?
Cochrane evidence published today finds benefits and harms of HRT linked to when women start treatment. Lead researcher and cardiologist Harry Boardman explains.
Treating children with cancer: looking to the future
As more children are surviving cancer, we need research into kinder treatments
Women with epilepsy face tough choices over their medication
Professor Tony Marson looks at difficult treatment choices facing women with epilepsy in the light on new evidence on possible harms
Shopping for health: reliable evidence supports patient and purse
New Cochrane review establishes safety of cheaper drug for a common eye disease and highlights the importance of reliable evidence
Performance anxiety and “water tablets” for high blood pressure
GP Richard Lehman finds answers to some questions about medicines for high blood pressure but is left wondering if they're spoiling sex lives
Men’s health: hard evidence and home truths
Introducing our special feature for Men's Health Week with guest blogs on evidence to help men make choices about health