Benjamin Duong
Latest MedTruth Work by Benjamin Duong
Coronavirus Delays Chemotherapy for Cancer Patients
Benjamin Duong · April 16, 2020
Patients with cancer, already vulnerable with many dependent on regular treatment appointments, are facing delayed chemotherapy, surgeries and even outright cancellations.
NewsHow the Coronavirus Affects the Medical Supply Chain
Benjamin Duong · March 16, 2020
The U.S. faces a shortage of coronavirus testing kits, revealing flaws within the medical supply chain.
Health FeaturesChemical Hair Dyes and Straighteners May Increase Breast Cancer Risk
Benjamin Duong · March 2, 2020
Use of hair dyes and chemical hair straighteners may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, with black women being at an increased risk compared to white women.
Research + Findings-
Coronavirus Delays Chemotherapy for Cancer Patients
Benjamin Duong · April 16, 2020
Patients with cancer, already vulnerable with many dependent on regular treatment appointments, are facing delayed chemotherapy, surgeries and even outright cancellations.
News -
How the Coronavirus Affects the Medical Supply Chain
Benjamin Duong · March 16, 2020
The U.S. faces a shortage of coronavirus testing kits, revealing flaws within the medical supply chain.
Health Features -
Chemical Hair Dyes and Straighteners May Increase Breast Cancer Risk
Benjamin Duong · March 2, 2020
Use of hair dyes and chemical hair straighteners may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, with black women being at an increased risk compared to white women.
Research + Findings
Canada Faces a Zantac Alternatives Shortage
Benjamin Duong · February 11, 2020
Canada is facing shortages of heartburn medications after a Zantac recall led to an increase in demand for alternatives.
NewsDo Intervention Programs Reduce Unnecessary PPI Use?
Benjamin Duong · February 3, 2020
A December 2019 study looked at an intervention program meant to decrease the inappropriate use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in Harris County, Texas.
Research + FindingsFDA Updates Recognized Consensus Standards for Medical Devices
Benjamin Duong · January 28, 2020
The FDA published more than 80 additions, withdrawals or modifications to its list of recognized consensus standards for medical devices in the U.S. market, impacting devices such as cardiovascular stents and nails used to secure implants to bones.
FDA RegulationGet our reporting in your inbox
Study Links E-Cigs to Multiple Chronic Lung Diseases
Benjamin Duong · January 23, 2020
A study published in Dec. 2019 found that the use of e-cigarettes increased risk for chronic lung diseases including asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Research + FindingsWarfarin Linked to Higher Risk of Bone Fractures, Study Shows
Benjamin Duong · January 20, 2020
A recent study from researchers at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health found that warfarin had a modestly higher risk of bone fractures compared to other kinds of blood thinners.
Research + FindingsExposure to Heat During Storage Causes Zantac Contamination
Benjamin Duong · January 14, 2020
Heat is the culprit causing carcinogenic NDMA contamination in Zantac, according to recent testing by Emery Pharma. A citizen petition requesting a total suspension of ranitidine products has been submitted to the FDA.
NewsStudy Exploring Talc-Cancer Link Underrepresents Populations of Color
Benjamin Duong · January 13, 2020
A recent baby powder study found an insignificant link between the substance and ovarian cancer, but the study has limitations, including underrepresenting populations of color.
Research + FindingsOveruse of Everyday Heartburn Medications Increase Risk for Stomach Flu
Benjamin Duong · January 9, 2020
Studies have linked the off-label use of PPIs, a common class of heartburn medications, to an increased risk of viral gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu.
Research + FindingsPre-Qualification Program for Generic Insulin
Benjamin Duong · January 9, 2020
Insulin in the U.S. is costly, with a lack of generic insulin leaving diabetics with few options. The WHO is launching a pilot program to prequalify generic insulin products in hopes of increasing access to this vital drug.
News5 Alternatives to Zantac
Benjamin Duong · January 7, 2020
What are the alternative options to treat heartburn and related conditions? Here are 5 medications to take instead of Zantac.
Health FeaturesHealth Canada Introduces Medical Devices Directorate
Benjamin Duong · December 10, 2019
The MDD will allow Health Canada to better regulate medical device technology during its entire lifecycle — from research and development to use by patients and providers.
FDA RegulationFDA Updates Watch List With Xofluza and Other Drugs
Benjamin Duong · November 21, 2019
The FDA recently updated its watch list, adding more than a dozen medications, including drugs that may cause anaphylaxis, angioedema, miscarriage, hypersensitivity reactions and other side effects.
FDA RegulationHow Everyday Medications Can Affect Gut Health
Benjamin Duong · November 20, 2019
Metformin, PPIs, SSRIs, steroids and antibiotics may affect the bacteria of the gut microbiome, according to a study from the Netherlands presented at UEG Week 2019.
Research + FindingsHow PrEP For HIV Works
Benjamin Duong · August 27, 2019
The goal of PrEP is to prevent HIV infection even if there is an accidental exposure. Tenofovir and emtricitabine are antiviral drugs that inhibit HIV’s ability to replicate and spread within the human body.
Health FeaturesAdaptive Radiotherapy: Cancer Treatment May Be Safer, More Accessible
Benjamin Duong · August 21, 2019
Adaptive radiotherapy is a form of personalized radiation therapy for cancer treatment. Although still in its early stages, clinicians hope that with further development to imaging methods, this form of cancer treatment will be a safer option to target tumors while minimizing tissue damage.
Research + FindingsFDA Alert Indicates Some Medtronic Pacemaker Batteries Can Fail Without Warning
Benjamin Duong · August 21, 2019
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety alert in May regarding the batteries of implantable pacemakers and cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers (CRT-P) from the medical device company, Medtronic.
FDA RegulationCould the Apple Watch Save Lives After Hip and Knee Replacements?
Benjamin Duong · November 21, 2018
Studies show the Apple Watch health monitoring system may be able to track joint replacement complications and notify providers in a timely manner, potentially save thousands of patients.
MedTechHow Likely Are Americans to Die from an Opioid Overdose?
Benjamin Duong · February 5, 2019
In 2017, at least 70,000 Americans died from an opioid overdose. A deep dive into the history and causes of the opioid epidemic shows that America has long struggled with opioids.
Research + FindingsMajor Takeaways from the 2019 ADA Standards of Care
Benjamin Duong · January 25, 2019
The key patient takeaway from the ADA standards of care is that patients have more control over the treatments and management strategies that they receive from their health providers.
News4 Diabetes Emergencies You Should Never Ignore
Benjamin Duong · March 6, 2019
If you have type 2 diabetes, you have to understand diabetes emergencies. Know the signs of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state, Fournier's gangrene, lower limb amputations and diabetic ketoacidosis.
Health FeaturesSGLT2 Amputation: Can Medication Contribute to Diabetes Amputations?
Benjamin Duong · February 12, 2019
A popular class of diabetes medications in 2019 may cause an increased risk of amputation, in addition to other complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis, acute kidney injury and serious urinary tract infection, SGLT2 amputation creates another risk for patients with diabetes.
FDA Regulation