Originally published Sunday, September 7, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Comments (0)
E-mail article
Print view
The People's Pharmacy
Sunscreens without BP-3
Q: I was alarmed to read in your article on sunscreens that benzophenone-3 (BP-3) could be a hormone disruptor. What sunscreen does not...
Syndicated columnists
Q: I was alarmed to read in your article on sunscreens that benzophenone-3 (BP-3) could be a hormone disruptor.
What sunscreen does not have BP-3? My 12-year-old plays tournament tennis, so we as a family spend a lot of time in the sun and need to be protected.
A: Most parents don't want to expose children to a compound that might disrupt hormones. That is why the concern about BP-3 (also known as oxybenzone) got such attention. This compound can mimic estrogen.
The Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization that raised the alarm on this issue, has made some sunscreen recommendations on its Web site: www.ewg.org. Products that rely primarily on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the blocking agents are generally on the approved list, brands such as Keys Soap Solar Rx, TruKid Sunny Days Face Stick, and oxybenzone-free products from Badger, Blue Lizard, California Baby and CVS.
Q: I read about a topical form of diclofenac called Voltaren Gel. It is supposed to be applied to the skin over painful joints like the knee. Is this an over-the-counter or a prescription product?
A: Americans are familiar with oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic) and naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn). Such medicines can relieve arthritis pain, but the price can be increased blood pressure, ringing in the ears, blood clots, stomach upset and bleeding ulcers.
Applying the medication directly on the painful joint may reduce the dose needed to get relief. Voltaren Gel is new to the U.S. market and requires a prescription.
Q: I take Coumadin to prevent blood clots. I read in a health newsletter that a full adult dose of Pepto-Bismol is the equivalent of eight aspirins. How serious is this interaction?
A: The maximum daily dose of Pepto-Bismol contains 2,080 mg of salicylate. This aspirinlike drug could well interact with the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin). Such a combination could increase the risk for bleeding. Symptoms include bruises, dark stool, nosebleeds or bleeding gums.
People who use arthritis rubs containing methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen) also may be at risk for this interaction. Arthritis Formula Bengay, Icy Hot Cream, Mentholatum Deep Heating and Thera-Gesic all contain methyl salicylate.
In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them c/o King Features Syndicate, 888 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10019, or via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.org
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
E-mail article
Print view Share:
Digg
Newsvine
![]()
Cantwell hints she might back Obama's public health plan
FDA urged to ban popular painkillers
Ecstasy being peddled as cartoon-shaped pills
Gregoire OKs emergency money for flu season

Tribal Fireworks Rivalry
The Fourth of July marks a long-standing fireworks rivalry between two clans of a Native-American family in Suquamish.
Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech
shopping

events for Friday, Jul. 3rd
- Emery's Garden Pink Flamingo Sale
- Posh on Main Semiannual Sale
- REI Summer Sale and Clearance
- Seattle Premium Outlets July 4th Summ...
editors' picks
More shopping guides- Bicyclist killed Wednesday night is identified
- Politics Northwest | Stephen Colbert takes on lawsuit against Seattle fireworks show
- Speculation grows for Boeing 787 plant in South Carolina
- Yakima teacher reprimanded for sending 5-year-old student home with bag of feces in backpack
- Feds arrest 31 in drug raids from Lynnwood to Northern California
- Feds seize Madoff penthouse, wife leaves
- 6 jurors swear a cop's wife swayed panel in Kent civil rights case
- Rivals show up at Hutchison news conference
- Girl, 14, clung to life on jet debris off Comoros Island
- Winter snowpack melts into waterfalls
- Obama's own party worried health plan lacks votes
245 - Palin resigning as Alaska governor
215 - Seattle Mariners at New York Yankees: 07/02 game thread
200 - Eyman turns in signatures for new initiative to limit government spending
168 - Seattle Mariners see bats come alive for 8-4 win over New York Yankees
122 - Seattle Mariners at Boston Red Sox: 07/04 game thread
114 - Recession wipes out 9 years of job gains
80 - Yakima teacher reprimanded for backpack feces
73 - 6 jurors swear a cop's wife swayed panel in Kent civil rights case
57 - Obama's practical immigration-reform approach: Legalize status of illegal workers
56
- Paddler's paradise: South Sound offers quiet and beauty
- Politics Northwest | Stephen Colbert takes on lawsuit against Seattle fireworks show
- Winter snowpack melts into waterfalls
- Speculation grows for Boeing 787 plant in South Carolina
- Jerry Large | An aging parent forces agonizing decision
- Going to Gas Works Park? Good luck
- Liven up Fremont's attempt to break a world record for a 'zombie walk'
- Lynnwood's City Bank gets tighter scrutiny
- Costco contacts customers as beef recalled
- Bicyclist killed Wednesday night is identified
