Cholesterol Drug Worries, Men & Chores

Stories making medical headlines on Monday, November 16.

Text of Dr. Sapna Parikh's report:

CHOLESTEROL MED WORRIES: New research raises questions about two popular cholesterol medications: Zetia and Vytorin- Vytorin contains Zetia. Concerns were raised last year about how well the drugs really work. Another study shows that they do not shrink buildup in artery walls. The researchers say that a drug called Niaspan worked so much better they stopped the study early. The study was sponsored by the makers of Niaspan. It was just published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Even the researchers say don't stop your medication based on this- but its something to talk to your doctor about.

ALCOHOL-INFUSED DRINKS: The FDA is challenging the makers of alcohol- infused energy drinks. Drinks like Liquid Charge, Joose, 24-7 and Hard Wired. The agency is asking the companies to prove their beverages are safe. It has not determined the drinks are harmful, but by adding caffeine the drinks are now subject to regulation.

HOUSEWORK & MEN: A new excuse for men to get out of doing house work:it could hurt your chances of having kids. Anew study has found that household chores - including using a vacuum cleaner or microwave oven - can affect a man's sperm. Researchers say when men are exposed to electrically charged objects, including refrigerators and vacuum cleaners - that exposure could double the risk of having poor-quality sperm. It is the first study to find evidence of a link between electrical goods and declining male fertility.