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Nial Wheate

Nial Wheate

The Conversation

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Low‑dose Zoladex won’t be available in Australia from November. What might that mean for you?

Low‑dose Zoladex won’t be available in Australia from November. What might that mean for you?

This drug is used to treat endometriosis and some breast cancers, but will soon be stripped from Australian shelves.

yesterday 10

The Conversation

Nial Wheate

Should I take vitamin D now there’s less sun, or for bone or immune health?

This vitamin plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. But that doesn’t mean you need to take a supplement.

15.05.2026 20

The Conversation

Nial Wheate

Should I take vitamin C to ward off colds, lower blood pressure or reduce cancer risk?

Will vitamin C supplements do you any good and help with these conditions? Here’s what the evidence says – and what to look out for.

13.03.2026 30

The Conversation

Nial Wheate

Ivermectin was touted as a cure for COVID, now it’s being tested for cancer. But what can it actually treat?

Ivermectin has been proposed as a treatment for a number of diseases. Here’s what the science actually says.

24.02.2026 20

The Conversation

Nial Wheate

Will Ozempic-style patches help me lose weight? Two experts explain

Before you spend your money, here’s why you should think twice about buying a weight-loss patch.

12.02.2026 20

The Conversation

Nial Wheate

Taking a drug like Ozempic? What you need to know about risks of suicidal thoughts and contraception failure

Australia’s regulator has issued warnings about the risk of suicidal thoughts and lower effectiveness of contraceptives in those taking Ozempic,...

02.12.2025 10

The Conversation

Nial Wheate

How does the hair-loss drug finasteride work? Can it affect my mental health?

There is growing concern about the medication’s potential to cause depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

18.11.2025 20

The Conversation

Nial Wheate

Should I take a magnesium supplement? Will it help me sleep or prevent muscle cramps?

Here’s what the science says.

17.10.2025 10

The Conversation

Nial Wheate

What is leucovorin, the drug the Trump administration says can treat autism?

Could a cancer drug really treat autism? The evidence is far from certain. Here’s what we know so far.

23.09.2025 10

The Conversation

Nial Wheate

Yes, vets sometimes prescribe human drugs to pets. But don’t try it at home

Some human medicines are safe and effective for pets – but others can be harmful if misused.

25.08.2025 30

The Conversation

Nial Wheate

Does Australia really take too long to approve medicines, as the US says?

Here’s how a drug gets from an idea into patients’ hands – and why Australians sometimes wait longer to access a new drug than their...

10.07.2025 10

The Conversation

Nial Wheate

Too much vitamin B6 can be toxic. 3 symptoms to watch out for

If you take a vitamin B6 supplement, watch out for these three symptoms.

03.07.2025 10

The Conversation

Nial Wheate

A ketamine nasal spray will be subsidised for treatment-resistant depression. Here’s what you need to know about Spravato

After May 1, the drug will cost a tiny fraction of its original price. But it can’t be taken at home.

28.04.2025 10

The Conversation

Nial Wheate

Here’s what’s different about Slinda, the single-hormone contraceptive just added to the PBS

Slinda is safe for women who are breastfeeding and also has a longer ‘missed pill’ window.

18.03.2025 20

The Conversation

Nial Wheate