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Nial Wheate

Nial Wheate

The Conversation

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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 10

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 10

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 3

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 10

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 4

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 4

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 10

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 5

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 4

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 4

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 10

The Conversation

Nial Wheate

Yaz and Yasmin contraceptive pills will be cheaper from March. How are they different from other pills?

Yaz and Yasmin protect against pregnancy and can help manage some hormone-related conditions.

12.02.2025 10

The Conversation

Nial Wheate

What’s in the supplements that claim to help you cut down on bathroom breaks? And do they work?

Some supplements claim they have ingredients that help you go to the bathroom less. Here’s what the science says about their effectiveness.

28.01.2025 10

The Conversation

Nial Wheate

Why a common asthma drug will now carry extra safety warnings about depression

The TGA has issued a requirement for new warnings to be provided with the drug montelukast, commonly used to treat asthma and hay fever.

22.01.2025 10

The Conversation

Nial Wheate