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FDA: Gardasil may help prevent vaginal and vulvar cancer

The FDA recently released a report indicating that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Gardasil, may also help prevent vaginal and vulvar cancer in girls and women between the ages of nine and 26.  The ruling was in response to a two-year follow-up study by Merck, Gardasil’s manufacturer.  The study indicated that the drug was “highly-effective” in preventing precancerous vulvar and vaginal lesions in women who tested negative for HPV.

Along with these findings, Merck has also revised the label to indicate that the vaccine is not effective in women over the age of 26. 

The FDA approved Gardasil in 2006 for the prevention of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18.  Gardasil is also approved for the prevention of genital warts caused by types 6 and 11.

Daily Aspirin Use Appears to be Beneficial in Women

In a new study of almost 80,000 women, aspirin use at low to moderate doses was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality, largely due to death from cardiovascular disease. It’s very important to note, however, that women should not start taking daily aspirin without asking their doctor’s advice first. Aspirin can cause ulcers and dangerous bleeding in certain people.

Source: Archives of Internal Medicine, March 2007