The book that brings more than 45 categories of information to covered medicines since 1978. This edition of the Essential Guide gives 11 detailed profiles of top medicines representing more than 236 brands and a "Mystery Medicine". This is a new “Essential Guide” for a new age – a re-imagined reference book by Dr. Jim Rybacki, who breathed new life into the bestselling medical self-help books of the same name in the ‘90s – now paints a fresh portrait of the most popular medicines for 2012 and beyond. Since 1978, the many popular editions of “The Essential Guide to Prescription Drugs” have delivered reliable, understandable information to millions of families and their loved ones. Always available without a prescription, now The Essential Guide to Prescription Drugs: 12 Top Meds for 2012 is just what the doctor ordered for today’s readers. Not too long, not too short, this easy-to-read book includes the right amount of important information, deftly combining current medical thinking with plain English in 232 pages. From Aspirin and Botox to a breakthrough cancer treatment, the Top Meds for 2012 are scrutinized over at least 18 pages each and served up in Dr. Rybacki’s uniquely balanced style, along with possible side effects, cautions and herbal and prescription interactions that could save your life. Do you know the Do’s and Don’ts of your medicine? Find them in the Guide! This year, you’ll find 11 profiles of Top Meds for heart disease, diabetes, blood clots, preventing heart attacks and much more – packing 45 categories of information for each of 236 drug brands. The Companion web site also helps you keep informed about important news, breaking research and a bonus newsletter for people who buy the book. See why the new design, easy to read print and detail that makes this Guide the Essential Guide for your home. This book has been a labor of love and medicine since my first involvement in 1993, my transition to first author, then sole author, then the death of Dr. Long, my own heart attack in 2005 and now the rebirth of the Essential Guide to Prescription Drugs (EGPD) in 2012. Great depth and detail has always been the hallmark of the EGPD (for example, this book has literally 24 pages on aspirin), and now I've added new design, pictures, larger type and important Do's and Don'ts to help keep you and your family safe and even key Questions to ask your doctor BEFORE you start a medicine!