Category: Medications - Page 2

Prior Authorization for NTI Drugs: When Insurers Require Brand-Name Medications

Prior Authorization for NTI Drugs: When Insurers Require Brand-Name Medications

NTI drugs like levothyroxine and phenytoin require strict consistency to avoid life-threatening side effects. Yet many insurers still force patients through prior authorization to get the brand-name version they need - even when generics aren't safe substitutes.

Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids: How These Respiratory Medications Work Together

Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids: How These Respiratory Medications Work Together

Bronchodilators open airways for immediate relief; corticosteroids reduce long-term inflammation. Used together and correctly, they control asthma and COPD-without them, symptoms worsen. Learn how they work, when to use each, and why timing matters.

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring for Generic NTI Drugs: Protecting Patients When Substitutions Go Wrong

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring for Generic NTI Drugs: Protecting Patients When Substitutions Go Wrong

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) is critical for patients taking generic narrow therapeutic index (NTI) drugs, where small changes in blood levels can cause serious harm. Learn when and why TDM saves lives.

Medication Safety for People with Low Vision or Hearing Loss: Practical Steps to Prevent Errors

Medication Safety for People with Low Vision or Hearing Loss: Practical Steps to Prevent Errors

People with low vision or hearing loss face dangerous risks when managing medications. Learn practical, proven ways to prevent errors-from color-coding bottles to talking pill dispensers-and how to demand safer labeling from pharmacies.

How to Identify Counterfeit Medication Packaging and Seals

How to Identify Counterfeit Medication Packaging and Seals

Learn how to spot fake medication packaging and seals with simple visual checks, UV light tests, and QR code verification. Know the signs of counterfeit drugs and how to report them.

Anticholinergic Burden in Older Adults: How Common Medications Affect Memory and Thinking

Anticholinergic Burden in Older Adults: How Common Medications Affect Memory and Thinking

Anticholinergic burden from common medications like Benadryl and oxybutynin can accelerate memory loss and dementia risk in older adults. Learn which drugs are dangerous, how they affect the brain, and what safer alternatives exist.

Inactive Ingredients in Generic Medications: What You Need to Know

Inactive Ingredients in Generic Medications: What You Need to Know

Generic medications save money but may contain different inactive ingredients than brand-name drugs. These fillers can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals-here's what to watch for and how to stay safe.

Combining Multiple Heart Medications: Safe and Unsafe Drug Combinations

Combining Multiple Heart Medications: Safe and Unsafe Drug Combinations

Combining multiple heart medications can lead to dangerous interactions. Learn which drug combinations are unsafe-like statins with grapefruit juice or NSAIDs with blood pressure meds-and how to protect yourself from life-threatening side effects.

Counseling for Sexual Side Effects from Medications: What You Need to Know

Counseling for Sexual Side Effects from Medications: What You Need to Know

Sexual side effects from medications like antidepressants are common but often untreated. Learn how counseling, medication changes, and open communication can improve your treatment and quality of life.

Caffeine and Medication Safety: What You Need to Know About Dangerous Interactions

Caffeine and Medication Safety: What You Need to Know About Dangerous Interactions

Caffeine can interfere with warfarin, levothyroxine, antidepressants, and other medications, reducing effectiveness or increasing side effects. Learn which drugs are risky and how to stay safe.

How to Talk to Patients About Generic Medications: Proven Communication Strategies for Pharmacists

How to Talk to Patients About Generic Medications: Proven Communication Strategies for Pharmacists

Patients often hesitate to take generic medications due to misconceptions about effectiveness and appearance. Learn proven communication strategies pharmacists can use to build trust, clarify bioequivalence, and improve adherence with simple, empathetic conversations.

Sweating and Hot Flashes from Medications: Proven Ways to Find Relief

Sweating and Hot Flashes from Medications: Proven Ways to Find Relief

Sweating and hot flashes from medications are common and often misunderstood. Learn which drugs cause them, why they happen, and proven, science-backed ways to manage them without stopping your treatment.