Author: Ray Fothergill - Page 5
Dec 1, 2025
Medical Power of Attorney and Medication Decisions: Planning Ahead
9 Comments
A Medical Power of Attorney lets you choose someone to make your medication and treatment decisions if you can't speak. It prevents family conflict and ensures your wishes are followed-even when you're unable to communicate.
Read MoreDec 1, 2025
Decision Aids for Switching Medications: Understand the Risks and Benefits Before You Change
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Decision aids help patients and doctors weigh the real risks and benefits of switching medications. Learn how these tools improve understanding, reduce side effect surprises, and lead to better adherence.
Read MoreDec 1, 2025
Red Flags in Drug Interactions: Combinations Your Pharmacist Should Question
12 Comments
Certain drug combinations can cause life-threatening reactions - from muscle breakdown to fatal bleeding. Learn the red flags your pharmacist must catch, why systems fail, and how to protect yourself.
Read MoreDec 1, 2025
How to Check If a Generic Medication Is Available for Your Prescription
8 Comments
Learn how to check if a generic version of your prescription is available and approved by the FDA. Save up to 85% on medication costs by asking the right questions at the pharmacy and using trusted tools like the FDA's Orange Book.
Read MoreNov 29, 2025
L-Tryptophan and Antidepressants: What You Need to Know About Serotonin Risks and Interactions
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L-Tryptophan can boost serotonin, but combining it with SSRIs or MAOIs risks serotonin syndrome. Learn who’s at risk, what the science says, and why even natural supplements can be dangerous with antidepressants.
Read MoreNov 28, 2025
Biologic Patent Protection: When Biosimilars Can Enter the U.S. Market
13 Comments
Biosimilars in the U.S. face a 12-year exclusivity period before they can enter the market, delaying affordable alternatives to expensive biologic drugs. Patent thickets, complex regulations, and high development costs further slow access.
Read MoreNov 26, 2025
Antihistamines and Dementia Risk: What You Need to Know About Long-Term Use
8 Comments
First-generation antihistamines like Benadryl may increase dementia risk in older adults due to anticholinergic effects. Learn how second-gen alternatives and non-drug options offer safer choices.
Read MoreNov 25, 2025
How to Use Tall-Man Lettering to Prevent Medication Mix-Ups
12 Comments
Tall-man lettering uses capital letters to highlight differences in similar drug names, helping prevent deadly medication mix-ups. Learn how it works, where it's used, and why it’s still essential in modern healthcare.
Read MoreNov 22, 2025
Insurer Pressure: How Providers Respond to Generic Drug Substitution Requirements
9 Comments
Insurers push providers to use generic drugs to cut costs, but these mandates create administrative burdens and clinical risks. Providers are adapting with templates, ePA systems, and state law advocacy to protect patient care.
Read MoreNov 21, 2025
FDA-Approved Medications You Can Flush Down the Toilet: What’s on the List and When to Do It
15 Comments
The FDA allows flushing only a short list of dangerous medications to prevent accidental overdose. Learn which drugs you can flush, when to do it, and what to do instead.
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