Category: Medications - Page 2
Post-Market Surveillance: How the FDA Monitors Generic Drugs After Approval
The FDA doesn't stop monitoring generic drugs after approval. Using real-time data, patient reports, and AI tools, it tracks safety issues across billions of prescriptions to ensure generics remain safe and effective.
Fexofenadine and Fruit Juice: Why Your Allergy Medicine Might Not Be Working
Fexofenadine (Allegra) loses up to 77% of its effectiveness when taken with grapefruit, orange, or apple juice due to blocked absorption. Here's why, and what to do instead.
Combination Drugs: Weighing Convenience Against the Risks of Multiple Ingredients
Combination drugs reduce pill burden and improve adherence, but they can limit dosing flexibility and increase side effect risks. Learn when they help-and when they might hurt.
Euglycemic DKA on SGLT2 Inhibitors: How to Recognize and Treat This Hidden Emergency
Euglycemic DKA is a life-threatening condition that can occur with SGLT2 inhibitors even when blood sugar is normal. Learn how to recognize the signs, when to test for ketones, and how to respond in an emergency.
Active Ingredients: Are Generic Drugs Really the Same as Brand-Name Drugs?
Generic drugs contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs and work just as well - at a fraction of the cost. Learn how FDA regulations ensure equivalence, why generics save billions, and when to ask your pharmacist about switching.
Bleeding Risk from SSRIs: How Platelet Dysfunction Increases Bleeding Danger
SSRIs can increase bleeding risk by depleting serotonin in platelets, impairing clotting. Paroxetine carries the highest risk, while sertraline is safer. Know the signs, avoid NSAIDs, and discuss alternatives with your doctor.
Jet Lag and Time-Released Medication Dosing across Time Zones: Why Immediate-Release Melatonin Works Better
Time-released melatonin often worsens jet lag by disrupting your body's natural rhythm. Learn why immediate-release melatonin, taken at the right time, is the only effective option for crossing time zones.
Allergic Reactions to Generics: When to Seek Medical Care
Generic medications can cause allergic reactions due to different inactive ingredients like dyes, lactose, or gluten - even when the brand-name version is safe. Know the warning signs and when to seek emergency care.
Contaminants in Counterfeit Drugs: Hidden Toxins That Can Kill
Counterfeit drugs aren't just fake-they're often laced with lethal toxins like fentanyl, lead, and antifreeze. These contaminants cause organ failure, overdose, and new diseases. Here's what's really in them and how to stay safe.
Opioid-Induced Constipation: How to Prevent and Treat It Effectively
Opioid-induced constipation affects 40-60% of people on long-term pain meds. Learn how to prevent it with early laxative use, when to use PAMORAs, and why standard remedies often fail. Practical, evidence-based strategies for better bowel health while managing pain.