Category: Medications - Page 7

Insurance Prior Authorization for Generic Alternatives: How Pharmacists Navigate Coverage Policies

Insurance Prior Authorization for Generic Alternatives: How Pharmacists Navigate Coverage Policies
27 December 2025 Shaun Franks

Insurance prior authorization for generic alternatives delays patient care and burdens pharmacists with paperwork. Learn how step therapy works, why denials happen, and how to get approvals faster in 2025.

ECG Monitoring During Macrolide Therapy: Who Needs It

ECG Monitoring During Macrolide Therapy: Who Needs It
26 December 2025 Shaun Franks

Macrolide antibiotics like azithromycin can prolong the QT interval and trigger dangerous heart rhythms. Learn who needs an ECG before taking them-and who doesn't. Safety isn't one-size-fits-all.

Symptoms of Taking Counterfeit Medications: What to Watch For

Symptoms of Taking Counterfeit Medications: What to Watch For
25 December 2025 Shaun Franks

Counterfeit medications can look identical to real ones but may contain deadly substances like fentanyl or no active ingredient at all. Learn the key symptoms and warning signs to protect yourself and others.

Why You Must Tell Your Doctor About Supplements and Herbal Remedies

Why You Must Tell Your Doctor About Supplements and Herbal Remedies
24 December 2025 Shaun Franks

Many people take supplements and herbal remedies without telling their doctor-but this can lead to dangerous drug interactions. Learn why full disclosure is critical for your safety and how to talk to your provider effectively.

How to Coordinate Care Between OB/GYN and Psychiatrist for Medications During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

How to Coordinate Care Between OB/GYN and Psychiatrist for Medications During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
19 December 2025 Shaun Franks

Learn how OB/GYNs and psychiatrists work together to safely manage psychiatric medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Evidence-based protocols, safest drugs, and what to do when providers don't communicate.

Out-of-Pocket Maximums: How Generic Copays Count Toward Deductibles in Health Insurance

Out-of-Pocket Maximums: How Generic Copays Count Toward Deductibles in Health Insurance
17 December 2025 Shaun Franks

Generic copays count toward your out-of-pocket maximum but not your deductible in most health plans. Understand how this works to avoid surprise bills and make smarter choices about your medications.

Tramadol and Seizure Disorders: What You Need to Know About the Risk

Tramadol and Seizure Disorders: What You Need to Know About the Risk
16 December 2025 Shaun Franks

Tramadol can trigger seizures even at normal doses, especially in people with seizure disorders or those taking other medications. Learn why it's dangerous, who's at risk, and what safer pain relief options exist.

Online Pharmacies and Generics: How to Stay Safe and Avoid Dangerous Scams

Online Pharmacies and Generics: How to Stay Safe and Avoid Dangerous Scams
15 December 2025 Shaun Franks

Online pharmacies offer cheap generics but many are illegal and sell dangerous fake drugs. Learn how to spot safe sites, avoid scams, and protect your health when buying meds online.

Bleeding Risk from SSRIs: How Platelet Dysfunction Increases Bleeding Danger

Bleeding Risk from SSRIs: How Platelet Dysfunction Increases Bleeding Danger
15 December 2025 Shaun Franks

SSRIs can increase bleeding risk by reducing platelet serotonin, leading to impaired clotting. Paroxetine poses the highest risk, while sertraline is safer. Know the signs, avoid NSAIDs, and talk to your doctor before surgery.

DPP-4 Inhibitors: Pancreatitis Risk and Other Serious Side Effects You Need to Know

DPP-4 Inhibitors: Pancreatitis Risk and Other Serious Side Effects You Need to Know
10 December 2025 Shaun Franks

DPP-4 inhibitors help control type 2 diabetes but carry a small but real risk of acute pancreatitis. Learn the symptoms, who’s most at risk, and what alternatives exist.

Antitrust Issues in Generic Substitution: How Big Pharma Blocks Cheaper Drugs

Antitrust Issues in Generic Substitution: How Big Pharma Blocks Cheaper Drugs
9 December 2025 Shaun Franks

Big Pharma uses legal loopholes like product hopping and REMS abuse to block generic drugs, keeping prices high. Learn how antitrust laws are being used to fight back-and why patients are paying billions more than they should.

Gastric Ulcers from Corticosteroids: What You Really Need to Know About Prevention and Monitoring

Gastric Ulcers from Corticosteroids: What You Really Need to Know About Prevention and Monitoring
8 December 2025 Shaun Franks

Corticosteroids alone rarely cause gastric ulcers. Learn when PPIs are actually needed, what symptoms to watch for, and why routine stomach protection may do more harm than good.