Author: Harrison Thurston
Retail vs Hospital Pharmacy: Key Differences in Medication Substitution Practices
Retail and hospital pharmacies handle medication substitution differently-retail focuses on cost and patient choice, while hospitals prioritize clinical safety through team-based decisions. Understanding these differences helps patients navigate their care.
QT Prolongation and Sudden Cardiac Death: Key Medication Risk Factors You Need to Know
QT prolongation from medications can trigger sudden cardiac death - often without warning. Learn which drugs raise the risk, who’s most vulnerable, and how to prevent it with simple checks and smart choices.
Authorized Generics: A Smart Switch When Moving Away From Brand-Name Drugs
Authorized generics are exact copies of brand-name drugs sold at lower prices. They’re ideal for patients who react poorly to traditional generics due to inactive ingredients. Learn how to find them and when they’re the safest switch.
Cardiovascular Combination Generics: What Works, What Costs Less, and What to Ask Your Doctor
Cardiovascular combination generics combine multiple heart meds into one pill to improve adherence, cut costs, and save lives. Learn which combos are available, how they compare to brands, and what to ask your doctor.
Double-Checking Medication Strength and Quantity Before Leaving the Pharmacy
Double-checking medication strength and quantity before dispensing prevents deadly dosing errors. Learn the exact steps, rules, and tools that save lives in pharmacies every day.
Patent Term Restoration (PTE): How Drug Patents Get Extra Years
Patent Term Restoration (PTE) lets drug makers recover lost patent time due to FDA delays. Learn how it works, who qualifies, why it's controversial, and what's changing in 2025.
Antihistamines and Alcohol: Why Mixing Them Increases Drowsiness Dangerously
Mixing antihistamines and alcohol can cause extreme drowsiness, impaired driving, and even respiratory failure. Learn why even "non-drowsy" options like Zyrtec and Claritin aren't safe with alcohol, and what to use instead.
Benzodiazepines: Benefits, Risks, and Dependence Potential
Benzodiazepines offer fast relief for anxiety and panic but carry high risks of dependence and withdrawal. Learn how they work, when they’re appropriate, and safer long-term alternatives.
How to Manage Postpartum Pain Medications While Breastfeeding
Learn which pain medications are safe to take while breastfeeding after childbirth. Get clear guidance on acetaminophen, ibuprofen, opioids, and which drugs to avoid for your baby's safety.
Anticoagulants: Warfarin vs. DOACs - What’s Safer and Why It Matters
Warfarin and DOACs both prevent dangerous blood clots, but DOACs are now safer and easier for most people. Learn who should stay on warfarin, why apixaban leads in safety, and how cost and kidney function affect your choice.