Archive: 2026/01
Herbal Supplements and Birth Control: What You Need to Know About Reduced Effectiveness
Certain herbal supplements like St. John’s wort can reduce birth control effectiveness by speeding up hormone breakdown. Learn which supplements are risky, which are safe, and what to do if you’re taking both.
Statins in Women: Understanding Sex-Specific Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Women experience statin side effects more often and more severely than men due to biological differences. Learn why muscle pain, diabetes risk, and poor communication lead to higher discontinuation rates - and what you can do about it.
MedWatch System Explained: How FDA Tracks Drug and Device Safety
MedWatch is the FDA's system for tracking side effects and safety issues with drugs, devices, and other medical products. Learn how it works, who can report, and why your report matters.
Presumed Consent in Pharmacy: When Pharmacists Can Switch Your Medication Without Asking
In 43 U.S. states, pharmacists can swap your brand-name medication for a generic without asking. Learn how presumed consent laws work, where they’re risky, and what you can do to protect yourself.
How to Prevent Heat-Related Medication Problems in Seniors
Heat can turn common senior medications into life-threatening risks. Learn which drugs increase heat stroke danger, how to adjust them safely, and practical steps to protect older adults during hot weather.
How COVID-19 Caused Drug Shortages and Changed Access to Medications
COVID-19 triggered widespread drug shortages and made illicit drugs more deadly. While prescription access improved after 2020, overdose deaths kept rising due to fentanyl-laced substances and broken support systems.
FDA Boxed Warnings Explained: What Every Patient Needs to Know
Boxed warnings, or black box warnings, are the FDA's strongest safety alerts for prescription drugs. Learn what they mean, which common medications carry them, and how to use them to protect your health.
Privacy and Security at Online Pharmacies: How to Protect Your Data in 2026
Learn how to protect your personal and medical data when using online pharmacies in 2026. Discover the red flags, verified seals, and steps to avoid data breaches from illegal sites.
Pharmacy Reimbursement Models: How Laws Shape Generic Drug Payments
How U.S. laws and reimbursement models determine what you pay for generic drugs-covering MAC pricing, Medicare Part D, PBM spread pricing, and the new $2 Drug List Model.
How to Appeal Insurance Denials for Brand-Name Medications
Learn how to successfully appeal insurance denials for brand-name medications. Get step-by-step guidance on filing appeals, getting doctor support, and winning external reviews when generics won't work for you.
