Author: Morgan Spalding - Page 4
Azathioprine and TPMT Testing: How Genetic Screening Prevents Life-Threatening Side Effects
TPMT testing before starting azathioprine can prevent life-threatening bone marrow damage. Learn how genetic screening, combined with blood tests, helps avoid severe side effects in autoimmune and transplant patients.
OTC Sleep Aids: What They Really Do, Side Effects, and How Long You Should Use Them
OTC sleep aids may seem harmless, but they carry real risks like dementia, falls, and rebound insomnia. Learn what's really in them, how long you should use them, and safer alternatives that actually work.
Orphan Drug Exclusivity: How Rare-Disease Medicines Get Market Protection
Orphan drug exclusivity gives pharmaceutical companies seven years of market protection for rare disease treatments, encouraging development of medicines that would otherwise be too costly to produce. Learn how it works, who benefits, and why it's controversial.
Medications to Avoid While Pregnant: Safety Warnings and Safe Alternatives
Learn which medications to avoid during pregnancy, including NSAIDs, isotretinoin, and acetaminophen risks, and discover safe alternatives for pain, allergies, and depression. Evidence-based guidance for every trimester.
Lot Number Tracking: How the FDA Identifies Problem Batches in the Food Supply
The FDA uses Traceability Lot Codes to quickly track contaminated food batches back to their source, reducing outbreak response times from weeks to hours. Learn how this system works, which foods are covered, and why it matters for your safety.
Asthma in Children: How Spacers, Schools, and Care Plans Work Together
Asthma spacers improve medication delivery in children, reduce hospital visits, and are essential for school safety. Learn how to use them correctly, why schools need them, and how to build an effective asthma care plan.
TZD Weight Gain and Edema: How to Manage These Common Side Effects
TZDs like pioglitazone and rosiglitazone help control blood sugar but often cause weight gain and swelling. Learn proven ways to reduce these side effects-including diet changes, daily weight tracking, and combining with SGLT2 inhibitors.
Employer Health Plans and Generic Preferences: How to Navigate Your Prescription Coverage
Learn how employer health plans use formularies to control drug costs, why generics are pushed over brand names, and how to navigate coverage changes without paying more than you have to.
STIs Overview: Managing Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis in 2025
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are rising again-but they’re treatable. Learn how to test, treat, and prevent these bacterial STIs with up-to-date 2025 guidelines, new treatments like DoxyPEP, and why early detection saves lives.
Cardiovascular Combination Generics: What Options Are Available and What Are the Alternatives?
Cardiovascular combination generics combine multiple heart medications into one pill to improve adherence and cut costs. Learn which combos are available, how they compare to brand names, and what alternatives exist if a combo isn't right for you.
