Category: Medications

Evergreening: How Pharmaceutical Brands Stretch Patents to Block Generic Drugs

Barbara Lalicki December 28, 2025 Medications 16 Comments

Evergreening lets pharmaceutical companies extend patents on old drugs through minor tweaks, blocking generics and keeping prices high. Learn how it works, who does it, and why it hurts patients.

Monitoring Antidepressant Efficacy vs Side Effect Burden: Patient Strategies

Barbara Lalicki December 27, 2025 Medications 9 Comments

Learn how to track antidepressant effectiveness and side effects using simple tools like PHQ-9, daily mood logs, and therapeutic drug monitoring. Real strategies that help you know if your treatment is working-or if it's time to change course.

Subscribe to FDA Safety Communications: Never Miss an Alert

Barbara Lalicki December 26, 2025 Medications 8 Comments

Stay safe by subscribing to FDA Safety Communications. Get real-time alerts on drug recalls, medical device failures, and food safety issues before they affect you or your loved ones.

Medications and Driving: How Common Drugs Impair Your Ability to Drive Safely

Barbara Lalicki December 24, 2025 Medications 10 Comments

Many common medications - even over-the-counter ones - can impair driving as much as alcohol. Learn which drugs are dangerous behind the wheel, the legal risks, and how to stay safe.

FDA Databases: How to Find Verified Medications and Spot Counterfeit Drugs

Barbara Lalicki December 22, 2025 Medications 14 Comments

Use FDA databases to verify your medications and spot counterfeit drugs. Learn how to check NDC codes, identify fake pills, and protect yourself from dangerous imposters.

OTC Hemorrhoid Treatments: When to Self-Treat and When to See a Doctor

Barbara Lalicki December 20, 2025 Medications 13 Comments

OTC hemorrhoid treatments can relieve pain and itching, but they don't cure hemorrhoids. Learn when to use them safely and when to see a doctor - especially if symptoms last more than 7 days or include bleeding or prolapse.

Osteoporosis from Long-Term Corticosteroid Use: Prevention Strategies That Actually Work

Barbara Lalicki December 19, 2025 Medications 12 Comments

Long-term corticosteroid use can rapidly weaken bones, increasing fracture risk by up to 100% within months. Learn evidence-based prevention strategies - from calcium and vitamin D to bisphosphonates and exercise - that actually work.

Quality by Design in Generic Drug Development: Modern Science-Based Approaches

Barbara Lalicki December 17, 2025 Medications 15 Comments

Quality by Design (QbD) is now the standard for generic drug development, replacing outdated testing methods with science-based control. Learn how QbD improves bioequivalence, cuts approval times, and reduces costs-while avoiding common pitfalls.

Vitamin K Foods on Warfarin: How to Eat Consistently for Stable Blood Thinning

Barbara Lalicki December 16, 2025 Medications 13 Comments

Learn how to eat vitamin K foods safely on warfarin. Consistency, not restriction, is the key to stable INR levels. Find out which foods matter most and how to build a daily routine that works.

Medication Safety for Chronic Conditions: Essential Long-Term Use Tips

Barbara Lalicki December 15, 2025 Medications 13 Comments

Learn practical, proven ways to stay safe while taking medications for chronic conditions long-term. Avoid dangerous interactions, reduce risks from polypharmacy, and improve adherence with simple daily habits.

Falls and Medications: Which Drugs Increase Fall Risk for Seniors

Barbara Lalicki December 11, 2025 Medications 10 Comments

Many seniors fall because of medications they're taking-antidepressants, benzodiazepines, blood pressure pills, and even OTC sleep aids. Learn which drugs raise fall risk and how to safely reduce them.

How to Report Counterfeit or Tampered Medications: Step-by-Step Guide for Patients and Providers

Barbara Lalicki December 10, 2025 Medications 10 Comments

Learn how to report counterfeit or tampered medications to protect yourself and others. Step-by-step guide for patients, pharmacists, and providers on using MedWatch, DEA tip lines, and other safety systems.