Archive: 2026/02
What to Do If a Child Swallows the Wrong Medication: Step-by-Step Emergency Guide
If a child swallows the wrong medication, immediate action saves lives. Learn the exact steps to take - from calling Poison Control to recognizing life-threatening symptoms - backed by medical experts and real-world data.
When Doctors Say 'Do Not Substitute': Why Brand Drugs Are Sometimes Required
Doctors write 'Do Not Substitute' on prescriptions when generics could risk patient safety. Learn why brand drugs are sometimes required, how the law works, and what patients should know about costs and alternatives.
Smell Changes from Medications: Understanding Dysosmia
Dysosmia - distorted or phantom smells caused by medications - affects hundreds of drugs and can severely impact appetite, safety, and quality of life. Learn which meds cause it, why it happens, and what to do if you're affected.
REMS for Isotretinoin: iPLEDGE Requirements and Safety in 2026
The iPLEDGE program is a strict FDA safety system to prevent birth defects from isotretinoin. Learn how the 2023 updates changed pregnancy testing, birth control rules, and prescription access - and what you need to know if you're prescribed this powerful acne treatment.
Renal Dosing of Antibiotics: Avoiding Toxicity in Kidney Disease
Renal dosing of antibiotics is critical for patients with kidney disease to avoid toxicity and treatment failure. Learn how creatinine clearance guides dosing, why guidelines vary, and how to adjust for acute vs. chronic kidney injury.
Direct-to-Consumer Generic Pharmacies: Do They Really Save Money vs Insurance?
DTC pharmacies like Amazon and Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company can save you hundreds on expensive generics - but often don't beat insurance for common drugs. Here's how to know when to use them.
Psychiatric Medication Combinations: Generic Alternatives and Real-World Risks
Combining psychiatric medications can help treat tough mental health cases-but switching to generics may trigger dangerous side effects or treatment failure. Learn which drugs are risky, how to spot problems, and what to ask your doctor.
Clinical Outcomes with Biosimilars: Do They Work as Well as the Original Biologics?
Biosimilars work just as well as original biologic drugs, with strong evidence from clinical trials and real-world use. They offer the same effectiveness and safety at significantly lower costs, making them a smart choice for chronic conditions like arthritis, IBD, and cancer.
How to Implement a Personal Safety Checklist for Pharmacy Visits
Learn how to use a simple personal safety checklist to prevent dispensing errors at the pharmacy. Protect yourself from wrong doses, wrong meds, and dangerous interactions with just a few key questions.
Metformin Side Effects: GI Issues and Lactic Acidosis Explained
Metformin is the top choice for type 2 diabetes treatment, but side effects like stomach issues and rare lactic acidosis risk need attention. This article explains common GI problems, how to manage them, and when to worry about lactic acidosis. It debunks myths and offers practical tips for reducing side effects. Updated for 2026 with the latest research and new formulations.