Author: Clarissa Farnell - Page 3

Healthcare providers weigh medication risks versus benefits to ensure treatments do more good than harm. This science-backed process considers disease severity, side effects, patient preferences, and real-world outcomes to guide safe, effective prescribing.

Breast cancer screening with mammography saves lives. Learn when to start, the difference between 2D and 3D mammograms, who needs extra tests, and how treatment works-based on 2026 guidelines.

Fixed-dose combination drugs combine two or more medications in one pill to improve adherence, reduce pill burden, and enhance treatment outcomes. They’re vital for chronic conditions like hypertension and HIV, but not all combinations are justified.

Thyroid medication misuse-whether from abuse, accidental overdose, or skipping doses-can cause dangerous hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Learn the real risks, signs, and how to stay safe.

Seniors with diabetes face a higher risk of dangerous low blood sugar from certain medications. Learn which drugs to avoid, safer alternatives, and practical steps to prevent hypoglycemia and protect independence.

Antiplatelet medications prevent heart attacks but increase stomach bleeding risk. Learn how to protect your GI tract with PPIs, which drugs are safest, and what to do if you bleed.

Learn how to report suspected counterfeit drugs to the FDA and other authorities. Know the signs of fake pills, where to report, and what happens after you file a complaint. Your report can save lives.

Drug interactions can turn mild side effects into life-threatening events. Learn how common combos like statins with grapefruit or warfarin with vitamin K increase risks - and what you can do to stay safe.

Delayed medication side effects can appear weeks or years after starting a drug, often going unnoticed until they become serious. Learn which medications cause late-onset reactions, who’s at risk, and how to recognize the warning signs before it’s too late.

Wrong-patient errors at the pharmacy can lead to serious harm or death - but they're preventable. Learn how two-identifier verification, barcode scanning, and patient counseling can stop these mistakes before they happen.

Amiodarone, digoxin, and warfarin together can cause deadly drug interactions. Learn how amiodarone boosts digoxin and warfarin levels, the signs of toxicity, and the exact steps to prevent life-threatening bleeding or heart rhythm crashes.

Liquid antibiotics expire quickly because they break down in water. Amoxicillin lasts up to 14 days refrigerated; amoxicillin-clavulanate only 10. Storing it wrong or using it past the date risks treatment failure and antibiotic resistance.