Author: Andy Dargon - Page 4
Dependence on foreign manufacturing for pharmaceuticals is causing dangerous drug shortages in the U.S. Learn how China and India dominate API production, why nearshoring to Mexico is rising, and what’s being done to fix the broken system.
Antibiotic stewardship means using antibiotics only when necessary to fight infections, prevent resistance, and protect your gut microbiome. Learn how smart prescribing saves lives and prevents deadly side effects like C. diff.
Learn how INR monitoring keeps blood thinners like warfarin safe and effective. Understand target ranges, testing frequency, home devices, and what to do when your numbers are off.
Generic medications save U.S. patients and insurers hundreds of billions annually by offering the same effectiveness as brand-name drugs at a fraction of the cost. Learn how generics work, why they’re cheaper, and how to maximize your savings.
SSRI-induced serotonin syndrome is a life-threatening reaction to excess serotonin. Recognize the symptoms - agitation, clonus, high fever - and act immediately. Delay can be fatal.
GoodRx and similar services let you pay cash for prescriptions at prices often lower than insurance copays. Learn how to compare prices, when to use them, and which drugs save you the most money.
Codeine can cause fatal overdoses in people with a genetic variation called CYP2D6 ultrarapid metabolism. Learn who's at risk, what symptoms to watch for, and safer alternatives to avoid life-threatening reactions.
Learn how to properly adjust antibiotic doses for kidney disease to prevent toxicity and treatment failure. Understand CrCl calculations, guideline differences, and real-world dosing strategies.
Taking levothyroxine at the wrong time can cut absorption by half. Learn the proven timing rules, what to avoid, and how bedtime dosing can work-backed by science and patient results.
Generic drugs are just as effective as brand-name versions, saving patients up to 85% on costs. Learn how bioequivalence works, when to be cautious, and why generics are the smart choice for most people.