Steve Purkiss Health Insights - Page 2

Shellfish Allergy: Cross-Reactivity and How to Eat Out Safely
8
Dec
Shellfish Allergy: Cross-Reactivity and How to Eat Out Safely
Health 11 Comments

Shellfish allergy is one of the most common and severe food allergies, with high cross-reactivity between shrimp, crab, and lobster. Learn how tropomyosin triggers reactions, why false positives happen, and how to dine out safely with practical tips and new diagnostic tools.

Penicillin Allergies vs Side Effects: How to Tell Them Apart and Why It Matters
7
Dec
Penicillin Allergies vs Side Effects: How to Tell Them Apart and Why It Matters
Medications 10 Comments

Most people who think they're allergic to penicillin aren't. Learn how to tell the difference between a true allergy and common side effects-and why getting tested could save your life and money.

Urate Targets in Gout: How Allopurinol and Febuxostat Work to Reach Treatment Goals
6
Dec
Urate Targets in Gout: How Allopurinol and Febuxostat Work to Reach Treatment Goals
Conditions 15 Comments

Learn how allopurinol and febuxostat help lower serum urate to prevent gout flares and dissolve crystals. Understand target levels, dosing strategies, and why most patients fail to reach them.

Finding Generic Combinations: When Components Don't Match Brand Formulations
5
Dec
Finding Generic Combinations: When Components Don't Match Brand Formulations
Pharmacy 14 Comments

Generic combination drugs save money but may have different inactive ingredients than brand versions, affecting patients with narrow therapeutic index conditions. Learn when substitutions are safe and how to protect yourself.

Why Generic Switching Raises Concerns for NTI Drugs
4
Dec
Why Generic Switching Raises Concerns for NTI Drugs
Medications 9 Comments

Generic switching for NTI drugs like warfarin and phenytoin can cause dangerous fluctuations in blood levels, leading to toxicity or treatment failure. Learn why even small differences matter-and what patients and doctors must do to stay safe.

Hiccups Triggered by Medications: Common Causes and Proven Remedies
4
Dec
Hiccups Triggered by Medications: Common Causes and Proven Remedies
Medications 10 Comments

Medication-induced hiccups are more common than you think-especially with steroids and opioids. Learn which drugs cause them, how to stop them fast, and what to ask your doctor if they won’t go away.

How to Coordinate Care Between OB/GYN and Psychiatrist for Medications During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
4
Dec
How to Coordinate Care Between OB/GYN and Psychiatrist for Medications During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Health 12 Comments

Learn how OB/GYNs and psychiatrists work together to safely manage psychiatric medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with evidence-based guidelines, safe drug options, and practical steps to ensure coordinated care.

Managing Formulary Changes: How to Handle Prescription Drug Coverage Updates
4
Dec
Managing Formulary Changes: How to Handle Prescription Drug Coverage Updates
Pharmacy 10 Comments

Formulary changes can suddenly stop your insurance from covering your medication. Learn how tiered drug lists work, why changes happen, and what to do when your prescription is dropped-plus how to protect yourself in 2025.

Fiber for Weight Control: How Soluble and Insoluble Fiber Help You Manage Your Weight
2
Dec
Fiber for Weight Control: How Soluble and Insoluble Fiber Help You Manage Your Weight
Health 8 Comments

Soluble fiber helps control weight by reducing hunger and slowing digestion, while insoluble fiber supports regular bowel movements. Learn which foods and supplements work best for lasting results.

Cost-Saving Strategies While Maintaining Medication Safety
1
Dec
Cost-Saving Strategies While Maintaining Medication Safety
Pharmacy 10 Comments

Learn how hospitals and patients are cutting medication costs without risking safety-through pharmacist-led care, generics, better communication, and smart tech. Proven strategies that work in 2025.

Bipolar Disorder: Managing Mood Stabilizers and Antipsychotics Effectively
29
Nov
Bipolar Disorder: Managing Mood Stabilizers and Antipsychotics Effectively
Medications 9 Comments

Learn how mood stabilizers and antipsychotics work together to manage bipolar disorder, their real-world side effects, what works best for different symptoms, and how to stay safe while taking them.

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Risk from Immunosuppressants: What You Need to Know
28
Nov
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Risk from Immunosuppressants: What You Need to Know
Health 8 Comments

PML is a rare but deadly brain infection triggered by immunosuppressants like natalizumab. Learn who’s at risk, how it’s detected, and what steps can save your life.