Steve Purkiss Health Insights - Page 2

Pediatric Safety: What Parents and Doctors Need to Know About Generic Drugs for Children
26
Jan
Pediatric Safety: What Parents and Doctors Need to Know About Generic Drugs for Children
Medications 15 Comments

Generic drugs for children aren't always safe just because they're cheaper. Learn the hidden risks, key drugs to avoid, and practical steps every parent and caregiver should take to prevent dangerous medication errors.

Authorized Generics vs Brand Drugs: What You Need to Know About Identical Medications
26
Jan
Authorized Generics vs Brand Drugs: What You Need to Know About Identical Medications
Medications 15 Comments

Authorized generics are identical to brand-name drugs in every way-active ingredients, fillers, and manufacturing. They’re often cheaper and safer for sensitive patients. Here’s how to get them and why they’re not the same as regular generics.

Rhabdomyolysis from Medication Interactions: How Common Drug Combos Cause Muscle Breakdown
24
Jan
Rhabdomyolysis from Medication Interactions: How Common Drug Combos Cause Muscle Breakdown
Medications 17 Comments

Medication interactions can trigger rhabdomyolysis - a dangerous muscle breakdown that harms kidneys and can be fatal. Learn which drug combos are most risky, who’s most vulnerable, and how to prevent it.

What Are Biosimilars? A Simple Guide for Patients
23
Jan
What Are Biosimilars? A Simple Guide for Patients
Medications 15 Comments

Biosimilars are highly tested, FDA-approved versions of complex biologic drugs. They work the same as the original but cost less. Learn how they differ from generics and why they’re safe for patients.

How to Implement a Personal Safety Checklist for Pharmacy Visits
22
Jan
How to Implement a Personal Safety Checklist for Pharmacy Visits
Pharmacy 10 Comments

Learn how to use a simple 5-step personal safety checklist when picking up prescriptions to avoid dangerous dispensing errors. Protect your health by verifying your meds every time.

How to Check Medication Names, Strengths, and Dosage Forms Safely
21
Jan
How to Check Medication Names, Strengths, and Dosage Forms Safely
Medications 13 Comments

Learn how to safely verify medication names, strengths, and dosage forms to prevent dangerous errors. Simple steps like reading labels aloud and checking spacing can save lives.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: How Workplace Noise Damages Hearing and How to Stop It
20
Jan
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: How Workplace Noise Damages Hearing and How to Stop It
Health 11 Comments

Noise-induced hearing loss is a silent, permanent threat in many workplaces. Learn how loud noise damages hearing, why current safety rules fall short, and what actually works to prevent it-backed by science and real-world data.

Upset Stomach and Heartburn from Medications: What Works and What Doesn’t
19
Jan
Upset Stomach and Heartburn from Medications: What Works and What Doesn’t
Medications 12 Comments

Many common medications cause heartburn and upset stomach-but you don’t have to live with it. Learn which drugs trigger these side effects and how to manage them safely without quitting your treatment.

Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole and Warfarin: Why INR Rises and How to Stay Safe
18
Jan
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole and Warfarin: Why INR Rises and How to Stay Safe
Medications 11 Comments

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole can sharply raise INR in people taking warfarin, increasing bleeding risk. Learn why this happens, how to prevent it, and what to do if your INR spikes.

Dofetilide and Cimetidine: Why This Drug Pair Can Trigger Deadly Heart Rhythms
17
Jan
Dofetilide and Cimetidine: Why This Drug Pair Can Trigger Deadly Heart Rhythms
Medications 14 Comments

Dofetilide and cimetidine together can cause life-threatening heart rhythms. This interaction increases QT prolongation risk by up to 4 times, leading to torsades de pointes. Learn why this combo is strictly contraindicated and what to use instead.

Vitamin D and Statin Tolerance: What the Evidence Really Shows
16
Jan
Vitamin D and Statin Tolerance: What the Evidence Really Shows
Medications 13 Comments

Does vitamin D help you tolerate statins? Research shows mixed results. While some patients benefit, large trials find no overall effect. Learn who might still help and what to do if statins cause muscle pain.

How to Tell a Side Effect from a True Drug Allergy
15
Jan
How to Tell a Side Effect from a True Drug Allergy
Medications 11 Comments

Most people confuse side effects with true drug allergies. Learn how to tell the difference-why it matters, what symptoms to watch for, and how to get tested. Your next prescription could depend on it.