Steve Purkiss Health Insights - Page 3
27
Nov
Medication Recalls: What Patients Should Do Immediately
When a medication is recalled, don't panic or stop taking it. Check your lot number, call your pharmacy, and follow FDA guidance to stay safe. Most recalls aren't life-threatening-but wrong actions can be.
26
Nov
FDA Boxed Warnings Explained: What You Need to Know Before Taking High-Risk Medications
Boxed warnings are the FDA's strongest safety alerts for prescription drugs. Learn what they mean, which common medications carry them, and exactly what you should do if your drug has one.
25
Nov
Biosimilar Medications: Are They Safe and Effective? Here's What the Data Shows
Biosimilar medications are proven to be as safe and effective as their reference biologics, with over a billion patient treatment days supporting their use. Learn how they work, why they're cheaper, and what the real-world data says.
24
Nov
Sleep Medications: Safety Risks, Dependence, and Proven Alternatives
Sleep medications may help you fall asleep, but they come with serious risks like dependence, memory loss, and falls. Learn why CBT-I is the safer, more effective long-term solution for insomnia.
23
Nov
Why Insurers Prefer Generic Drug Lists: How Formularies Control Costs and Shape Your Prescriptions
Insurers use preferred generic lists to cut drug costs by steering patients toward cheaper, FDA-approved alternatives. Learn how formularies work, why generics are pushed, and how to save money-and avoid surprises-on your prescriptions.
21
Nov
Fall Risk in Older Adults on Sedating Antihistamines: Prevention Strategies
Sedating antihistamines like diphenhydramine increase fall risk in older adults by impairing balance and coordination. Safer alternatives exist, and simple home changes can prevent injuries. Learn how to reduce risk with medication swaps and non-drug strategies.
20
Nov
Postpartum Depression: Understanding Hormonal Shifts and Effective Treatments
Postpartum depression affects 1 in 7 new mothers and is caused by a mix of hormonal shifts, stress, and genetics-not just hormones. Learn about proven treatments like SSRIs, therapy, and new FDA-approved drugs, and why screening and support matter.
19
Nov
Specialty Prescribing: Why Specialists Stick With Brand-Name Drugs
Specialists often choose brand-name specialty drugs over cheaper alternatives not out of preference, but because of real-world risks, inconsistent patient support, and a broken pricing system that makes generics more expensive than they should be.
19
Nov
Thiazide Diuretics and Gout: What You Need to Know About Uric Acid Risks
Thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide effectively treat high blood pressure but can raise uric acid levels, triggering gout attacks. Learn who's at risk, how to spot the problem early, and safer alternatives.
18
Nov
Fixed-dose combination drugs: what they are and why they exist
Fixed-dose combination drugs combine two or more medications into one pill to simplify treatment and improve adherence. While they help manage chronic conditions like hypertension and TB, not all combos offer real benefits-some are just patent extensions.
18
Nov
Nurofen vs. Alternatives: Which Pain Reliever Works Best for You?
Nurofen (ibuprofen) isn't the only painkiller that works. Learn how paracetamol, naproxen, aspirin, and topical gels compare - and which one is safest and most effective for your specific pain.
18
Nov
Canagliflozin: How It Works for Type 2 Diabetes and What You Need to Know
Canagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor that helps manage type 2 diabetes by flushing excess sugar through urine. It lowers blood sugar, aids weight loss, and protects the heart and kidneys. Learn how it works, who it's for, and what side effects to watch for.