Author: Lara Whitley - Page 2
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Monitoring During Immunosuppressive Therapy: Essential Lab Tests and Imaging for Safety and Effectiveness
Monitoring during immunosuppressive therapy uses lab tests and imaging to balance rejection risk and drug toxicity. Key tests include therapeutic drug monitoring for tacrolimus and cyclosporine, routine blood work, and emerging TTV biomarkers to personalize care.
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Why Generic Drugs Are Running Out: The Hidden Crisis in Generic Manufacturing
Generic drugs make up 90% of prescriptions but only 20% of spending - and that’s why they’re running out. Low profits, foreign supply chains, and weak oversight are causing life-threatening shortages.
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Bedtime vs Morning Dosing: How to Reduce Daytime Side Effects of Blood Pressure Medication
Bedtime vs morning dosing for blood pressure meds can reduce daytime dizziness and bathroom trips. Learn who benefits most from switching, what the latest studies show, and how to safely try it.
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Prescription Discount Programs and Coupons: Do They Actually Save Money?
Prescription discount programs and coupons can save you hundreds on generic meds - but often do little for brand-name drugs. Learn who benefits most, how to use them right, and why insurance isn't always better.
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Medicare Part D Drug Coverage Explained for Patients in 2025
Medicare Part D in 2025 now caps your out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 annually and eliminates the donut hole. Learn how the new three-phase system works, how to pick the right plan, and what you really pay for prescriptions.
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Prednisone and Prednisolone Side Effects: What You Need to Know Short-Term and Long-Term
Prednisone and prednisolone are powerful steroids used to fight inflammation, but they come with serious short-term and long-term side effects. Learn what to expect, how to manage risks, and why doctors still rely on them.
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Biologics Safety: Infection Risk, Screening, and Vaccination Guidance for Autoimmune Patients
Biologics help control autoimmune diseases but increase infection risk. Learn essential screening, vaccination timing, and risk factors to stay safe while on these powerful treatments.
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Health Literacy and Generics: How to Understand Generic Medications and Avoid Costly Mistakes
Many people stop taking generic medications because they don't understand they're the same as brand-name drugs. Learn how health literacy gaps lead to dangerous misunderstandings-and what you can do to stay safe and save money.
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Clostridioides difficile: Understanding Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea and How to Prevent It
Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, causing severe infection and recurrent illness. Learn how it spreads, how it's treated today, and the most effective ways to prevent it.
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Goldenseal and Medications: What You Need to Know About Liver Enzyme Risks
Goldenseal may seem like a natural immune booster, but it can dangerously interfere with liver enzymes that process medications. Learn which drugs it affects and why even short-term use can be risky.
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Medications Requiring Refrigeration: Proper Home Storage Guide
Learn how to properly store refrigerated medications like insulin and vaccines at home to avoid dangerous loss of potency. Essential tips for temperature control, travel, and emergencies.
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Colesevelam GI Side Effects: How to Manage Constipation and Bloating
Colesevelam can cause constipation and bloating in up to 15% of users. Learn how to manage these side effects with hydration, fiber, dose titration, and safe laxatives-without stopping the medication.