Author: Natala Menezes - Page 2

Opioids and Adrenal Insufficiency: A Rare but Life-Threatening Side Effect You Need to Know

Natala Menezes
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January 16
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8

Opioid-induced adrenal insufficiency is a rare but life-threatening side effect of long-term opioid use that suppresses cortisol production. Many patients go undiagnosed until a medical crisis occurs. Early testing and awareness can prevent fatal outcomes.

Analgesic Nephropathy: How NSAIDs Damage Kidneys and What Safer Pain Relief Looks Like

Natala Menezes
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January 15
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12

Analgesic nephropathy is kidney damage from long-term painkiller use - often unnoticed until it's too late. Learn how NSAIDs and acetaminophen harm kidneys, who's at risk, and what safer pain relief options actually work.

DSCSA Track-and-Trace: How the U.S. Is Stopping Counterfeit Drugs Before They Reach Patients

Natala Menezes
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January 14
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13

The DSCSA track-and-trace system is the U.S. government's comprehensive solution to stop counterfeit drugs by requiring electronic serialization and verification at every step of the pharmaceutical supply chain, ensuring patient safety by 2024.

Rationing Medications: How Ethical Decisions Are Made During Drug Shortages

Natala Menezes
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January 13
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12

When life-saving drugs run out, hospitals must make tough ethical choices. This article explains how rationing works, who decides, why it often fails, and what’s being done to make it fairer during drug shortages.

When to Report Rare Side Effects from Generic Medications

Natala Menezes
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January 11
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11

Learn when and how to report rare side effects from generic medications. Understand the real risks, what counts as serious, and why your report matters - even if you're not a doctor.

Annual Medication Review with a Pharmacist: How It Reduces Side Effects

Natala Menezes
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January 10
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9

An Annual Medication Review with a pharmacist helps cut harmful side effects by checking all your meds-prescription, OTC, and supplements. Find out how it works, who needs it, and how to get one for free.

Quality and Efficacy: Are Authorized Generics as Good as Brand Drugs?

Natala Menezes
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January 8
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15

Authorized generics are the exact same medication as brand-name drugs, made in the same factory with identical ingredients. They work just as well, cost less, and are often safer than traditional generics. Here's what you need to know.

Meglitinides and Hypoglycemia: Why Irregular Meals Are Dangerous with These Diabetes Drugs

Natala Menezes
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January 7
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13

Meglitinides like repaglinide and nateglinide help control blood sugar after meals but carry high hypoglycemia risk if meals are skipped. Timing is everything-take them only when eating.

Direct-to-Consumer Generic Pharmacies: How Much You Really Save vs. Insurance

Natala Menezes
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January 4
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10

DTC pharmacies can save you hundreds on expensive generics, but often offer little savings on common drugs. Learn when to use them vs. your insurance-and how to avoid hidden costs.

Why Medications Lose Potency Over Time and How It Happens

Natala Menezes
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January 3
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8

Medications lose potency over time due to chemical breakdown from heat, moisture, and light-not just after expiration. Learn why some drugs last longer than others and how storage affects safety and effectiveness.

What Is a Drug Formulary? Complete Explanation for Patients

Natala Menezes
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January 3
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11

A drug formulary is your insurance plan's list of covered medications, organized into tiers that determine your out-of-pocket costs. Learn how tiers work, why drugs get removed, and how to fight for coverage.

Medication Safety in Kidney Disease: How to Dose Drugs Correctly and Avoid Nephrotoxins

Natala Menezes
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January 1
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11

Learn how to safely take medications with kidney disease. Understand which drugs to avoid, how to adjust doses based on eGFR, and how to prevent kidney damage from common nephrotoxins like NSAIDs and contrast dye.