Archive: 2026/01
TIA vs. Stroke: Warning Signs and Urgent Evaluation
A TIA is not a mini-stroke - it's a life-threatening warning. Learn the real signs, why symptoms disappearing doesn't mean you're safe, and how immediate treatment can prevent a full stroke.
Patent Term Restoration (PTE): How Drug Patents Get Extra Time
Patent Term Restoration lets drug makers recover time lost during FDA approval. Learn how the Hatch-Waxman Act works, who qualifies, and why it keeps drug prices high.
Rhabdomyolysis from Medication Interactions: How Common Drugs Can Cause Muscle Breakdown
Rhabdomyolysis from medication interactions is a hidden danger in everyday prescriptions. Statins, antibiotics, and other common drugs can combine to cause muscle breakdown, kidney failure, and even death. Know the risks and how to protect yourself.
Opioid-Induced Constipation: How to Prevent and Treat It Effectively
Opioid-induced constipation affects 40-60% of people on long-term pain medication. Learn why standard laxatives often fail, how PAMORAs work, and why prevention is the only reliable strategy.
Chest Pain Evaluation: When to Go to the Emergency Department
Chest pain can signal a heart attack or something less serious. Learn the warning signs that mean you need to call 9-1-1 immediately, what happens in the ER, and why waiting could be deadly.
NSAID Overdose: How to Recognize and Prevent Gastrointestinal Bleeding
NSAID overdose can cause silent, life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding. Learn who’s at risk, the hidden signs of internal bleeding, and how to protect your stomach without giving up pain relief.
Lot-to-Lot Variability in Biologics and Biosimilars: What Patients and Doctors Need to Know
Lot-to-lot variability is natural in biologics and biosimilars due to their complex manufacturing from living cells. Unlike generics, these drugs aren't identical batch-to-batch - but they're tightly controlled to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Side Effects After Switching to Generics: When to Worry and What to Do
Switching between generic medications can cause real side effects for some people, especially with drugs that have a narrow therapeutic index. Learn which medications are riskiest, what symptoms to watch for, and how to protect yourself from harmful switches.
Current Drug Shortages: Which Medications Are Scarce Today in 2026
As of 2026, over 270 medications remain in short supply in the U.S., including critical drugs like cisplatin, IV fluids, and ADHD treatments. Learn which ones are hardest to find, why it’s happening, and what you can do.
GLP-1 Side Effects: How to Manage Nausea, Understand Dosing, and Stick With Treatment
GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro help with weight loss but often cause nausea. Learn how dosing schedules work, why nausea happens, and practical tips to manage it so you can stick with treatment and see results.
Heart Valve Diseases: Understanding Stenosis, Regurgitation, and Modern Surgical Treatments
Learn how heart valve stenosis and regurgitation affect blood flow, the symptoms to watch for, and modern treatments like TAVR and MitraClip that can restore heart function without open-heart surgery.
Digital Pill Sensors: How They Track Medication Use and Detect Side Effects
Digital pill sensors track whether you take your medication and detect early signs of side effects using ingestible sensors and wearable patches. Used in mental health, HIV, and TB treatment, they improve adherence and provide real-time physiological data.