FamilyDoctor.org: Your Guide to Pharmaceuticals - Page 2

Medication Safety at Night: How Fatigue Increases Risk and What to Do About It

Medication Safety at Night: How Fatigue Increases Risk and What to Do About It

Night shifts increase medication errors by over 12% due to fatigue. Learn which medications worsen drowsiness, why naps aren't enough, and what real system changes can prevent deadly mistakes.

Bipolar Depression vs. Unipolar Depression: Key Differences in Diagnosis and Treatment

Bipolar Depression vs. Unipolar Depression: Key Differences in Diagnosis and Treatment

Bipolar depression and unipolar depression look alike but require completely different treatments. Misdiagnosis can lead to dangerous side effects. Learn how to tell them apart and what treatments actually work.

How Drug Interactions Make Medication Side Effects Worse

How Drug Interactions Make Medication Side Effects Worse

Drug interactions can turn mild side effects into life-threatening events. Learn how common meds, foods, and genetics combine to increase risks-and what you can do to stay safe.

How to Identify a Legitimate Generic Drug at the Pharmacy

How to Identify a Legitimate Generic Drug at the Pharmacy

Learn how to identify legitimate generic drugs at the pharmacy by checking labels, verifying pharmacies, spotting counterfeit signs, and using lot numbers to confirm safety. Save money without risking your health.

Magnesium Supplements and Osteoporosis Medications: How to Time Them Right

Magnesium Supplements and Osteoporosis Medications: How to Time Them Right

Magnesium supplements can block the absorption of osteoporosis medications like Fosamax and Actonel. Learn the two-hour timing rule to protect your bone health and avoid treatment failure.

Lupus Arthritis: How Hydroxychloroquine Reduces Joint Inflammation and Prevents Flares

Lupus Arthritis: How Hydroxychloroquine Reduces Joint Inflammation and Prevents Flares

Hydroxychloroquine is the cornerstone treatment for lupus arthritis, reducing joint inflammation, preventing flares, and lowering long-term risks like heart disease and organ damage. Learn how it works, why it's recommended for nearly all lupus patients, and what to expect when taking it.

Ankylosing Spondylitis: How TNF Inhibitors Reduce Spine Inflammation and Improve Mobility

Ankylosing Spondylitis: How TNF Inhibitors Reduce Spine Inflammation and Improve Mobility

TNF inhibitors have transformed ankylosing spondylitis treatment by targeting the root cause of spine inflammation. Learn how these biologics reduce pain, improve mobility, and slow disease progression - and which patients benefit most.

Step Therapy Rules: What You Need to Know About Insurance Requirements to Try Generics First

Step Therapy Rules: What You Need to Know About Insurance Requirements to Try Generics First

Step therapy forces patients to try cheaper generics before insurers cover prescribed medications. Learn how it works, when it’s dangerous, and how to get exceptions when your health is at risk.

Save Money on OTC Medications: Store Brands Are Just as Effective as Name Brands

Save Money on OTC Medications: Store Brands Are Just as Effective as Name Brands

Store brand OTC medications contain the same active ingredients as name brands but cost 80% less. Learn how to save money without sacrificing effectiveness, backed by FDA data and real user experiences.

Workers' Compensation and Generic Substitution: What Injured Workers Need to Know

Workers' Compensation and Generic Substitution: What Injured Workers Need to Know

Generic substitution in workers' compensation saves billions by replacing brand-name drugs with equally effective generics. Learn how it works, when it’s required, and what injured workers should know.

RECENT POSTS

February 14, 2026
How to Make a Medication Action Plan with Your Care Team

Learn how to build a personalized medication action plan with your care team to improve adherence, avoid side effects, and reduce hospital visits. A clear, simple plan makes managing multiple meds easier and safer.

September 24, 2025
Flunil (Fluoxetine) vs. Popular Antidepressant Alternatives: A Complete Comparison

A detailed look at Flunil (Fluoxetine) compared with other antidepressants. Learn mechanisms, dosing, side‑effects, cost and how to pick the right option for you.

May 13, 2023
Tamsulosin and Dental Health: What You Need to Know

As a blogger, I've recently been researching the connection between Tamsulosin and dental health, and I'd like to share some key points with you all. Tamsulosin is a medication commonly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and it has been found to potentially impact dental procedures. One significant concern is the risk of increased bleeding during dental surgery, which may require dentists to take additional precautions. Individuals taking Tamsulosin should always inform their dentist about their medication history to ensure safe and effective dental care. Ultimately, understanding the link between Tamsulosin and dental health is essential for both patients and dental professionals.

October 22, 2025
Allopurinol and Alcohol: Safety Guide for Gout Patients

Learn how alcohol affects allopurinol therapy for gout, understand risks, get safety tips, and discover alternatives for a healthier lifestyle.

December 10, 2025
Generic vs Brand Name Drugs: What the Label Really Tells You and Why They Work the Same

Generic drugs save billions and work just as well as brand-name versions. Learn what the FDA requires for therapeutic equivalence, why labels look different, and when to watch for subtle changes.