Archive: 2025/12
Substance Use and Mental Illness: How Integrated Dual Diagnosis Care Works
Integrated dual diagnosis care treats mental illness and substance use together, not separately. Learn how IDDT works, why it’s more effective, and how to find it.
Tuberculosis: Understanding Latent Infection, Active Disease, and Treatment Options
Tuberculosis can lie dormant for years before becoming active. Learn how latent TB differs from active disease, who needs treatment, and why drug therapy must be completed to prevent drug-resistant strains.
Calcium Channel Blockers: How Metabolic Interactions Affect Drug Clearance and Safety
Calcium channel blockers are widely used for high blood pressure and heart conditions, but their metabolism through CYP3A4 makes them prone to dangerous drug interactions. Learn how amlodipine, verapamil, and diltiazem differ in safety, how grapefruit juice and other drugs can cause toxicity, and what steps to take to avoid life-threatening side effects.
Steroid-Induced Acne and Skin Changes: Effective Topical and Lifestyle Solutions
Steroid-induced acne is a common side effect of corticosteroid or anabolic steroid use, presenting as uniform red bumps on the chest and back. Learn how topical treatments like tretinoin and antifungals, combined with lifestyle changes, can effectively manage this condition without stopping essential medication.
Autoimmune Disorder Medications: Understanding Immunosuppression Complications
Immunosuppressive drugs control autoimmune diseases but carry serious infection and cancer risks. Learn how different medications affect your immune system and what steps you can take to stay safe.
How to Create a Medication Schedule That Minimizes Interactions
Create a safe medication schedule using the Universal Medication Schedule framework to avoid dangerous drug interactions. Learn how to organize pills, sync refills, track doses, and work with your pharmacist.
Autonomic Neuropathy: Understanding Blood Pressure Drops and GI Symptoms
Autonomic neuropathy causes dangerous drops in blood pressure and severe digestive problems like gastroparesis. Learn how it develops, how it's diagnosed, and what treatments actually work to manage symptoms.
Opioids and Antihistamines: The Hidden Danger of Combined Sedation
Combining opioids and antihistamines can cause dangerous sedation and respiratory depression-even death. Learn why this common mix is riskier than you think and how to stay safe.
Hemochromatosis: How Iron Overload Damages Your Liver and How Phlebotomy Saves Lives
Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder causing dangerous iron buildup in the liver and other organs. Early diagnosis through blood tests and treatment with regular phlebotomy can prevent liver failure, diabetes, and cancer.
Authorized Generics: Same Drug, Different Label
Authorized generics are the exact same drug as brand-name medications, just sold without the brand name. They offer the same effectiveness at generic prices, but most patients don’t know they exist.