Author: Fiona Ravenscroft

Congress is proposing two bills to tackle drug and healthcare provider shortages, but a historic government shutdown has stalled progress. Here’s what’s in the laws, why they’re stuck, and what it means for patients.

Learn how to identify hidden skin allergens causing contact dermatitis, how patch testing works, and practical steps to avoid triggers like nickel, fragrance, and preservatives for long-term relief.

Most expired medications aren’t toxic-but some are. Learn which ones can turn dangerous, why storage matters more than the date, and what to do if you’ve taken an expired drug.

Palliative care for cancer focuses on controlling pain and improving daily life. With proper medication, radiation, and emotional support, 80-90% of cancer pain can be managed-so you can live fully, even with advanced illness.

Pharmacists must document every generic drug substitution accurately to ensure patient safety and legal compliance. State laws vary widely, requiring specific details like manufacturer, lot number, and patient consent. Proper records prevent errors, support audits, and protect both patients and practitioners.

Many prescription labels in the U.S. are poorly translated, putting non-English speakers at risk. Learn the most dangerous errors, which states require accurate translations, and how to get help if your label doesn’t make sense.

Heart disease risk factors include age, family history, smoking, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. Learn which ones you can't change and which you can control to protect your heart before it's too late.

Biosimilars are complex biologic drugs that can't be copied like generic pills. Their production requires precise control over living cells, glycosylation, and scaling - making them far harder and costlier to manufacture than traditional generics.

Social media is transforming drug safety monitoring by catching adverse reactions faster than traditional systems - but with major risks like data noise, privacy concerns, and bias. Learn how it works, where it succeeds, and why it's not a full replacement.

The VA formulary ensures veterans get affordable, high-quality generic medications with low copays. Learn how the three-tier system works, what drugs are covered in 2025, and how to navigate prior authorizations and mail-order prescriptions.