Clinical trial data shows how a drug works under ideal conditions. Real-world outcomes reveal how it actually performs in everyday life-with diverse patients, comorbidities, and real-life challenges. Understanding the difference is key to better treatment decisions.
Learn which medications to avoid during pregnancy, including NSAIDs, acetaminophen risks, and antidepressants. Discover safe alternatives for pain, allergies, and congestion, backed by the latest FDA and CDC guidelines.
Heat and humidity can ruin your medication long before the expiration date. Learn which drugs are most vulnerable, where not to store them, and how to keep them safe for maximum effectiveness.
Learn how to check REMS requirements before starting a new medication. Understand FDA-mandated safety steps, avoid treatment delays, and ensure safe use of high-risk drugs with this practical guide.
Learn how to get a 90-day supply of your maintenance medications to cut pharmacy trips in half, save money, and improve adherence. Step-by-step guide for insurance, doctors, and pharmacies.
Some herbal supplements like St. John’s wort can reduce the effectiveness of birth control by speeding up hormone breakdown. Learn which ones are risky, which are safe, and what to do if you’re already taking them.
Learn how to report medication side effects directly to the FDA-even if your doctor doesn't. Your report helps protect others and improves drug safety. Simple steps to speak up and make a difference.
MedlinePlus Drug Information offers free, reliable, and easy-to-understand safety summaries for prescription and over-the-counter medications, backed by the U.S. government. No ads, no paywalls, just clear facts for patients and families.
Changing psychiatric medications can trigger emotional numbness, anxiety, and loss of identity-even when the new drug is chemically similar. Learn why medication switches affect the mind more than most doctors admit.
Hospital formularies systematically select generic drugs based on clinical evidence, safety, cost-effectiveness, and supply reliability. Learn how Pharmacy and Therapeutics committees make these decisions to balance quality care with budget constraints.