Author: Lesley Williams - Page 2

Clostridioides difficile: Understanding Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea and How to Prevent It

Clostridioides difficile causes severe antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can be life-threatening. Learn how it spreads, who’s at risk, why probiotics don’t work for prevention, and what treatments actually work today.

Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs: What Patients Need to Know

Narrow therapeutic index drugs require precise dosing and regular monitoring. Learn how warfarin, lithium, levothyroxine, and others work, why generic switches can be risky, and what you must do to stay safe.

Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis: Understanding Muscle Inflammation and Modern Treatment Options

Dermatomyositis and polymyositis are rare autoimmune diseases causing muscle weakness and inflammation. Learn how they differ, how they're diagnosed, and what modern treatments-including steroids, biologics, and physical therapy-can do to restore function and improve quality of life.

Switching from Brand to Authorized Generic: Practical Tips for Lower Costs Without Compromising Care

Switching from a brand-name drug to an authorized generic can save you $15-$30 per prescription with no loss in effectiveness. Learn how to identify, confirm, and switch safely to the same medication at a lower cost.

NSAID Sensitivity and Asthma: What Patients Should Watch

NSAID-sensitive asthma, known as NERD, affects 7% of asthma patients and can cause life-threatening reactions to common painkillers. Learn the signs, risks, and safe alternatives.

Preventing Osteoporosis from Long-Term Steroid Use: What Actually Works

Long-term steroid use can cause rapid bone loss and high fracture risk. Learn science-backed prevention strategies - from calcium and vitamin D to bone-building drugs - that actually work.

Generic vs Brand Name Drugs: What the Label Really Tells You

Generic drugs are just as effective as brand-name versions but cost up to 99% less. Learn how the FDA ensures therapeutic equivalence, what label differences mean, and when to be cautious about switching.

Nausea from Opioids: How to Manage It with Antiemetics, Timing, and Diet

Opioid-induced nausea affects 30-40% of new users, but it's manageable with the right antiemetics, timing, and diet changes. Learn what works, what doesn't, and how to stay on your pain medication without feeling sick.

Severe Bleeding on Medications: What to Watch For and How to Respond in an Emergency

Severe bleeding from blood thinners is a silent threat that kills. Learn the warning signs, who’s most at risk, what happens in the ER, and how to protect yourself before it’s too late.

Understanding Risk-Benefit Statements in FDA Drug Labels: What Patients Need to Know

Learn how to read FDA drug labels to understand real risks and benefits - not just jargon. Get clear tips on finding key info, interpreting numbers, and asking the right questions to make smarter treatment decisions.