Ask A Pharmacist

June 11, 2025

What is the best antibiotic for a sinus infection? We describe the most effective & commonly used treatments including penicillin, doxycycline and more.

June 04, 2025

What is the best medicine for Crohn's disease? We describe the most effective & common treatments including biologics, steroids and more.

May 29, 2025

Adzenys vs Vyvanse compared. Read about the differences in benefits, side effects, dosages, and effectiveness of these two common ADHD medications.

May 19, 2025

What is the best cough medicine? We describe the most effective & commonly used treatments including Benzonatate, Guaifenesin and more.

May 07, 2025

What is the best fertility drug to get pregnant? We describe the most effective & commonly used treatments including Clomid, Femara, Metformin and more.

May 01, 2025

What is the best anxiety medication with less side effects? We describe the most effective & commonly used meds including SSRIs, SNRIs and more.

April 28, 2025

What is the best allergy medicine? We describe the most effective & commonly used treatments including antihistamines, corticosteroids and more.

April 23, 2025

What is the best over-the-counter medicine for IBS? We describe the most common and effective OTC meds for relieving irritable bowel syndrome.

April 03, 2025

What is the best antibiotic for gum infections? We describe the most commonly used effective treatments including amoxicillin, metronidazole, and more.

March 25, 2025

What is the best muscle relaxer? We describe the most effective treatments, including the most common antispasmodics, antispastics, and more.

March 19, 2025

What is the best antibiotic for a UTI? We describe the most effective and commonly used treatments including ceftriaxone, doxycycline and more.

March 11, 2025

What is the best supplement for regular bowel movements? We describe the most effective treatments including common supplements and natural remedies.

February 25, 2025

What is the best diuretic for high blood pressure? We describe the most effective and commonly used water pills, including Thalitone, Microzide, and more.

February 20, 2025

What are the best weight loss pills? We describe the most effective prescription and over the counter weight loss medications.

February 14, 2025

What is the best hair growth product? We discuss the most effective and popular products, including Minoxidil, Multi-Peptide Serum, and more.

December 01, 2021

Currently, ivermectin has shown no effectiveness against COVID-19, but people have been taking the medication at an alarming rate. Many have even taken the versions made for animals, leading to a rise in overdoses.

January 08, 2021

About 11% of U.S. adults have daily pain. Healthcare providers are faced with the task of providing adequate pain management while addressing an opioid overdose epidemic.

January 04, 2021

Narcolepsy can be extremely disruptive to daily life, or even dangerous. Most patients need to be on medication to live a normal lifestyle.

December 21, 2020

Falling can be life changing for older adults. Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated for a fall in the emergency room.

December 15, 2020

According to the CDC, almost 40% of adults in the United States have high cholesterol levels. Managing your cholesterol while maintaining holiday traditions is possible. Read on for ways to keep your cholesterol levels healthy during the holidays.

December 14, 2020

High blood pressure medication can help you lower your blood pressure and prevent high blood pressure complications. Although these medications can save your life, they have potential side effects.

December 09, 2020

This year, smaller gatherings may include the occasional rum punch or glass of wine, but before you imbibe, read on to learn about medications that should not be mixed with alcohol.

December 08, 2020

According to a 2019 Gallup Survey, more than 55% of people are stressed every day. Another survey found that 83% of US workers suffer from work-related stress.

December 03, 2020

It's a known fact: vaccines don't work if the at-risk community won't take them. So what do we know about the COVID-19 vaccine?

November 30, 2020

Toujeo and Tresiba are both long-acting insulin injections. Read on to learn more about the differences of these two insulins that act like your body’s own insulin.

November 23, 2020

Diabetic eye disease is a collection of eye problems that occur as a complication of diabetes. Diabetic eye disease is a result of damaged blood vessels in the eyes.

November 17, 2020

Osteoarthritis affects people differently and although it can occur at any age, it mostly affects older adults. While there is no cure, there are a number of therapies that can relieve symptoms.

November 13, 2020

Learning to use antibiotics safely and appropriately helps ensure that they will continue to be effective for years to come.

November 02, 2020

Until most of the world has been vaccinated, it will be extremely difficult to contain the spread of the virus. Understandably, many have the same question on their mind: When will a vaccine be ready?

October 28, 2020

Almost 15% of Americans report a penicillin allergy, yet 90% of these people can actually tolerate this antibiotic.

October 27, 2020

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each year, over 250,000 women in the United States get breast cancer, and nearly 20% die from this disease.

October 15, 2020

Tamiflu had been the gold standard for alleviating or shortening the duration of flu symptoms. Xofluza arrived on the scene in October 2018. Read on for a comparison of these two antivirals.

October 14, 2020

Last flu season, over 40,000,000 people in the United States became ill with the flu. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicates this year's flu season.

October 01, 2020

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) affects about one-third of men over 50 and is present in 90% of men by the age of 85. Medications that treat BPH can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

September 28, 2020

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 12% of women in their childbearing years. It is one of the most common causes of infertility in women.

September 23, 2020

Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). Over two million Americans are living with atrial fibrillation, and it is estimated that over 12 million Americans will have atrial fibrillation by 2030.

September 21, 2020

The stigma of taking antidepressants, and depression itself remain a barrier for people seeking help to improve their mental health.

September 16, 2020

As an adult, you may think that your vaccination days ended with grade school, but this is not true. In fact, certain vaccines are recommended for specific adult age groups.

September 10, 2020

Muscle relaxants are effective in alleviating pain and uncontrolled movements, but there are potential side effects you should be aware of.

August 27, 2020

As a new mom, you may have to balance potential benefits of any medicine you take against the potential risks to your baby.

August 21, 2020

For most people, signs of RLS (restless leg syndrome) occur at night and before they are going to sleep. If you think you’re suffering from restless leg syndrome, you are not alone.

August 13, 2020

Despite the growing concern of opioids being over-prescribed, they still have a place in pain management.

August 12, 2020

Advancements in psoriasis treatment make it possible to effectively manage your symptoms and significantly improve your quality of life.

July 16, 2020

July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. An estimated 300,000 children in the United States have some type of juvenile arthritis (JA). The most common of these is juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

July 15, 2020

Allegra and Claritin are both second-generation antihistamines with fewer side effects than older medications, but what are the differences?

July 09, 2020

As gyms and fitness centers across the U.S. are being closed again due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to stay physically active.

June 26, 2020

Antipsychotics are used to treat psychosis associated with mental illnesses, but they’re more than just treatment for bipolar disorder.

June 17, 2020

Today’s pharmacists are trained and licensed to provide a number of services needed by many patients.

June 15, 2020

Sunscreens and sunblocks have come a long way from the oily or white creams that originated in 1946. Read on to learn what skin cancer prevention and skin cancer treatment look like today.

June 09, 2020

Different stages in life can bring about various changes in blood pressure for women. Understanding how your body works can help you control your blood pressure and prevent hypertension.

June 03, 2020

In the case of statins, the most likely issues are decreased breakdown of the medication or increased effect due to food or drink interactions.

June 02, 2020

Most people know not to mix alcohol and Tylenol, but both alcohol and caffeine can interact with other prescription medications.

May 29, 2020

Celebrex and Mobic are NSAIDs used to relieve symptoms of arthritis and to treat other conditions. Learn the differences and which one might be better for you.

May 26, 2020

Nearly half of American adults report in a recent poll that their mental health has been negatively affected by stressors related to COVID-19.

May 06, 2020

Clinical research has shown that HPV vaccine is nearly 100% effective in preventing HPV infections, especially in young individuals.

May 01, 2020

Neurontin and Lyrica are medications used to treat nerve conditions. Although these medications are similar in some ways, a few differences distinguish them.

April 29, 2020

Some allergy medicines affect your blood pressure or interact with your blood pressure medication, but safe options for treating your allergy symptoms do exist if you have high blood pressure.

April 28, 2020

Some diuretics are more potent than others. The difference in diuretics stems from their mechanism of action.

April 24, 2020

Managing your allergy symptoms is possible using OTC allergy medicine.

April 23, 2020

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Trijardy XR in January 2020 for lowering blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. This new medication combines the effects of three antidiabetic drugs to simplify your treatment plan and help you achieve your target blood sugar level.

April 22, 2020

If you have exhausted your supply of over-the-counter cough medications and you are still hacking, it’s time to troubleshoot.

April 21, 2020

When allergies run amuck or cold and flu season begins, many patients run to the pharmacy and reach for some easy over-the-counter relief. There are many options when it comes to the nasal decongestant medications but there is one treatment many swear by, Sudafed.

April 08, 2020

In the past decade, the popularity of essential oil aromatherapy has dramatically increased in the United States. Learn what they are and how they’re used.

March 25, 2020

Can I drink while taking this medicine? What if I forget a dose? We answer 5 common pharmacy questions.

March 18, 2020

When it comes to treating low back pain, the numbers talk. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) shows that low back and neck pain accounts for the largest amount of healthcare-related spending in the U.S.

March 17, 2020

What is the difference between pantoprazole and omeprazole? Here is a comparison of these popular heartburn drugs.

March 16, 2020

Vaccination guidelines have changed for Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23. See if you should get these vaccines.

March 03, 2020

According to the American Sleep Association, insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, and 10% of Americans report that they have chronic insomnia.

March 03, 2020

Social determinants are the conditions you live in and can include factors like access to food or housing. Learn how these impact your health.

February 24, 2020

Benzonatate is related to a type of drug called ester local anesthetics. It works locally by numbing the stretch receptors in your lungs, throat, and airways.

February 18, 2020

There are other reasons to return your unused drugs, other than just freeing up space in your medicine cabinet.

February 05, 2020

Illnesses where antibiotics aren’t needed, but taken anyway, may be putting you and others in an even tougher, sicklier situation in the future

December 05, 2019

You probably know certain medications can interact with other medications you may be taking. But did you know some foods can interact, too?

November 21, 2019

There are several common over-the-counter (OTC) medications that older adults should avoid.

November 06, 2019

Good healthcare begins with good communication. If the doctor doesn’t understand your concerns and you don’t understand the doctor’s directions, you may not be getting the best care possible.

October 22, 2019

Do you have gastric reflux? Roughly 18 to 26% of Americans do. Learn about treatment options to get relief from you heartburn.

October 10, 2019

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports, as of September 2019 there have been 1,241 confirmed cases of measles in the United States this year, a number already higher than the previous four years combined.

September 27, 2019

If you are currently using e-cigarettes or vaping as an alternative to traditional cigarettes, it is highly recommended to quit until a definitive cause is identified for the growing number of lung disease cases across the nation.

September 11, 2019

Currently, there are a few treatments to help with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease including agitation, loss of appetite, mood, and paranoia but there is no cure for the disease itself.

September 10, 2019

Many of the signs we think about when it comes to stress are difficulty making decisions, excessive anxiety, worry, guilt, and nervousness.

August 27, 2019

From relieving pain to helping with insomnia, people are using CBD for a variety of reasons. Learn more about its usage and if it could be right for you.

July 31, 2019

Learn simple ways to create organizational systems into your daily routine to get the most benefit from your drug therapy.

July 08, 2019

Outside of prescription medication, these are 3 valuable ways to improve mental health. Incorporating these changes along with your medication can also increase their effectiveness.

June 27, 2019

Narcan nasal spray is intended for use by people who are experiencing an opioid overdose or are showing signs of opioid overdose.

June 18, 2019

If you are using one of these inhalers or have been told that your inhaler contains a steroid in it, you will need to rinse your mouth with water and spit after each use.

May 23, 2019

The More Medications, The Merrier? Have you ever heard of the term “polypharmacy” before? When you break that word down you get “poly”, which means multiple, and “pharmacy”, which means medications. Polypharmacy is defined as the use of multiple drugs, or more than are medically necessary.1 Depending […]

April 22, 2019

According to a study from the CDC, the percent of patients taking both insulin and an oral medication increased between 1997 and 2011.

April 17, 2019

A new group of generic medications are hitting the prescription drug market in 2019. At ScriptSave, we get a lot of questions about generic medications vs. brand name prescription drugs.

April 03, 2019

In 2014, approximately 4 million people in the United States were infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), acute hepatitis C infections reported in the United States increased roughly 3.5 times from 2010-2016.

April 01, 2019

When most people think of a diet that leads to poor diabetes control, they may think of a diet high in carbs and sugar. While those types of food do impact your blood sugars, consuming too many saturated fats can be an enemy against diabetes control,too.

March 21, 2019

With all of the news coverage about vaccines, it is important to equip yourself with the knowledge on what vaccines are, how they work, and why they don’t cause disease to make an informed decision on your health.

March 14, 2019

Hypothyroidism is most commonly caused by an autoimmune disorder which is when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues rather than infections.. If you’re struggling with hypothyroidism, there are prescription and natural treatment options available.

February 26, 2019

Bacteria in food might not sound like a good thing, but probiotics are good bacteria that mimic the natural bacteria you have in your gut. The bacteria that naturally occurs in the gut supports proper gastrointestinal health and digestion. Different strains of probiotics can also support other functions in the body such as reduce vaginal infections, prevent autoimmune disease, reduce urinary tract infection rate, and ease skin ailments.

February 22, 2019

Do you wake up in the middle of the night feeling as if your lower legs are paralyzed and cramped? Do your lower leg muscles feel as if they are hard to the touch and tight? If you experience these symptoms, you may have nocturnal leg cramps.

February 12, 2019

It’s allergy season and you can’t breathe the fresh air because your nose is congested and stuffed. You visit the pharmacy and purchase a box of Sudafed. Your pharmacist asks if you have a history of high blood pressure, and you answer “yes.” The pharmacist replies that she does not recommend Sudafed for you, but why?

February 11, 2019

The term “backorder” in terms of pharmacy simply means that the pharmacy went to place an order on a specific item and the wholesaler, or company that sells the item, cannot fulfill the order due to shortages. The manufacturer producing Shingrix is now experiencing shipping delays for their vaccine due to the high levels of demand.

February 05, 2019

With all the new diet and detoxification trends arising from celebrities and the media, it’s hard to know harmful from helpful. Activated charcoal has been portrayed as the new “magic bullet” for multiple health issues. Activated charcoal’s popularity is quickly spreading and turning up in supplements, juices, hangover remedies, face masks and even toothpastes. The media and celebrities promise it will reduce bloating, clear skin, whiten your teeth, and detox your organs for a healthier life. But does it work?

December 31, 2018

The United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recalled over seven different products in December 2018 due to impurities, mislabeling, or performance defects. The FDA works closely with drug manufacturers to recall and remove any defective medications from the consumer market.  They also have laws that require organizations to contact patients subject to the recall.

December 27, 2018

Prescribed dosages of valsartan range from 40 mg to 320 mg daily and lower strength tablets would contain less NDMA respectively than a higher strength tablet. If you or someone you know is taking an ARB for the treatment of high blood pressure, check the FDA website regularly. A list of affected medication with their lot and expiration dates can be found for all valsartan, irbesartan, and losartan included in the recall.

December 27, 2018

In such a competitive cholesterol treatment market, manufacturers have been forced to make drastic cuts to their medication costs. Amgen lowered its product by 60%, followed by a 45-70% reduction from Regeneron. The price reductions occurred in response to the national consumer’s options to trial a multitude of more affordable options for cholesterol management, based on their clinical goals.

December 27, 2018

While the use of marijuana still remains illegal at the federal level, there are many states that have approved its medical use for qualifying individuals to treat certain conditions, and even fewer states have approved its recreational use.

December 21, 2018

With flu season upon us, make sure you pencil in a date to get your flu shot. You may wonder why this is so important, and why your healthcare providers are always asking whether you received it. Influenza (the flu) is a huge threat to public health. It has been shown that around 5 to 20 percent of the United States population get the flu during flu season.

December 20, 2018

When winter rolls around, the holidays and the festivities that accompany the season follows suit. Turkey, the new year, and family, all of these jolly terms invoke the feeling of celebration and happiness. If you find yourself getting moody when the snow starts falling every year, do not fret. You are not alone. If you feel depressed during certain seasons, this is called seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

December 06, 2018

A difficult and complicated question to ask is what should patients look for in a healthcare professional? The solution is to observe their willingness to work with all your healthcare providers.

December 05, 2018

Diabetes, Cancer, HIV, seizures, pregnancy, organ transplant… chances are high that you or someone you know have experienced or are currently suffering from one of these conditions. But what do they all have in common? They’re all diagnosed or screened for with lab tests.

December 04, 2018

Bleeding can manifest itself in a variety of different ways which, at times, may not be easy to recognize. Some bleeds are also more serious than others and may require emergency medical attention. Bleeding frequency may also vary depending on a variety of factors such as underlying bleeding disorders or the use of certain medications.

December 04, 2018

More Americans live with obesity than breast cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and HIV all together. The medical community has been aware of the rising epidemic for many years, yet its response has not been effective at addressing the problem.

November 14, 2018

When you visit the dentist, you expect to answer typical questions regarding your oral health, such as how often you are brushing your teeth or the infamous question of whether or not you floss. It may surprise you when your dentist asks what medications you take at home. Why would it matter if the dentists knows what you’re taking?

November 14, 2018

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), occurs when your heart muscle doesn’t work as well as it should to pump blood. Some conditions, like narrowed arteries in your heart (coronary artery disease) or high blood pressure, gradually leave your heart too weak or stiff to pump efficiently. Most patients struggling with CHF usually present to the hospital with shortness of breath…

November 13, 2018

Roughly 415 million people across the world are affected with this disease. If you have diabetes, you should consider several things, such as lifestyle, medication adherence, and check-ups with your healthcare provider. These are important to make sure that your diabetes is controlled and doesn’t lead to a deterioration in your overall health.

October 18, 2018

Nearly 20% of Americans have self reported an allergy to a medication and roughly 4% of the nation suffers from some form of food allergy. While it would seem obvious to avoid something if you’re allergic to it, you’d first have to know you’re allergic. When it comes to medications this can be challenging. 

October 16, 2018

Insulin plays an important role in managing patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Patients with Type 1 DM have limited ability to produce endogenous insulin due to their pancreas’s inability to properly function. Patients with Type 2 DM can also have increased dependence on insulin therapy use as their disease state progresses.

September 26, 2018

Morning sickness or nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) occurs in 70-80% of pregnant women.  In the United States, roughly 4 million women are affected each year. 

September 12, 2018

With flu season right around the corner, what better time to talk about vaccines than right now?  We talk and hear about vaccines a lot, but what exactly is a vaccine, and which vaccine is right for you?

September 11, 2018

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 5 million Americans are treated with skin cancer each year. Overexposure of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun is proven to be a major cause of skin cancer.

September 06, 2018

Every year there are millions of falls occurring in the older population, aged 65 and older. About 1 out of 4 older people fall each year, with less than half reporting it to their doctor.

September 05, 2018

You may be wondering, “Why do I need iodine in my salt or other food?” Iodine is an essential element our bodies need that we cannot produce on our own, and therefore need to get it from food sources. Iodine is needed to produce the thyroid hormone, which is important for bodily functions related to metabolism…

September 04, 2018

Many patients think that only pharmacists work at pharmacies. However, there is much more that goes on behind the pharmacy counter. In fact, most pharmacies include a team of trainee technicians, registered technicians, certified technicians, student pharmacists, and pharmacists. A common question is, what are the differences between technicians and why they are important? This answer is an essential reason why pharmacies can run safely, effectively and efficiently.

August 28, 2018

Epidiolex (cannabidiol) is a new FDA-approved epilepsy medication that is derived from Cannabis Sativa plant (marijuana). Cannabidiol (CBD) does not create feelings of euphoria or intoxication, the “high” that is often experienced with Cannabis, which comes mainly from the compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is also found in marijuana.

August 08, 2018

Every year, employers are paying more to have their employees insured. A study on the annual growth rate of health care costs found that employers are experiencing 5%-to-6% increases in healthcare costs per year.

August 07, 2018

In the United States, more than 263 million prescriptions are dispensed each year for pediatric patients. Chances are, your child may need to take their medications at school. If your child has a medication that they need to take during school hours, whether it is a long-term, short-term, or emergency medication, here are some helpful tips:

July 19, 2018

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 50% of Americans have used at least one prescription with in the last 30 days. One recent study shows that patients who were compliant with taking their statin therapy medications for at least two years had a 30% reduction in the risk of hospitalization for heart attacks.

July 02, 2018

There are currently over 250 Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) companies providing services to analyze saliva samples and create customized reports on what your genetic information says about you.

June 25, 2018

Technology users are becoming savvier about the data they produce, which companies have access to the data, and how the data is being used. There are government regulations set in place for protecting your health information.

June 05, 2018

Seasonal allergies affect anywhere between 10-30% of people worldwide. Allergies to one or more common allergens are reaching upwards of 40-50% in school children. Allergies occur due to an immune response to something the body considers “foreign,” in other words, strange or unfamiliar.

May 21, 2018

Opioids are a class of medication used to manage short-term and long-term pain. This medication class is well known to healthcare providers, but also to anyone keeping up with local and national news.

May 09, 2018

Nearly one-quarter of all U.S. deaths in 2016 we­­­re linked to heart disease, which refers to conditions involved in narrowing or blocking blood vessels, potentially leading to things like heart attack, chest pain, or stroke.

May 08, 2018

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex genetic disease that affects the lungs, digestive system, reproductive tract, and sweat glands. In the United States, roughly 30,000 people are living with cystic fibrosis, and another 1,000 are being diagnosed with the disease each year. Most CF patients are diagnosed by age two.

April 10, 2018

It’s likely you’ve heard about shingles, or may even know someone who has had the painful rash, but what exactly is shingles, and how can you prevent it? The varicella-zoster virus (VSV) causes two distinct forms of infection, chickenpox and shingles. It’s important to recognize how you can contract this virus and what you can do to protect against it.

March 29, 2018

Each year, millions of Americans, who may otherwise feel fine, are diagnosed with Osteoporosis. Developing osteoporosis puts people at higher risk for fractures, especially in the hips, spine, and wrists. Women are at much higher risk, with 10 percent of women age 50 and older affected by osteoporosis, compared with just two percent of men that age.

March 15, 2018

It is important to know why you’re taking a certain medication, or why your doctor prescribed that medication for you.

February 28, 2018

The varying symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome can be difficult to diagnose. Early serotonin syndrome symptoms, including diarrhea, high blood pressure, anxiety and agitation, can be easily confused with less serious conditions.

February 15, 2018

During asthma attacks, the walls inside of the airway become sore, swollen, and red and produce mucus, making it harder to breathe. The airway tubes become very sensitive when they are inflamed and may react strongly to allergens. Air movement in and out of the lungs is constricted when inflammation is present, resulting in shortness of breath.

February 02, 2018

Sleep is a precious commodity that everyone needs to function. Individual sleep needs are different; some people need a few extra hours while others need less. Some people are light sleepers, while others “sleep like logs.

January 16, 2018

A general consensus estimates that approximately one-third of adults experience insomnia. Characteristic symptoms include: difficulty initiating sleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, waking up too early, and/or poor quality of sleep.

January 05, 2018

Dull, aching pain throughout your entire body. Trouble sleeping. Irritable mood. What could possibly be going on? Is it just in your head? Does anyone else feel like this? Well, if you experience some of these symptoms, one potential cause could be fibromyalgia, which affects the lives of almost 4 million Americans.

December 19, 2017

When heading out on vacation, medications are likely the last thing on your mind. Between booking a flight, making sure you have your passport, or packing last minute luggage, medications can be easy to forget. However, if you take medications regularly, they should be one of the first things you should be thinking about.

December 05, 2017

If your doctor has prescribed a statin medication to lower your cholesterol, you may have heard or read about the potential side effects of statin drugs, and their impact on liver function.

November 21, 2017

As with most things, when it comes selecting a drug regimen for the treatment of chronic disease, one size does not fit all. If you take medications, you may have wondered why that is the case. One reason is because of pharmacogenomics.

November 13, 2017

Across the United States, the rate of antidepressant use in children is rising. It has led to prescription costs exceeding $100,000 in the four states with the highest antidepressant prescription rates for children.

October 23, 2017

For many people, dry eyes may only be a minor inconvenience. But for those who experience chronic dry eyes, it can be a major problem, causing extreme discomfort. Left untreated, dry eye can have long term effects on your vision as well as your quality of life.

October 13, 2017

Choosing the correct medication to treat epilepsy is a multifaceted process. Pharmacists can have a huge impact on the patient’s therapeutic response as a valued member of the healthcare team.

September 25, 2017

The NOACs, or novel oral anticoagulants, are a new breed of blood thinner that have arrived on the market within the last ten years.

August 15, 2017

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare disorder. It occurs in about one in every 1 million people. Normally, when we eat, our body releases a hormone called gastrin, which tells your stomach to make acid to help break down foods and liquids. For patients with ZES, this mechanism is disrupted.

July 24, 2017

There are a number of mental conditions that shape mood and behavior. Any condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling or mood, falls into a medical classification of Behavioral Health.  Such conditions may affect someone’s ability to relate to others, or maintain reasonable function every day. Each person may have different experiences, even if they have the same diagnosis as someone else.

July 06, 2017

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects nearly 1 in every 3 adults in the United States. Hypertension is often referred to as the “silent killer,”  because for the most part, hypertension doesn’t have any warning signs or symptoms. You might not even know you have it. If left untreated, hypertension increases your risk for heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). So when is high blood pressure too high?

June 19, 2017

“It all started with pain radiating down my left arm. It was hard to breathe and I was short of breath. I knew something was wrong and called 911. I was rushed to the hospital. I remember the sirens, but they slowly faded away. Then I woke up. There was a man in a white […]

June 06, 2017

Pill splitting refers to breaking a pill down to obtain a smaller amount of the whole pill. Your doctor can write a prescription that is usually double the dosage of what you should take in one day. You can then cut the pill in half, making the smaller dose that should actually be taken.

May 24, 2017

Some studies have given vitamin D supplements to statin users experiencing muscle pain. While these studies were uncontrolled, they did show improvement in muscle pain in nearly 90% of patients.

May 09, 2017

A Low Carbohydrate High Fat diet (defined as either less than 26% of total energy intake coming from carbohydrates or less than 130 grams of carbohydrates per day) may not be the best dietary choice for everyone. It has, however, been shown to be as safe and effective, if not more so, than High Carbohydrate Low Fat diets, for people with high cholesterol, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

April 25, 2017

Doctors often prescribe statins for people with high cholesterol levels to lower their total cholesterol and reduce their risk of a heart attack or stroke. While statins are highly effective, they have been linked to muscle pain, digestive problems and mental fuzziness in some people and may rarely cause liver damage.

April 11, 2017

Heliobacter pylori is a bacteria highly prevalent worldwide and is closely linked to duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, and peptic ulcer disease. It is also linked to an increased risk of developing gastric cancer in an infected person. Despite being more common in developing countries with poor socioeconomic conditions, the American College of Gastroenterology states that 30-40% of the U.S. population is infected with H. pylori, putting them at risk for conditions such as peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer.

March 29, 2017

Many people take aspirin occasionally to provide relief from various conditions (e.g. pain, inflammation, fever, headaches), but what about taking a low-dose aspirin every day for prevention reasons? As with all medications, aspirin poses various benefits and risks that need to be taken into consideration before you start taking it. Certain individuals would benefit the most from taking a low-dose aspirin and others shouldn’t take it at all.

March 15, 2017

Sound-Alike/Look-Alike Medications are very important to identify and help reduce medication errors. There are several medications starting with the letter “T” that have become available to treat diabetes. This may lead to confusion among patients and physicians, so it’s important YOU understand how to safely recognize and use your diabetes medication.

February 27, 2017

What a time to be a person with diabetes! These days there are more medications on the market than ever to help you control your diabetes. But how do you know which medication is right for you?
Of course you should always consult your physician or your local pharmacist for medical advice. However, here is some information about these new medications so that you don’t feel out of the loop.
Some of the current insulin medications that you are used to are Lantus, Humalog, and NovoLog. These medications deliver the hormone insulin to your blood so that insulin can tell your cells to take in more glucose. This keeps your blood sugar down.

February 14, 2017

The beginning of the New Year is often the time to set new goals and resolutions for the upcoming year. It’s an exciting time to start new resolutions that will help you succeed in the coming year. One of the most common New Year’s Resolution is to lose weight and stay healthy.

January 24, 2017

Confusion, weakness, anxiety or irritability, a general sense of confusion — these are signs of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. It often happens when diabetics take too much insulin.
Hypoglycemia happens to many people with diabetes, and it can be serious or even fatal.
Severe hypoglycemic episode, also referred to as insulin shock, can occur when the body has too much insulin that can lead to low blood sugar levels.

January 11, 2017

The US supplement industry is a $30 billion dollar business. The Council for Responsible Nutrition estimates that almost 70% of US adults use dietary supplements. The FDA is the administration that regulates the approval and use of prescription medication. What this means is that on a prescription bottle labeled with a specific amount of ingredients, you can be certain that the actual amount in a given tablet, capsule, cream, suppository, solution, etc. is between about 95% and 105% of what the label actually states.

December 13, 2016

Why do I need a statin? Why are there so many with different names? Why did my doctor prescribe this brand name statin I can’t afford? What are the risks, side effects, and benefits of this medication? Why are they talking about cola-colored urine? If you’re like most people, you have thought of these questions leaving your doctor’s office or pharmacy and might have forgotten to ask. You’re in the right place.

November 11, 2016

Pharmacogenomics is a form of personalized medicine where “one size does not fit all.” By using your personal genetic makeup, it may be possible to see how well you respond to a medication and then make adjustments to your medication regimen as needed. Utilizing this method takes out the guess work where prescribers may try multiple medications before finding one that works best for the patient.

October 25, 2016

Common cold got you down? Are you sneezing and blowing your nose day and night? Are your coworkers and family sick, and now it seems like it is finally your turn? You might be thinking of going to the clinic for azithromycin (Z-Pak) to cure your ills, but that might not be such a good idea.

September 26, 2016

Taking your medications as prescribed on long-term basis requires commitment and organization. Taking your medications as indicated by your doctor is extremely important for your continued health. Medications are given to you in the strength that is best suited to treat your medical condition. Here are some general medication facts to help you take your medications safely and effectively.

September 13, 2016

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in men and women in the United States. Heart disease can affect anyone, no matter your age, race or ethnicity. There are many risk factors that contribute to heart disease. Some of these factors include high blood pressure, high LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, lack of physical activity, being overweight or obese and smoking.
There are many things a person can do to improve heart health and to decrease heart disease. Some of these include following a heart healthy diet, exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive alcohol use and not smoking. Knowing your family health history and discussing blood pressure goals regularly with your doctor can help avoid risks for heart disease as well.

August 18, 2016

Asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) are the most common breathing conditions that require the use of inhalers, either a rescue inhaler or controller inhaler based on their purpose.

August 12, 2016

Do you feel like you’re losing the war with warfarin? You have your annual doctor’s visit, which includes a brief conversation hearing the words “anticoagulation” or “INR” and receive a prescription for warfarin, which requires blood work every few weeks. The conversation goes on to detail dietary restrictions, including foods and over-the-counter medications you should not take while on this medication, along with a long list of side effects. Walking out with a dazed look from information overload you ask yourself “What does this all mean?” Here’s the break down.

August 02, 2016

It’s important to properly dispose of unused medication as soon as possible. Learn about drug take back programs and other options available for safe disposal.

July 18, 2016

There are many over the counter pain medications often taken to treat minor aches and pains. One of the most frequently purchased pain medicines is Tylenol, which is also known by its common generic name, acetaminophen. You may also see acetaminophen abbreviated as APAP on certain medication labels.

July 05, 2016

In the past decade MTM services have grown immensely and many patients are now qualifying and participating in these services. Patients qualify depending on the number of medications and chronic conditions that they have. When patients receive this phone call to go over their medications, some are initially wary if this is a scam but many patients do not understand that is actually a benefit provided to them on behalf of their insurance plan to ensure there are no problems with their

June 21, 2016

As the summer months approach, many have started planning their summer vacations. However, before you consider making travel plans for the summer, you should also consider looking into any pertinent travel vaccines or medications that may be necessary for international travel. There are risk factors which are dependent on where you are traveling, activities you will participate in …

June 06, 2016

Folic acid supplementation has always been regarded as the key to natal wellness. However, recent studies have linked high levels of this vitamin to autism. So this may have you wondering what is a sufficient amount and where can I obtain it? First, you should be aware of the difference between folate and folic acid. Folate is the naturally occurring form of the vitamin which is found in foods such as…

May 26, 2016

Now that summer is just around the corner, it is important to start thinking about extra protection from the damaging rays of the sun. Sunscreen is fundamental for everyone all year, but protection from the sun is especially important during the summer for those who enjoy summer activities such as laying out by the pool, going to the beach or attending summer picnics in the park. Although being in the sun can be enjoyable, once the sun starts to sting

May 13, 2016

Have you ever found yourself waiting forever to get your prescription filled at the pharmacy? I mean, how much time does it honestly take to count 30 pills into a bottle and label it? It should just take a few minutes, right? It’s a common question.

April 20, 2016

More than half a million ScriptSave WellRx members will now have access to a pharmacist’s advice through an agreement with SinfoníaRx, an innovative medication management company.
“ScriptSave WellRx members already have great value, education and service when purchasing prescriptions and

March 25, 2016

In late 2003, the United States Government enacted the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act.1 It was not until January of 2006 that the prescription drug benefit called Medicare Part D became effective. Medicare Part D was the introduction of prescription drug coverage and one requirement of prescription drug plans was to have in place a cost-effective drug utilization management program and a medication therapy management (MTM) program.