Author: Keith Ward - Page 3

Medication Safety for Pain Management: How to Minimize Opioid Risks in 2025

Learn how to safely manage pain in 2025 while minimizing opioid risks. Updated CDC, FDA, and CMS guidelines now limit prescriptions, promote non-opioid alternatives, and require risk assessments to prevent addiction and overdose.

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Grapefruit Juice and Medications: What You Need to Know Before You Drink

Grapefruit juice can dangerously increase drug levels in your blood by blocking a key enzyme. Over 85 medications, including statins and blood pressure drugs, interact with it. Avoid grapefruit entirely if you're on affected prescriptions.

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Post-Surgical Pain Management: Multimodal Strategies to Reduce Opioid Use

Modern post-surgical pain management uses multimodal strategies to reduce opioid use, improve recovery, and prevent long-term dependence. Learn how combining medications, nerve blocks, and careful planning leads to better outcomes.

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Wilson’s Disease: How Copper Builds Up and How Chelation Therapy Stops It

Wilson’s disease is a rare genetic disorder where copper builds up in the liver and brain. With early diagnosis and lifelong chelation therapy, patients can live normally. Learn how copper accumulates and how treatment works.

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How to Bring Pill Bottles to Appointments for Accurate Medication Reconciliation

Bringing your actual pill bottles to medical appointments dramatically improves medication safety. Learn why this simple step cuts errors by 67%, prevents dangerous interactions, and ensures your doctor knows exactly what you're taking - not just what you think you're taking.

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How to Recognize Overdose in Pets from Human Medications

Human medications are the top cause of pet poisonings. Learn how to spot overdose signs in dogs and cats - from antidepressants to Tylenol - and what to do immediately to save their lives.

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Topical Medication Allergies: How to Spot Contact Dermatitis and Get Real Relief

Topical medication allergies cause contact dermatitis that's often misdiagnosed. Learn how to spot the signs, identify hidden allergens like neomycin and corticosteroids, and get real relief with patch testing and proper avoidance.

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How Acid Indigestion Can Signal Pancreatitis

Persistent acid indigestion that doesn't respond to typical treatments may be a sign of pancreatitis. Learn how pancreatic inflammation mimics heartburn and when to seek medical help.

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Osteonecrosis of the Jaw from Medications: Key Dental Warning Signs You Can't Ignore

Osteonecrosis of the jaw from medications like bisphosphonates and denosumab is rare but serious. Learn the real warning signs-exposed bone, slow healing, persistent pain-and how to prevent it before it’s too late.

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Melatonin: How This Natural Sleep Hormone Really Works and When It Actually Helps

Melatonin is not a sleeping pill - it's your body's natural signal for nighttime. Learn how to use it correctly for jet lag, shift work, and delayed sleep, and why high doses often backfire.

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State Laws on Generic Drug Substitution: How Rules Vary Across the U.S.

State laws on generic drug substitution vary widely across the U.S., affecting how pharmacists swap brand-name drugs for cheaper generics. Some states require substitution, others need patient consent, and certain drugs can't be switched at all.

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How to Avoid Contamination When Splitting or Crushing Pills: A Practical Safety Guide

Learn how to safely split or crush pills without risking contamination, inaccurate doses, or exposure to hazardous drugs. Essential tips for caregivers, patients, and healthcare workers.

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