The Informed Squid: Your Health Navigator - Page 2
Early Warning Signs of Dangerous Medication Side Effects: What to Watch For
Learn the early warning signs of dangerous medication side effects that can be life-threatening. Know when to call 911, what symptoms to track, and how to protect yourself from hidden drug reactions.
Categories: Medications
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OTC Cough Suppressants vs. Expectorants: How to Choose the Right One for Your Cough
Learn how to tell the difference between OTC cough suppressants and expectorants, what ingredients to look for, and how to pick the right one for your cough type-dry or wet. Stop guessing, start treating correctly.
Categories: Medications
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Aged Cheeses and Processed Meats: How They Interact with MAOI Medications
Aged cheeses and processed meats contain tyramine, which can cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure when taken with MAOI antidepressants. Learn which foods to avoid, what’s safe, and how to prevent life-threatening reactions.
Categories: Medications
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Calcium and Iron Supplements with Medications: How to Avoid Absorption Problems
Calcium and iron supplements can block the absorption of antibiotics, thyroid meds, and each other. Learn the right timing to avoid reduced effectiveness and health risks.
Categories: Nutrition
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Digoxin Interactions: What Heart Patients Need to Monitor
Digoxin helps manage heart failure and atrial fibrillation but has dangerous interactions with common medications, foods, and supplements. Learn what to avoid and how to monitor your levels safely.
Categories: Medications
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How to Request a Lower-Cost Therapeutic Alternative Medication
Learn how to ask your doctor for a lower-cost therapeutic alternative to save hundreds on prescription meds each year. Proven strategies, real savings, and step-by-step guidance.
Categories: Medications
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Fall Risk in Older Adults on Sedating Antihistamines: Prevention Strategies
First-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine increase fall risk in older adults by causing drowsiness and impaired balance. Switch to safer alternatives like fexofenadine, remove tripping hazards, and talk to your pharmacist to prevent life-threatening falls.
Categories: Medications
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GABA Supplements and Sedatives: What You Need to Know About CNS Depression Risk
GABA supplements are often mixed with sedatives, but research shows they don't cross the blood-brain barrier in meaningful amounts. Learn why the risk of additive CNS depression is minimal-and what supplements actually pose a real danger.
Categories: Health
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How to Check Formularies and Preferred Drug Lists Before Prescribing
Learn how to check formularies and preferred drug lists before prescribing to avoid delays, reduce costs, and improve patient adherence. Understand tiers, prior auth, and real-time tools for Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial plans.
Categories: Medications
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Dietary Supplements and Natural Products: How to Fully Disclose Use to Your Care Team
Most people don't tell their doctors about supplements - but that silence can be dangerous. Learn why full disclosure matters, which supplements cause real risks, and how to talk to your care team safely.
Categories: Health
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Causality Assessment for Adverse Drug Reactions: How the Naranjo Scale Works in Real-World Practice
The Naranjo Scale is a proven, 10-question tool used worldwide to determine if a drug caused an adverse reaction. Learn how it works, its strengths, limitations, and how it's still shaping drug safety today.
Categories: Medications
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Shingles: Antiviral Treatment and Pain Management
Shingles causes intense pain and a blistering rash. Early antiviral treatment within 72 hours reduces pain, speeds healing, and lowers the risk of long-term nerve damage. Valacyclovir is the most effective and easiest to take. The Shingrix vaccine prevents most cases.
Categories: Conditions
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