Author: Melissa Kopaczewski

12 Feb

Ankylosing Spondylitis: Spine Inflammation and Mobility Strategies

by Melissa Kopaczewski Feb 12 2026 2 Medical Conditions

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that fuses the spine over time. Learn how early diagnosis, medication, and daily mobility exercises can prevent permanent damage and help you stay active for life.

11 Feb

Future Role of Authorized Generics: Market Outlook

by Melissa Kopaczewski Feb 11 2026 4 Pharmaceuticals

Authorized generics let brand manufacturers sell their own drugs under a generic label after patent expiration. As more high-revenue drugs lose exclusivity, this strategy is evolving - with faster FDA approvals and a shift toward U.S.-made production changing how they impact prices and competition.

31 Jan

Renal Ultrasound and Imaging: How to Evaluate Kidney Obstruction and Size

by Melissa Kopaczewski Jan 31 2026 11 Medical Conditions

Renal ultrasound is the safest, fastest way to check for kidney obstruction and measure kidney size. It detects hydronephrosis, measures resistive index, and avoids radiation-making it the first-line test for suspected blockages.

30 Jan

Cannabis and Medications: What You Need to Know About Drug Interactions

by Melissa Kopaczewski Jan 30 2026 8 Medications

Cannabis can interfere with many medications by affecting liver enzymes that break down drugs. CBD and THC may raise levels of blood thinners, seizure meds, and opioids - leading to serious side effects. Know the risks before combining them.

24 Jan

Crushing Tablets and Splitting Pills: What’s Safe and What’s Not

by Melissa Kopaczewski Jan 24 2026 15 Medications

Crushing or splitting pills can save money and help with swallowing-but it can also be deadly. Learn which medications are safe to split, which are dangerous, and how to do it right if you must.

13 Jan

Generic Prescribing Guidelines: Professional Recommendations for Clinicians

by Melissa Kopaczewski Jan 13 2026 14 Medications

Generic prescribing saves the NHS £1.3 billion a year and improves patient outcomes. Learn when to prescribe generics, when to stick with brands, and how to talk to patients about it.

12 Jan

Vortioxetine and Nausea: How to Manage Early Side Effects and Stay on Treatment

by Melissa Kopaczewski Jan 12 2026 10 Medications

Vortioxetine often causes nausea in the first weeks of treatment, but it's usually temporary. Learn how to manage it with dose timing, food, ginger, and OTC meds - and why sticking with it pays off.

6 Jan

Inhaled Corticosteroids: How to Prevent Oral Thrush and Hoarseness

by Melissa Kopaczewski Jan 6 2026 16 Respiratory Health

Learn how to prevent oral thrush and hoarseness caused by inhaled corticosteroids with simple, proven steps like rinsing after use, using a spacer, and proper inhaler technique.

5 Jan

Digoxin Interactions: What Heart Patients Need to Monitor

by Melissa Kopaczewski Jan 5 2026 14 Medications

Digoxin helps manage heart failure and atrial fibrillation, but it has dangerous interactions with common drugs, foods, and supplements. Learn what to avoid and how to monitor for toxicity.

30 Dec

Switching from Warfarin to a DOAC: What You Need to Know About Side Effects and Safety

by Melissa Kopaczewski Dec 30 2025 14 Medications

Switching from warfarin to a DOAC can reduce bleeding risk and eliminate weekly blood tests-but only if done correctly. Learn the safety rules, side effects, and when not to switch.

29 Dec

Photosensitivity from Antibiotics: Doxycycline and TMP-SMX Sun Safety Guide

by Melissa Kopaczewski Dec 29 2025 8 Medications

Doxycycline and TMP-SMX can cause severe sun sensitivity, leading to burns in minutes. Learn how to protect your skin, how long the risk lasts, and what actually works-backed by medical guidelines and real patient data.

15 Dec

Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors: Managing Gas, Bloating, and Diarrhea Side Effects

by Melissa Kopaczewski Dec 15 2025 15 Medications

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors like acarbose help control post-meal blood sugar but often cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Learn how to manage these side effects and whether the drug is still worth taking.