Author: Melissa Kopaczewski

5 Jan

Digoxin Interactions: What Heart Patients Need to Monitor

by Melissa Kopaczewski Jan 5 2026 0 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 7 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 7 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.

11 Dec

Orthostatic Hypotension from Medications: Why You Feel Dizzy When You Stand Up

by Melissa Kopaczewski Dec 11 2025 8 Medical Conditions

Dizziness when standing up may be caused by medications lowering your blood pressure too much. Learn which drugs are most likely to cause orthostatic hypotension, how to spot it, and what to do to feel better.

8 Dec

Child and Adolescent Depression: How Family Therapy and Medications Work Together

by Melissa Kopaczewski Dec 8 2025 8 Medical Treatments

Child and adolescent depression requires evidence-based treatment. Family therapy repairs emotional bonds, while SSRIs like fluoxetine and escitalopram offer symptom relief. Combining both gives the best outcomes for teens.

4 Dec

Meningitis: Types, Symptoms, and How Vaccines Prevent It

by Melissa Kopaczewski Dec 4 2025 14 Medical Conditions

Meningitis can be deadly, but vaccines and early action save lives. Learn the five types, key symptoms to watch for, how vaccines prevent the worst cases, and what to do if you’re exposed.

1 Dec

Bisphosphonates and Calcium Supplements: How to Avoid Absorption Problems

by Melissa Kopaczewski Dec 1 2025 12 Medications

Bisphosphonates and calcium supplements can't be taken together-doing so blocks absorption and makes treatment ineffective. Learn the exact timing rules, why IV options work better, and how to avoid common mistakes that sabotage osteoporosis treatment.

26 Nov

Red Flag Drug Combinations to Avoid for Safer Treatment

by Melissa Kopaczewski Nov 26 2025 13 Medications

Certain drug combinations can be deadly-even when used as prescribed. Learn which mixes pose the highest risk of overdose, liver failure, or sudden death, and how to protect yourself.

19 Nov

Kombucha and Alcohol-Sensitive Medications: What You Need to Know Before You Drink

by Melissa Kopaczewski Nov 19 2025 13 Medications

Kombucha contains trace alcohol that can interact dangerously with medications like antibiotics, antidepressants, and diabetes drugs. Learn what levels are safe, which meds are at risk, and how to avoid serious side effects.

18 Nov

Switching from Brand to Generic Drugs: What to Expect

by Melissa Kopaczewski Nov 18 2025 13 Medications

Switching from brand to generic drugs can save money, but it's not always simple. Learn what to expect-when it's safe, when it's risky, and how to protect your health during the transition.

17 Nov

Medical Alert Bracelets: When and Why They Matter for Drug Safety

by Melissa Kopaczewski Nov 17 2025 11 Medications

Medical alert bracelets save lives by giving emergency responders instant access to critical drug information. Learn what to engrave, which type to choose, and how to keep your info up to date for true drug safety.