Potassium chloride and potassium citrate have similar names, so they should treat the same conditions, right? Not quite. While they are both supplements that contain potassium, the two actually have different uses, side effects and dosages, and cannot be substituted for each other. First, what is potassium chloride? Potassium chloride is used to treat hypokalemia,…
Is Tresiba the Best Long-Acting Insulin?
Comparing long-acting insulins? Tresiba may come out ahead. With the exception of NPH insulins like Humulin N and Novolin N (which are now considered to be intermediate acting), they are all going to cost you. So, if you are already paying big bucks for your long-acting insulin, here are some things to think about. What is…
Xanax or Ativan: Which Is Better for Anxiety?
Benzodiazepines are one of the most commonly taken psychotropic drugs, often used for anxiety. Prolonged use of them is a widespread phenomenon in medical practice, yet it may surprise you to know that these medications are really only meant to be used short term. Both alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan) are considered short-acting benzodiazepines and…
As EpiPen Shortage Persists, Walgreens Offers Another Epinephrine Option from Kaleo
In response to the current EpiPen shortage, Walgreens has announced that their pharmacies will be stocking an alternative epinephrine auto-injector, Auvi-Q, in case EpiPen supplies run out. Filling an EpiPen prescription with Auvi-Q will come at no cost for commercially insured patients. EpiPen has been in short supply since the beginning of the summer due…
Eli Lilly Offers New Program To Help With Insulin Affordability
If you’re having trouble affording your insulin, you’re not alone. Research has shown that expenses for diabetes can reach well beyond $1,000 a month, leaving many who cannot afford this cost without care. In response to the ever-climbing prices of insulin, manufacturer Eli Lilly created the Lilly Diabetes Solution Center, a helpline aimed at finding personalized…
Cold and Flu Prevention: Fact vs. Fiction – Can You Tell the Difference?
Cold and flu season is just around the corner. The common cold, often caused by rhinoviruses, is the most common human illness and comes with generally mild symptoms. The flu, caused by the influenza virus, can have more complicated symptoms. Both are contagious. So, what can you do to not get sick? That’s a question…
10 Medications That Are Dangerous to Stop Abruptly
“Can I just stop my medication?” This question, frequently asked of primary care doctors, has a complicated answer. For starters, if you are taking a medication that is controlling an ongoing medical problem like high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, you should never stop it on your own—or your problem will return. Many patients…
West Coast Wildfires Spur an Increase in Asthma Medication Fills Nationwide
Smoke from more than 50 massive wildfires across the Western United States is spreading, causing smoky skies, breathing challenges, and high prescription fill rates for asthma medications—even for cities in the Midwest and on the East Coast. According to a nationally representative sample of prescriptions, fills for asthma medications this July and August were more…
Treating Insomnia: Which Sleeping Pill Is Right for You?
You may have read about the dangers of Ambien (zolpidem) or why you should stay away from habit-forming sleeping pills like Valium (diazepam) and wondered, what can I take for sleep? Fortunately, there are many options for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Here’s how to choose the right one for you. What are my options?…
Drug Recalls: 5 Steps To Take If You Have a Recalled Medication
Believe it or not, drug recalls happen nearly every week. In the last month alone, we’ve had recalls due to labelling issues, medication mix-ups, and life-threatening adverse effects. While not all recalls are dangerous, here’s how to find out if your drug is recalled and what you should do to stay safe. Why are drugs…