When I decided to stop taking birth control pills and switch to a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) about four years ago, the Nexplanon implant seemed like an easy choice. What surprised me at the time, and even now, is that the implant is far less popular than other birth control methods. Now that I’m on…
Marijuana-Derived Medications: FDA-Approved Cannabinoids as of August 2018
Doctors are increasingly faced with questions from patients about marijuana and its medical uses. A common question we hear is, “What’s the difference between the pill forms like Marinol (dronabinol) and medical marijuana?” Let’s start with the fact that dronabinol (Marinol, Syndros), nabilone (Cesamet) and cannabidiol (Epidiolex) are medications approved by the FDA. Currently, there…
Constipation From Your Medications: What’s the Best Treatment?
Pain medications like opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a major cause of constipation, often creating a bigger struggle than the original illness that led you to start taking them. So, why does medication-induced constipation happen and how do you treat it? Why does constipation happen? Opioids like Vicodin, Norco and Tylenol with codeine and…
Will a Short-Term Insurance Plan Cover My Prescription? Probably Not.
The Trump administration recently issued a rule that allows a new kind of health insurance: short-term plans that offer some healthcare coverage for a lot less money than most other health insurance plans. These short-term plans can now last just under a year, with renewals for up to three years. But that lower price means…
Generic Jardiance Is 5 Years Away (At Least) — Here Are 5 Ways To Save Now
Well-known for treating type 2 diabetes, Jardiance can also reduce the risk of a cardiovascular event by 38%—but it’s expensive. A 30-day supply costs well over $500, and many insurance plans won’t cover it. Luckily, there are ways for you to save as much as 100% off the cash price. How much does Jardiance cost?…
Thomas Saved His Vision—and 50% on His Eye Drops—With GoodRx
Thomas, a data analyst in Mesa, Arizona, works on computer screens all day, so his vision is crucial for his work and everyday life (as it is for most people). When he started having eye problems, he found that the prescription eye drops his doctor ordered were unreasonably expensive. Here’s the serendipitous story of how…
Are NSAIDs Like Ibuprofen Bad for My Liver and Kidneys?
It’s logical to wonder if a medication you often take for pain is safe. There are some concerns about the popular over-the-counter pain relievers known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which include ibuprofen (a.k.a. Motrin or Advil). Every week, I’m asked: How much can I take, and is it bad for my liver or kidneys?…
Low Milk Supply? 4 Medications That Reduce Breast Milk Production
Being a new mom is hard (trust me, I know—I just had a little guy myself three months ago). While pregnancy might be over, if you decide to breastfeed, it’s important to continue watching what you’re putting in your body. Whether you need to take medications for mastitis, postpartum depression or diabetes, be aware that…
Drug Makers Keep Promises to Limit Price Increases to 10% — But Barely
As outrage over high drug prices has intensified over the past several years, drug companies took what seemed like a bold stand at the time: They would keep price increases below 10% annually. For the most part, they have kept their promise—but they’ve pushed the price hikes to the limit, with a burst of price…
Is Your Medication Making You Sweat? — 10 Drugs That Cause Excessive Sweating as a Side Effect
If you’ve noticed you are sweating more than usual—not just on your palms and soles, but all over—take a look at your medication list. The new occurrence of excess sweating everywhere on your body can be a result of many causes including diabetes, thyroid disease and infection, so it requires a careful evaluation by your…