December and January are the high season for flu, and therefore, Tamiflu (oseltamivir). Here are some things to know about the pill that may save you from a couple nightmare days. 1. Tamiflu (oseltamivir) has activity against influenza A and B unlike amantadine and rimantadine (Flumadine), which only have activity against influenza A. 2. Tamiflu…
This Is Why Drug Prices Are Totally Broken
Epipens. Sovaldi. Tysabri. Acthar. Harvoni. Every month, it seems, there’s fresh outrage–from president Trump, the Congress, in the media, and among the public–over the soaring cost of prescription drugs. With good reason: The cash price for the average brand-name prescription drug has increased 48% since 2013. These increases put desperately needed treatments out of reach…
Generic Advair Coming in 2018: How You Can Save Now
Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) is one of the most commonly prescribed inhalers for asthma and COPD—more popular than any similar combination inhaler. It’s also very expensive if you don’t have insurance, Medicare, or a discount: over $300 per inhaler for some dosages, and up to $600 for others. There is good news on the horizon though—in June…
There’s a Nationwide Shortage of Levothyroxine. This is Why
One of the most popular drugs in the country, levothyroxine – also known as the brand name Synthroid – is in short supply, making prices higher and even leaving some patients without the drug. The shortage is a result of hurricanes Irma and Maria, which hit Puerto Rico nearly four months ago, and knocked out…
Should You Treat A Fever?
Fevers – can’t live with them, can’t live without them. Or at least, that’s the case once you start coming down with one. Understanding what happens inside your body when you have a fever may help you determine whether to treat yours or not. How a fever works It seems counterintuitive that you get the shivers when you’re…
FDA Approves Oral Solution Prexxartan
Valsartan is a common angiotensin receptor blocker used to treat heart failure, heart attack, and hypertension. In the past, valsartan was only available in tablet form, but a new version of this has been approved. On December 19th, 2017, the FDA approved Prexxartan, the first oral solution for the treatment of various heart problems like high…
10 Things That Don’t Age Well
With increasing life expectancy comes an increase in age-related complaints. Understandably folks want to know: is this normal with aging? This list is not meant to be depressing or hopeless, but instead, shed light on some of the areas of our body that, frankly, don’t age well. The eyes “Can I get a light with that…
What’s Better: Losartan or Valsartan?
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3 Drug Shortages Tied to Hurricane Maria
We are still seeing the devastating effects of the hurricanes that damaged the United States, Puerto Rico, and several smaller islands this fall. Around 10% of drugs prescribed in the United States are manufactured in Puerto Rico. While pharmaceutical companies implemented hurricane preparedness plans leading up to the storm and worked with drug shortage experts, it has…
Generic EpiPen is Still Expensive. Here’s How You Can Save
For a large portion of Americans, a simple bee sting or a peanut can cause a fatal allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Fortunately, in most cases, these symptoms can be treated by a shot to the leg with an epinephrine auto-injector. Unfortunately, one of the most popular autoinjectors EpiPen costs around $630 and it’s generic version epinephrine…