Written by Jennifer Gershman, PharmD, CPh, PACS | Reviewed by Sarah Gupta, MD DragonImages/iStock via Getty Images Plus Key takeaways: Certain health conditions — like cancer and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) — can take a toll on the appetite. Pain, trouble swallowing, and medication side effects are common reasons that it can be challenging to...
For researchers involved with sleep disorders, developing a pharmacologic treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a bit like searching for the holy grail. P K Schweitzer and colleagues have published the results of the randomized MARIPOSA study assessing a combination of two medicinal products known as AD109, one of the products having an antimuscarinic...
Written by Kaitlyn Keesling, PharmD Candidate | Reviewed by Christina Aungst, PharmD Key takeaways: A doctor speaks to a patient during an appointment.Geber86/E+ via Getty Images If you take a prescription medication, you may wonder how your healthcare provider settles on the best dosage for you. Your safety is the most important factor, but other...
Written by Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP | Reviewed by Stacia Woodcock, PharmD Key takeaways: pointstudio/iStock via Getty Images PlusConstipation is when you’re having fewer bowel movements than usual, or your stool becomes hard to pass. While most people experience this from time to time, it can be frustrating and uncomfortable. And finding relief...
Written by Stacia Woodcock, PharmD | Reviewed by Alyssa Billingsley, Key takeaways: When you’re feeling tired, it can be hard to go about your daily activities. This feeling isn’t uncommon. In fact, fatigue is one of the most common complaints people give to their primary healthcare provider. Up to 45% of people experience it, and...
Written by Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD | Reviewed by Christina Aungst, PharmD Key takeaways: Over-the-counter (OTC) medications don’t require a prescription. They’re readily available to help you self-treat symptoms of allergies, pain, and more.Many different types of medications are available OTC. Examples include motion sickness pills like Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) and pain relievers like Advil (ibuprofen).GoodRx can...
Written by Jennifer Gershman, PharmD, CPh, PACS | Reviewed by Sarah Gupta, MD Published on July 3, 2023 Key takeaways: Some medical conditions, including cancer, can cause undesired weight loss. Megestrol (Megace ES), dronabinol (Marinol, Syndros), and oxandrolone are FDA-approved appetite stimulants that can promote weight gain and nutritional intake when needed. Mirtazapine (Remeron) is...
Written by Jewels Doskicz, RN, BA | Reviewed by Sophie Vergnaud, MD Updated on December 20, 2022 Key takeaways: High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can be a side effect of some common medications. In some cases, high levels of blood sugar are temporary and settle when someone stops the medication. But medications can increase the risk...
Written by Connie Zheng, PharmD | Reviewed by Stacia Woodcock, PharmD Published on October 13, 2022 Key takeaways: Dietary supplements include products like vitamins, herbal supplements, and botanicals. While evidence is limited, some studies suggest they can interact with diabetes medications. Check with your healthcare provider before you start taking a dietary supplement like niacin,...
Written by Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP | Reviewed by Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS Updated on June 1, 2023 Key takeaways: Some medications, like antidepressants and beta blockers, can cause vivid dreams and nightmares. Vivid dreams from medications are often caused by changes to chemicals in the brain. They can be bothersome, but are not typically...
