Author: Derek Carão

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis from Medications: Cough and Breathlessness - What’s Real and What’s Misunderstood

by Derek Carão on 28.12.2025 Comments (1)

Cough and breathlessness from medications are often mistaken for hypersensitivity pneumonitis, but true HP is caused by inhaled environmental antigens - not drugs. Learn the real causes, how to tell them apart, and what to do next.

Medical Power of Attorney and Medication Decisions: Planning Ahead

by Derek Carão on 26.12.2025 Comments (2)

A Medical Power of Attorney lets you choose someone to make medication and treatment decisions for you if you can't speak. Learn how to set it up, why it prevents family conflicts, and how to make sure your wishes are followed.

Hydration Plans to Protect Kidneys from Nephrotoxic Medications

by Derek Carão on 25.12.2025 Comments (3)

Hydration plans are a proven way to protect kidneys from damage caused by contrast dye used in medical imaging. Learn which patients need IV fluids, which can drink water, and how advanced systems like RenalGuard reduce kidney injury by up to 68%.

Using Social Media for Pharmacovigilance: Real-World Opportunities and Risks

by Derek Carão on 24.12.2025 Comments (3)

Social media is transforming drug safety by giving regulators real-time access to patient experiences. But with 68% false positives and major privacy concerns, it’s a powerful tool - not a replacement - for traditional pharmacovigilance.

Loperamide Abuse: Risks and Warning Signs of OTC Antidiarrheal Misuse

by Derek Carão on 23.12.2025 Comments (6)

Loperamide abuse is rising as people misuse OTC antidiarrheals to manage opioid withdrawal. At high doses, it causes life-threatening heart rhythms. Learn the warning signs, risks, and what to do if someone is abusing Imodium.

Medicaid Coverage for Prescription Medications: What’s Included in 2025

by Derek Carão on 22.12.2025 Comments (6)

Medicaid covers prescription drugs for 85 million Americans, but coverage varies by state. Learn what's included, how step therapy and prior auth work, copay limits, and how to navigate formularies in 2025.

NSAIDs and Blood Thinners: What You Need to Know About the Dangerous Risk

by Derek Carão on 21.12.2025 Comments (7)

Combining NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen with blood thinners can double or triple your risk of dangerous bleeding. Learn why this interaction is so deadly, which painkillers are safe, and how to protect yourself.

Contact Lens Safety: Hygiene, Solutions, and Wear Time

by Derek Carão on 20.12.2025 Comments (8)

Learn the essential contact lens safety practices for hygiene, solutions, and wear time to prevent eye infections and protect your vision. Follow expert-backed steps to avoid common mistakes that lead to serious eye damage.

Psoriasis and Beta-Blockers: Can Your Blood Pressure Med Make Skin Flares Worse?

by Derek Carão on 19.12.2025 Comments (9)

Beta-blockers like metoprolol can trigger or worsen psoriasis in up to 20% of patients. Learn how these common heart meds affect skin flares, which ones are riskiest, and what alternatives exist.

How to Prevent Medication Errors During Care Transitions and Discharge

by Derek Carão on 18.12.2025 Comments (8)

Medication errors during care transitions are common and often preventable. Learn how medication reconciliation, pharmacist involvement, and patient engagement can reduce harm and save lives.