Author: Damian Soong
Weight Maintenance: Science-Backed Strategies to Prevent Regain After Dieting
Learn why most people regain weight after dieting and science-backed strategies to keep it off long-term. From metabolic changes to daily habits, discover how to succeed.
Understanding 'Do Not Substitute' Prescriptions: When Brand Drugs Are Required
Learn why doctors sometimes require brand-name drugs instead of generics. Understand when 'Do Not Substitute' prescriptions are necessary, how they impact costs, and what patients should know about DNS directives. This guide explains clinical reasons, state laws, and practical steps for patients.
Shingles Vaccination: Who Should Get the Recombinant Zoster Vaccine
Shingrix is the only shingles vaccine available in the U.S. and is recommended for all adults 50 and older, plus immunocompromised adults 19+. It's over 90% effective and requires two doses. Learn who should get it, what to expect, and why it's better than the old vaccine.
Understanding Medication Use During Pregnancy: Safety Alerts and What You Need to Know
Learn how pregnancy safety alerts work, why medication decisions during pregnancy are so complex, and what steps you can take to protect both your health and your baby’s. Based on FDA, EMA, and real-world data.
Ketogenic vs. Atkins Diets: Which Low-Carb Diet Works Best for Weight Loss?
Ketogenic and Atkins diets both help with weight loss, but they work differently. Keto forces fat-burning with strict carb limits. Atkins lets you gradually add carbs back. Which one suits your lifestyle?
Alcohol and Blood Thinners: Understanding Bleeding Risk and INR Changes
Alcohol can cause dangerous INR fluctuations in people taking warfarin, increasing bleeding risk. Learn how drinking affects blood thinners, what levels are safe, and what signs to watch for.
How to Assess Risk When Only Expired Medications Are Available
Expired medications aren't always dangerous, but some can be life-threatening. Learn which drugs are safe to use past their date, which are not, and how to assess risk when no alternatives exist.
Why Patients Stick to Brand-Name Medications Despite Cheaper Generics
Despite identical active ingredients and FDA approval, millions of patients stick with expensive brand-name medications. This article explores the psychological, generational, and systemic reasons behind brand loyalty in drugs - and what it really costs.
Dissolution Testing: How the FDA Ensures Generic Drug Quality
The FDA uses dissolution testing to ensure generic drugs release their active ingredients at the same rate as brand-name versions, replacing costly human studies with reliable lab tests. This method guarantees therapeutic equivalence without compromising safety.
Multicultural Perspectives on Generics: How Culture Affects Patient Trust and Adherence
Cultural beliefs about pill appearance, ingredients, and trust impact how patients use generic medications. Learn why color, gelatin, and religious needs affect adherence - and what’s being done to fix it.