Author: Ethan Blackwood

Spondylolisthesis: Understanding Back Pain, Instability, and Fusion Options

Spondylolisthesis causes lower back pain and instability when a vertebra slips forward. Learn the types, symptoms, and when fusion surgery is needed - plus new treatments in 2025.

Drug Allergies vs. Side Effects: How to Tell Them Apart and Stay Safe

Most people who think they're allergic to medications are actually experiencing side effects. Learn how to tell the difference, why it matters, and what steps to take to avoid unnecessary drug avoidance and unsafe treatments.

Placebo Effect and Generics: How Psychology Affects Generic Medication Success

Many people feel generic medications don’t work as well as brand-name drugs - but the difference is often psychological, not chemical. Learn how expectations shape treatment outcomes and what you can do about it.

Retinal Vein Occlusion: Risk Factors and Injection Treatments Explained

Retinal vein occlusion causes sudden vision loss due to blocked blood flow in the eye. Learn the key risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes, and how anti-VEGF and steroid injections can restore sight-with real-world treatment insights.

Carrying Medications in Original Containers While Traveling: What You Need to Know

Learn why carrying medications in original containers while traveling is still the safest, smartest choice-even if TSA doesn't require it. Avoid delays, legal trouble, and lost meds with this practical guide.

How to Read the NDC Number to Confirm the Correct Medication

Learn how to read the NDC number on medication labels to prevent dangerous dispensing errors. Understand the 3-segment code, format conversions, and verification steps used by pharmacies across the U.S.

Alternative Cholesterol Medications: Ezetimibe and Bempedoic Acid for Statin-Intolerant Patients

Ezetimibe and bempedoic acid are proven non-statin options for lowering LDL cholesterol when statins cause side effects. Both reduce heart risk, work differently, and suit different budgets and needs.

Cancer Pain Management: Opioids, Nerve Blocks, and Integrative Care Explained

Cancer pain management now combines opioids, nerve blocks, and integrative therapies like acupuncture and mindfulness. Learn how these approaches work together to reduce pain, improve quality of life, and minimize side effects-with real data from 2024 studies.

Dechallenge and Rechallenge in Drug Side Effects: What These Tests Mean

Dechallenge and rechallenge are key clinical tools used to determine if a drug caused a side effect. Stopping the drug (dechallenge) and restarting it (rechallenge) help confirm causality-essential for drug safety and regulatory decisions.

Antifungals and Liver Safety: What You Need to Know About Drug Interactions and Risks

Antifungals can cause serious liver damage, especially ketoconazole, voriconazole, and itraconazole. Learn which drugs are riskiest, what symptoms to watch for, and how to protect your liver with proper monitoring and drug interaction checks.