Author: Katie Law
Generic Drug User Fee Amendments: How GDUFA Laws Speed Up FDA Review
GDUFA laws let the FDA collect fees from generic drug makers to speed up reviews, cut backlogs, and ensure safe, affordable medicines. Since 2012, approval times dropped from years to months.
Alopecia Areata: Understanding Autoimmune Hair Loss and Current Treatment Options
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes sudden, patchy hair loss. Unlike pattern baldness, it targets hair follicles with immune cells-but they can regrow. Treatments include steroid injections, topical therapies, and new oral drugs like baricitinib and ritlecitinib. While not life-threatening, its emotional toll is severe.
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Targeted Therapies Explained
HER2-positive breast cancer is no longer a death sentence. Targeted therapies like trastuzumab, T-DXd, and tucatinib have transformed outcomes, offering longer survival and better quality of life. Learn how these drugs work and what’s next.
Pregnancy and Medications: What You Need to Know About Teratogenic Risks and Birth Defects
Learn the real risks of medications during pregnancy, from known teratogens like warfarin and methotrexate to the acetaminophen debate. Get clear, evidence-based guidance on what’s safe, what’s risky, and what to do if you’ve already taken a medication.
Pregnancy and Medications: What You Need to Know About Teratogenic Risks and Birth Defects
Learn the real risks of medications during pregnancy, which drugs are known to cause birth defects, and why acetaminophen is still considered safe despite conflicting reports. Get clear, science-backed guidance for making informed choices.
Hyponatremia and Hypernatremia: Managing Sodium Imbalances in Kidney Disease
Hyponatremia and hypernatremia are serious sodium imbalances affecting 1 in 5 CKD patients. These conditions cause cognitive decline, falls, and higher mortality. Proper management requires tailored fluid limits, medication adjustments, and multidisciplinary care to prevent life-threatening complications.
Patient-Reported Outcomes: How Your Daily Feedback Improves Drug Safety
Patient-reported outcomes let you directly share how you feel while taking medication-helping regulators and drug makers catch side effects doctors might miss. Your daily feedback improves drug safety for everyone.
HIV Medications and Antibiotics: Key Interactions You Must Know
HIV medications and antibiotics can clash in dangerous ways, affecting treatment success and safety. Learn which combinations to avoid, which are safe, and how to check interactions before taking any new drug.
Drug Allergies: Penicillin, NSAIDs, and Desensitization Protocols Explained
Most people who think they're allergic to penicillin aren't. Learn how true drug allergies work, why NSAIDs and penicillin reactions differ, and how desensitization can save lives when no alternatives exist.
Chronic Cough Workup: How to Diagnose GERD, Asthma, and Postnasal Drip
Chronic cough lasting over 8 weeks is often caused by GERD, asthma, or upper airway cough syndrome. Learn how to identify and treat the three most common causes with evidence-based steps - no unnecessary tests needed.