Category: Patient education

Over 6 million prescriptions for the antidepressant mirtazapine were written in the U.S. in 2023, yet the similar-sounding term 'triazepine' is often confused for a specific medication. This article clarifies what is triazepine used for by examining the medications most likely to be mistaken for it, including tirzepatide and mirtazapine.

According to the European Medicines Agency, contraindications are "situations where a medicinal product must not be given for safety reasons". Understanding what are common contraindications is crucial for patient safety, as failure to adhere to them can lead to serious adverse drug effects, hospitalization, or even death.

Nearly 40 million anesthetics are administered in the United States each year, but many patients are unsure about a critical safety question: **how long can you not drive after an anesthetic?** [1.7.2]. The answer is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring a smooth recovery [1.8.1].

Headache is reported as the most frequent side effect of isosorbide mononitrate, sometimes occurring in over 50% of patients when first starting the medication. While this can be bothersome, it is often considered a sign that the medication is working by dilating blood vessels and typically subsides with continued use. Understanding and managing this and other side effects is key to a successful treatment regimen.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), understanding medication safety is crucial, and a key part of this involves recognizing what are contraindications and precautions. These terms are used to classify conditions that can make a treatment dangerous, potentially leading to serious harm or reduced effectiveness if not properly considered.

In the United States, about 19 million colonoscopies are performed annually, with preparation quality being key to success [1.3.1]. When patients ask, **'What is the new laxative for colonoscopy?'**, the answer points towards significant advancements in patient comfort, including lower-volume liquids and innovative tablet-based options.

Procrit (epoetin alfa) is a medication that stimulates the production of red blood cells to treat anemia in certain conditions. Learning how to administer Procrit injections properly is crucial for patient safety and treatment efficacy, and it is a process that is typically taught and monitored by a healthcare provider.

Did you know that the stability of many medications is extremely sensitive to temperature changes, with some research indicating that medication storage can be vulnerable to temperature fluctuations? For patients and caregivers, understanding **Which of the following medications require refrigeration?** is crucial for maintaining treatment efficacy and patient safety.

Affecting over 79 million Americans, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. To combat life-threatening blood clots, healthcare providers often prescribe a powerful combination known as dual antiplatelet therapy, a key example being the combined use of aspirin and Plavix. This potent pairing provides more complete protection against clot formation than either medication alone.

Adverse drug events lead to over 1 million emergency department visits in the U.S. each year. A core strategy for preventing these events is understanding **what is an absolute contraindication to drug therapy**—a situation where a drug must never be used.