Author: Joe Barnett

OTC to Prescription Switches: Safety Considerations for Consumers

By Joe Barnett On 5 Jan, 2026 Comments (8)

OTC switches make common medications easier to access, but they come with hidden risks. Learn how to use them safely, avoid dangerous interactions, and protect yourself from side effects.

Best Reliable Online Resources for Generic Drug Information

By Joe Barnett On 4 Jan, 2026 Comments (8)

Find trustworthy, free online sources for accurate generic drug info. Learn how MedlinePlus, DailyMed, Drugs.com, and the FDA Orange Book help patients and providers make safe medication decisions.

How to Coordinate Multiple Prescriptions to Avoid Conflicts

By Joe Barnett On 3 Jan, 2026 Comments (13)

Learn how to safely manage multiple prescriptions by using one pharmacy, syncing refills, using pill organizers, and reviewing meds regularly. Avoid dangerous drug interactions and reduce hospital risks with simple, proven steps.

Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule (PLLR): How to Read FDA Drug Safety Info

By Joe Barnett On 3 Jan, 2026 Comments (12)

The FDA's Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule (PLLR) replaced outdated letter categories with detailed, evidence-based safety info for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Learn how to read the new labels and make smarter medication decisions.

How to Use International Mail-Order Safely and Legally for Medications in 2026

By Joe Barnett On 1 Jan, 2026 Comments (10)

Learn how to legally and safely buy medication through international mail-order in 2026 after the $800 de minimis threshold was eliminated. Avoid seizures, fines, and scams with updated rules on duties, HS codes, and carriers.

Therapeutic Interchange: What Providers Really Do When Substituting Medications Within the Same Class

By Joe Barnett On 31 Dec, 2025 Comments (11)

Therapeutic interchange is a cost-saving practice where clinicians swap medications within the same class, not across different ones. Learn how it works, who decides, and why it matters for patient care and healthcare costs.

How to Confirm Allergies and Interactions at Medication Pickup

By Joe Barnett On 30 Dec, 2025 Comments (13)

Learn how pharmacists confirm allergies and drug interactions at prescription pickup to prevent dangerous reactions. Discover what systems check, why false alerts happen, and how you can help keep yourself safe.

How to Subscribe to FDA Drug Safety Alerts and Updates

By Joe Barnett On 29 Dec, 2025 Comments (13)

Learn how to subscribe to FDA drug safety alerts to stay informed about recalls, side effects, and medication risks. Free, easy, and life-saving updates for patients and providers.

Hyperthyroidism and Stimulant Medications: Heart and Anxiety Risks

By Joe Barnett On 28 Dec, 2025 Comments (8)

Combining hyperthyroidism with stimulant medications like Adderall can dangerously raise heart rate and trigger severe anxiety. Learn why thyroid testing before stimulant use is critical-and what safer alternatives exist.

Severe Adverse Drug Reactions: When to Seek Emergency Help

By Joe Barnett On 26 Dec, 2025 Comments (9)

Severe adverse drug reactions can be deadly. Learn the warning signs of anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, and other life-threatening reactions - and what to do immediately to save a life.

Warfarin and NSAIDs: Why Combining Them Raises Bleeding Risk

By Joe Barnett On 25 Dec, 2025 Comments (13)

Combining warfarin with NSAIDs can multiply bleeding risk by up to four times. Learn why this interaction is so dangerous, which NSAIDs are riskiest, and what safer pain relief options exist.

Anticonvulsants and Oral Contraceptives: How Seizure Medications Can Reduce Birth Control Effectiveness

By Joe Barnett On 24 Dec, 2025 Comments (9)

Certain seizure medications like carbamazepine and topiramate can make birth control pills, patches, and rings ineffective, leading to unplanned pregnancy. Learn which drugs interfere, which birth control methods still work, and what to do next.