The Checkup • 3rd April 2025

How is virtual care changing pharmacy?

Telemedicine is defined as the remote delivery of healthcare services using a phone, tablet, or computer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Starting with the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine expanded rapidly and redefined the delivery of medical services in virtually every aspect of healthcare. Pharmacy is no exception. 
Telepharmacy utilizes technology to deliver pharmacy services in an innovative way, according to an article published in Integrated Pharmacy Research a...

Healthgrades • 21st March 2025

Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease: When to Refer to a Specialist

The number of people with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States is expected to increase markedly by 2060, and primary care physicians (PCPs) often find themselves on the front line of dementia care.


However, according to a 2020 survey conducted by the Alzheimer’s Association, not all PCPs are confident in their care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.


Nearly 39% report they are “never” or only “sometimes comfortable” with diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and other...

Healthgrades • 20th March 2025

Patient Emotions to Consider When Discussing Psoriasis

Psoriasis can affect a person’s health well beyond its physical symptoms. The condition has been linked to high levels of distress and significant psychosocial comorbidities, including anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and substance use disorder. Therefore, patients often need emotional support in addition to medical care.


As a healthcare professional, being aware of patients’ emotions when discussing psoriasis can help ensure you’re being as empathetic and understanding as possible. Th...

Healthline • 11th March 2025

Avastin for Glioblastoma: How It Works, Effectiveness, and More

How does Avastin treat glioblastoma?Avastin is prescribed for adults ages 18 years and older to treat recurrent glioblastoma. (This means the cancer has returned after responding to past treatment.)How does Avastin work?Avastin works by blocking a substance in your body called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF stimulates cells to grow new blood vessels which helps the cells receive the nutrients and oxygen they need to grow. Cancer cells are believed to make too much VEGF. By block...

Healthgrades • 25th February 2025

5 Phrases to Avoid When Discussing Menopause

As a healthcare professional, your words hold a lot of weight. Research has shown that specific word choices and phrases reflect your perception of patients, affect how they view their health, and influence medical care. Finding ways to discuss sensitive medical topics with patients is one of the hardest but most important and rewarding aspects of your position.


Menopause is often treated as a taboo subject, since many people are self-conscious about the side effects it causes. While the topi...

Health • 17th February 2025

Can Your Morning Coffee Be Causing Inflammation? Here's What Research Says

Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in plants like coffee beans, tea leaves, kola nuts, and cacao pods. Most people get caffeine from coffee, carbonated sodas, tea, and energy drinks.

Inflammation occurs when your immune system releases chemicals to fight off harmful substances. Chronic (long-term) inflammation can lead to asthma, heart disease, and some cancers.

Some research says that coffee—the most common source of caffeine—may have anti-inflammatory effects, but caffeine alone doesn't...

The Checkup • 13th February 2025

How to counsel patients on heart health

The heart is the center of the circulatory system, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. It helps carry blood to and from all parts of the body, providing oxygen and nutrients that help organs function. A healthy heart gives your body just the right amount of blood at the rate it needs. However, a heart that develops damage or disease can struggle to pump blood efficiently. This can make it difficult for the body to work properly.
According to the Centers for Disease Contro...

Health • 3rd February 2025

Can Taking Magnesium Supplements Lower Your Blood Pressure?

Hypertension (high blood pressure) can damage your heart and blood vessels and increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other heart conditions. Due to these risks, it's important to manage your blood pressure.

Lifestyle changes, such as a well-balanced diet and regular physical activity, are key. Some people with hypertension may need prescription medication to lower blood pressure.

While evidence is mixed, some studies suggest magnesium supplements may also help.

Magnesium can help...

The Checkup by SingleCare • 17th July 2024

How AI can help pharmacists

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming virtually every aspect of society, and healthcare is no exception. In pharmacy specifically, AI services such as ChatGPT may significantly improve medication management by providing pharmacists with tools that empower them to make evidence-based clinical decisions. For example, an AI model can be used to streamline workflow, identify adverse events and drug interactions, and provide medication therapy management (MTM) services.
Community pharmacists a...

Medical News Today • 10th July 2024

Talzenna dosage: Form, strengths, how to take, and more

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Talzenna provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Talzenna, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Talzenna, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Talzenna, see this article.Talzenna is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following conditions in adults:Talzenna (talazoparib) is a brand-name drug t...

Optum Perks • 18th June 2024

Norvasc dosage guide — Optum Perks

This article describes Norvasc’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Norvasc. If you want to know more about Norvasc, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.Norvasc is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral tablet. It’s available in a generic version called amlodipine. This article describes dosages of Norvasc.Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? For certain health conditions, Optum Perks offers p...

SingleCare • 1st December 2023

Gabapentin interactions to avoid

Gabapentin is a generic medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain after shingles), epilepsy, other seizure disorders, and restless leg syndrome. Available under the brand names Neurontin, Gralise, and Horizant, gabapentin is also commonly prescribed off-label for general nerve pain, migraines, and bipolar disorder. Off-label use is when a drug is used for a purpose other than what it is approved for. Gabapentin belongs to a class of...

GoodRx • 22nd December 2021

Limited Distribution Drugs (LDD): Networks & Specialty Pharmacies - GoodRx

Many medications that treat complex medical conditions are only available through limited distribution. This means you probably can’t just pick them up at your local pharmacy. Instead, you can only get them from specific pharmacies — usually specialty pharmacies.This can sometimes add a few extra steps when accessing these medications. But it can also allow you to have a closer relationship with your healthcare team. And you may be more likely to take your medication as prescribed. That’s becaus...

GoodRx • 21st June 2021

Can I Drink Alcohol with Topiramate?

“Can I drink alcohol while I’m taking this medication?” is one of the most common questions people have when starting a new medication — and it’s a valid one. It generally isn’t recommended to drink alcohol while taking medications because doing so can lead to serious health risks. However, alcohol affects each medication differently.

Topiramate is a medication used to treat seizures or prevent migraines. And people taking it often wonder if it’s safe for them to have a drink with their friends or at a family gathering. But before mixing alcohol with topiramate, there are some important factors to keep in mind.

Healthline • 5th July 2024

Side Effects of Rytary: What You Need to Know

Rytary (carbidopa/levodopa) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat Parkinson’s disease and certain types of parkinsonism. Rytary can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include nausea and headache.Specifically, Rytary is used in adults to treat:Parkinson’s diseaseparkinsonism caused by encephalitis, carbon monoxide poisoning, or manganese toxicity (high levels of manganese in your body)The active ingredients in Rytary are carbidopa and levodopa. The drug comes as an...

The Checkup by SingleCare • 6th June 2024

How to help patients with menstrual pain

About 80% of women experience menstrual pain—also known as dysmenorrhea—at some point in their lives. It can affect women in a wide age range, from adolescence to late adulthood. In most cases, the pain is mild. But for some, the pain can be so severe that it negatively affects their quality of life. On average, pain can last for 1 to 2 days, but many people may experience discomfort for even longer.
There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is...

Medical News Today • 4th June 2024

Rydapt dosage: Form, strength, how to take, and more

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Rydapt provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Rydapt, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Rydapt, including its strength and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Rydapt, see this article.Rydapt is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat:Rydapt (midostaurin) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for certain types of leukemia a...

Optum Perks • 8th May 2024

Spironolactone oral tablet interactions — Optum Perks

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.Drug classes or drugs that may interact with spironolactone oral tablet include:The drugs in the list below may interact with spironolactone oral tablet. This article doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with spironolactone.Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? For certain health conditions, Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care with no appointment required. For $25, answer a few qu...

The Checkup by SingleCare • 26th October 2023

What causes left-side abdominal pain?

Left-side abdominal pain is fairly common, but most of the time, it isn’t serious. There are many possible reasons why people might feel pain in the left side of their abdomen. The pain can be caused by something benign, such as gas or constipation. But the pain could also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as an infection, hernia, or diverticulitis. Typically, minor pain in the left side of the abdomen is not worrisome and can clear up on its own. But it’s important to know when you ne...