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...

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...

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...

Understanding A/G ratio results

An albumin and globulin ratio (A/G ratio) test is a blood test that measures the ratio of albumin to globulin in the blood. Albumin and globulins are two major types of proteins in the blood. The A/ G ratio test helps screen for various health conditions and provides insight into one’s nutritional status. 
The serum of the blood contains albumin and globulin proteins. They each play vital roles in the body. Therefore, checking whether one has normal amounts of each protein or the “right” ratio c...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

"She is an exceptionally quick learner and highly productive. As a Drug Information Pharmacist, she played a crucial role in shaping our writing style and guidelines as the project entered the second phase. Ashley excels at thoroughly researching drug information, breaking down complex disease states, and translating clinical studies into patient-friendly content."

- Daisy Chau, PharmD, RPh, Drug Information Pharmacist Manager at GoodRx