Author: William Blehm

27
Nov
Grapefruit and Immunosuppressants: What You Need to Know Before Eating One
Medications

Grapefruit and Immunosuppressants: What You Need to Know Before Eating One

Grapefruit can dangerously increase levels of immunosuppressants like cyclosporine and tacrolimus, raising the risk of kidney damage, infections, and toxicity. Even small amounts can have lasting effects for up to 72 hours.

William Blehm
26
Nov
Athlete Anti-Doping Rules: Prescription Medications and Side Effects to Consider
Medications

Athlete Anti-Doping Rules: Prescription Medications and Side Effects to Consider

Athletes must navigate strict anti-doping rules when using prescription medications. Learn how to safely use necessary drugs, apply for TUEs, avoid banned substances, and prevent violations that could end your career.

William Blehm
24
Nov
Quercetin and Medications: How Supplement Use Can Alter Drug Levels
Medications

Quercetin and Medications: How Supplement Use Can Alter Drug Levels

Quercetin supplements can block liver enzymes that break down medications, leading to dangerous drug buildup. Learn which meds are at risk and how to stay safe.

William Blehm
23
Nov
Ankylosing Spondylitis: How TNF Inhibitors Reduce Spine Inflammation and Improve Daily Life
Medications

Ankylosing Spondylitis: How TNF Inhibitors Reduce Spine Inflammation and Improve Daily Life

TNF inhibitors have transformed ankylosing spondylitis treatment by targeting spine inflammation at its source. Learn how these biologic drugs reduce pain, slow joint damage, and improve daily life for millions.

William Blehm
21
Nov
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis: Measuring the Value of Generic Drugs
Medications

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis: Measuring the Value of Generic Drugs

Cost-effectiveness analysis reveals how generic drugs save billions by comparing price to health outcomes. Learn why some generics cost 15x more than equally effective alternatives-and how to spot the real savings.

William Blehm
20
Nov
30-Month Stay: How Patent Litigation Delays Generic Drug Approval
Medications

30-Month Stay: How Patent Litigation Delays Generic Drug Approval

The 30-month stay under the Hatch-Waxman Act delays generic drug approval when patent lawsuits are filed. It's meant to balance innovation and access, but in practice, it often extends market monopolies by years - costing patients billions.

William Blehm
19
Nov
Lithium Carbonate Generics: Serum Level Considerations for Safe and Effective Treatment
Medications

Lithium Carbonate Generics: Serum Level Considerations for Safe and Effective Treatment

Lithium carbonate generics require careful serum level monitoring due to their narrow therapeutic index. Differences in release rates between brands can cause dangerous fluctuations, even at the same dose. Learn how to manage levels safely.

William Blehm
19
Nov
Taking Medication with Food: When and Why It Reduces Side Effects
Medications

Taking Medication with Food: When and Why It Reduces Side Effects

Taking medication with food can reduce side effects like nausea and stomach damage-but only if done correctly. Learn which drugs need food, which to avoid with meals, and how to avoid dangerous interactions.

William Blehm
18
Nov
How Misoprostol Is Used to Manage Placenta Previa
Medications

How Misoprostol Is Used to Manage Placenta Previa

Misoprostol is a vital tool for controlling life-threatening bleeding in placenta previa when surgery isn't immediately available. It works by triggering strong uterine contractions to compress blood vessels, buying critical time before a C-section.

William Blehm
17
Nov
Proton Pump Inhibitors with Antiplatelets: How to Reduce GI Bleed Risk Without Compromising Heart Protection
Medications

Proton Pump Inhibitors with Antiplatelets: How to Reduce GI Bleed Risk Without Compromising Heart Protection

Proton pump inhibitors reduce GI bleeding risk in patients on dual antiplatelet therapy-but only if you choose the right one. Omeprazole can interfere with clopidogrel. Pantoprazole and esomeprazole are safer. Learn who needs it, who doesn’t, and how to avoid dangerous mistakes.

William Blehm
17
Nov
High-Protein Diets and Levodopa: How Protein Affects Parkinson's Motor Control
Medications

High-Protein Diets and Levodopa: How Protein Affects Parkinson's Motor Control

High-protein meals can block levodopa absorption in Parkinson’s patients, causing unpredictable motor fluctuations. Learn how timing protein intake-especially with a protein redistribution diet-can restore medication effectiveness without drastic dietary changes.

William Blehm
17
Nov
How to Prepare for Allergy Testing for Antibiotic Reactions
Medications

How to Prepare for Allergy Testing for Antibiotic Reactions

Learn how to prepare for antibiotic allergy testing to confirm or rule out a true drug reaction. Find out what medications to stop, what to expect during the test, and why de-labeling your allergy could save you money and improve your care.

William Blehm