After you receive a new prescription, the first thing you should do is check the label to make sure you are taking the medicine as intended. Prescription labels contain a lot of useful information. Depending on what pharmacy you use, the label may look slightly different, but most prescription labels list the same information. Use […]

Generic drugs are just as effective as brand-name medications because they contain the same active ingredients and work in the same way as their brand name counterparts. These drugs provide the same clinical benefits and are very similar to brand names with respect to their quality, the recommended dosage, their strength and how they are […]

Naloxone is a medication that can be used to reverse an opioid overdose. It works by attaching to opioid receptors to block the effects of opioids like heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine and morphine. Naloxone can be lifesaving if administered at the first signs of an overdose. Once administered, it can restore breathing within 2-5 […]

Purchasing medication online can offer you convenience, privacy and cost savings. However, around 95% of websites offering prescription-only medicines operate illegally. These illegal pharmacies lure you by offering major discounts on popular medications, but they sell unapproved, counterfeit or otherwise unsafe medicines. These websites are also unsecure and can compromise your personal information. Warning Signs […]

Food medication interactions occur when the food you eat interferes with the way your medication is supposed to work. Some interactions can have a harmful effect by changing how the medicines work or worsening its side effects. Food Medication Interactions can Prevent a medication from working the way it should. Worsen or lessen a side […]

Social media platforms allow drug companies to promote pharmaceutical products including prescription drugs to consumers. Although informative, not all health information on social media is accurate. When inaccurate information (also known as misinformation) is posted on social media platforms, it can spread quickly. It is important to pay attention to who the message is coming […]

When you first start taking a medication, you may have some questions about it, such as how long it will take to work and how often you should take it. Below is a list of essential questions to ask your healthcare provider before taking a new medication. Ask Your Healthcare Provider What is the name […]

When you are prescribed a new medication, you may not realize it could interact negatively with alcohol. A study done by the National Institutes of Health found that about 42% of adults who drink also use medications that interact with alcohol.  Alcohol can interact with a medication in three ways:  Alcohol may change the speed […]

According to the CDC, 9 in 10 women report taking some type of medication while pregnant and seven in 10 women have taken a prescription medication during pregnancy. While a medication may have limited risks for the person taking the medication, it may cause harm to an unborn child or infant. How Do We Know […]

What Are Side Effects? Side effects, also called adverse reactions, are unwanted effects related to taking a medication. They can occur with prescribed or over-the-counter medications, vitamins or supplements. You may experience side effects when you start taking a new medication, change the dosage amount of a medication or stop taking a medication. Side effects […]

What is Considered a Drug Interaction? A drug interaction can happen when: Two or more drugs you’re taking react with each other. A drug reacts with certain foods, drinks or supplements. When certain medical conditions make taking certain drugs potentially harmful. How to Avoid Drug Interactions Learning more about prescription and over-the-counter medications you are […]

How to Take Medications Safely When you are prescribed a medication, it is important to use it responsibly. Follow the steps below for responsible prescription drug use. Ask Your Healthcare Provider any Questions You Have it is important to contact your healthcare provider if you are unsure about why you should be taking the medication […]

If you are having trouble falling or staying asleep, stress and your sleeping environment may be two reasons why. A lack of sleep can affect your health and overall well-being. Sleep supports brain health and gives your body time to rest which is important for physical health. There are many factors that play a role […]

If you have ever recovered from an injury, needed help sleeping or had trouble focusing, your health care provider may have prescribed you medicine to help. Prescription medications can prevent, cure, treat and manage several conditions, but if they are not used exactly as prescribed, some of these medications can be addictive. What Are Drug […]

Taking ADHD medications without a prescription is not the answer. Find out why.

Even though prescription opioids can be helpful, it is important to know how to use them safely.

Prescription opioids, also known as narcotics, are strong drugs that relieve pain.

Fentanyl and norfentanyl were recently added to the drug testing panel for Service members.

Sometimes Service members are prescribed stimulants and depressants to help with various concerns. While helpful when used as prescribed, misuse can be life threatening.

Meeting weight standards and PT requirements are critical to your career, but you shouldn’t misuse prescription weight loss drugs to hit your goals.