Author: Tamsin Riverton - Page 2

Adverse Drug Events: What They Are, How They Happen, and How to Stop Them

By : Tamsin Riverton
Date : Jan 19 2026

Adverse drug events cause over a million ER visits and 125,000 hospitalizations each year in the U.S. Learn what they are, which drugs are most dangerous, and proven ways to prevent them before harm occurs.

Child Medication Switches: What Parents Need to Know About Generics

By : Tamsin Riverton
Date : Jan 18 2026

Switching children to generic medications can save money, but it carries hidden risks. Learn why pediatric drug switches differ from adult ones, which medications are safest to change, and how to protect your child from harmful substitutions.

Prescription Writing Errors and How to Catch Them as a Patient

By : Tamsin Riverton
Date : Jan 17 2026

Prescription errors are common and dangerous, but patients can catch them. Learn the 7 key things to check on every prescription, red flags to watch for, and simple questions to ask to avoid harmful mistakes.

Opioid-Induced Itching: How Histamine and Nerve Pathways Cause It - and What Actually Works

By : Tamsin Riverton
Date : Jan 16 2026

Opioid-induced itching affects up to 100% of patients after spinal morphine. It's not caused by histamine alone - it's a direct nerve signal. Learn what actually works to stop it, and why antihistamines often fail.

Urticaria: Hives, Common Triggers, and How Antihistamines Really Work

By : Tamsin Riverton
Date : Jan 14 2026

Urticaria, or hives, is a common skin reaction causing itchy welts. Learn what triggers them, how antihistamines work, and when to seek stronger treatments for chronic cases.

Side Effects and Medication Adherence: How to Stay on Track When Drugs Cause Problems

By : Tamsin Riverton
Date : Jan 13 2026

Side effects are the #1 reason people stop taking their meds-even when they know it’s important. Learn why adherence fails, what really works to fix it, and how to talk to your pharmacist about feeling worse on your pills.

Alcohol and Blood Thinners: Understanding Bleeding Risk and INR Fluctuations

By : Tamsin Riverton
Date : Jan 12 2026

Alcohol can cause dangerous INR fluctuations in people taking warfarin, increasing bleeding risk. Learn how much is safe, what signs to watch for, and why genetics and drinking patterns matter.

MedWatch Reporting for Generics: How Safety Data Is Collected and Why It Matters

By : Tamsin Riverton
Date : Jan 11 2026

MedWatch is the FDA's system for collecting safety data on generic drugs, but underreporting and lack of manufacturer details make it hard to track problems. Learn how reports are filed, why therapeutic inequivalence matters, and how you can help improve generic drug safety.

Glomerulonephritis: How Your Immune System Attacks Kidney Filters

By : Tamsin Riverton
Date : Jan 10 2026

Glomerulonephritis is an immune system attack on the kidney's filters, leading to blood or protein in urine, swelling, and high blood pressure. Learn the types, treatments, and why early diagnosis matters.

How to Use Dosing Syringes and Oral Dispensers for Kids’ Medicines

By : Tamsin Riverton
Date : Jan 8 2026

Learn how to safely and accurately give liquid medicine to kids using dosing syringes. Avoid common mistakes, choose the right syringe size, and use proven techniques to prevent overdoses and choking.

How Second and Third Generic Drugs Drive Down Prescription Prices

By : Tamsin Riverton
Date : Jan 6 2026

Second and third generic drug manufacturers drive prescription prices down dramatically-often cutting costs by 60% or more compared to the first generic. Learn how competition among makers saves patients billions.

Heart Attack Warning Signs: Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Emergency Care

By : Tamsin Riverton
Date : Jan 5 2026

Heart attack symptoms aren't always chest pain. Women, older adults, and people with diabetes often experience subtle signs like fatigue, nausea, or jaw pain. Acting fast can cut death risk by half. Know the signs, call 999 immediately.