Posts in Health
Nonprofit Resources for Affording Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Nonprofit Resources for Affording Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Are you concerned about being able to afford your medications? Although this post focuses on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the tips and resources may apply to other medical conditions. Read on to learn about nonprofit resources that may help you afford treatment for your medical condition.

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Medications, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Treatment, Drug Costs, Drug Savings, Nonprofit Resources, Health, Financial Assistance, Autoimmune Disease, Chronic Medical Condition, Medical Care, Healthcare ResourcesRoss Phanexpensive medications, financial burden, copay assistance, copay, coinsurance, premiums, deductibles, travel costs, expenses, local county health organizations, state health organizations, nonprofits, assistance programs, NeedyMeds, National Council on Aging, BenefitsCheckUp, The Assistance Fund, Patient Advocate Foundation, Patient Access Network Foundation, PAN, FundFinder, RxOutreach, nonprofit mail-order pharmacy, Operation Walk USA, knee replacement, hip replacement, operation, eligibility criteria, no cost, surgery, Medicare, Medicaid, Extra Help, Medicare Rights Center, State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, PACE, Simplefill, prescription, advocate, prescription advocacy program, costly medications, medication costs, funds, grants, chronic diseases, foundations, manufacturers, payment plans, low interest, interest free, social network, community, religious organization, support, income assistance, food assistance, housing programs, medication access, office visits, copay relief funds, copay relief programs, low income, uninsured, underinsured, charityComment
Can Methotrexate for RA Cause Body Odor?
Can Methotrexate for RA Cause Body Odor?

Are you concerned that you or someone you know are experiencing body odor changes? Several potential factors may cause body odor changes. Whether you’re concerned that you or someone you know has body odor changes, it might be a difficult situation to address. Read on to learn more about ways to manage or treat body odor changes.

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Health, Medications, Side Effects, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Body Odor, Autoimmune Disease, COVID, Genetics, Risk factors, Lifestyle ChangesRoss PhanMethotrexate, rheumatoid arthritis, RA, autoimmune disease, sense of smell, sweating, liver function, COVID-19, cigarette smoking, sinus problems, nasal problems, nose problems, head injuries, facial injuries, nutritional deficiencies, low vitamins, low zinc, low copper, medical conditions, bacteria, body odor, diet, puberty, hormone changes, medications, lifestyle factors, environmental factors, genetics, body hair, obesity, excess weight, overweight, Ross Phan, stress, hot weather, changes in smell of your breath, smell different, personal habits, prevent body odor, manage body odor, treating body odor, Botox, Botulinum toxin, surgery, electromagnetic device, healthcare providers, side effects, smoking, exercise, DMARD, disease modifying antirheumatic drug, different body odor, MTX, change of smell, loss of smell, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, gout, hyperhydrosis, excessive sweating, hyperthyroidism, overactive thyroid, infectious diseases, bacterial skin infections, kidney problems, kidney disease, liver problems, liver disease, diabetic ketoacidosis, DKA, changes in smell of breathComment
What's New in Stroke?
What's New in Stroke?

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. Read on to learn more about some phase 3 trials that are studying potential stroke treatment drug breakthroughs in 2022.

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Blood clots, Blood thinners, Clinical Trials, Coronary Artery Disease, Drug Manufacturers, Health, Heart Disease, Medications, Prevention, Research Studies, Treatment, StrokeRoss PhanARCADIA, stroke, aspirin, heart, heart disease, Eliquis, apixaban, experimental, CAPTIVA, Plavix, clopidogrel, vascular death, blood clots, prevent blood clots, Xarelto, rivaroxaban, Brilinta, ticagrelor, FASTEST, NovoSeven, recombinant activated factor VII, rFVIIa, intracerebral hemorrhage, ICH, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer, Roche, Novo Nordisk, Columbia University, Dr. Joseph Broderick, National Institute of Health, NIH, University of Florida, AstraZeneca, Janssen, Ross Phan, abnormal heart rhythm, stent, heart attacks, bleeding conditions, bleeding problemsComment
Risk of Infection in People Using Humira for Inflammatory Bowel Disorder
Risk of Infection in People Using Humira for Inflammatory Bowel Disorder

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) — is linked to a higher risk of infections. Certain medications — like adalimumab (Humira) — may also increase your risk of infections. But if you suspect that you have an infection, what should you do? Read on to learn more.

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Biologics, Health, IBD, Medications, Prevention, Risk factors, Side Effects, Treatment, Infections, Infectious DiseasesRoss Phaninfection, ID, infectious diseases, fever, cold, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, inflammation, chronic inflammation, Crohn's diseasae, Ulcerative colitis, Humira, adalimumab, IBD comorbidities, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, TNF-alpha, TNF-alpha inhibitorComment
Heart disease with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Heart disease with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) — is linked to a higher risk of heart attacks. Flare-ups may further increase this risk. Read on to learn more.

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Blood clots, Crohn's disease, Health, IBD, Prevention, Risk factors, Ulcerative colitis, Heart Disease, Coronary Artery Disease, CAD, Heart attacksRoss PhanInflammatory Bowel Disease, chronic inflammation, IBD, Crohn's diseasae, Ulcerative colitis, heart disease, heart attacks, cholesterol, cholesterol buildup, coronary artery disease, CAD, blood clots, Ross Phan, IBD flare-ups, flares, flare-ups, heart-related problems, risk factors, healthy heart, platelets, blood vessels, lipidsComment
Could OTC Birth Control Be Available at Pharmacies Soon?
Could OTC Birth Control Be Available at Pharmacies Soon?

Coincidentally, around the same time that Roe v Wade was overturned, HRA Pharma requested for the FDA to review an application for an over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill. Read on to learn more about this first potential U.S. OTC birth control pill and other “OTC” options.

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FDA, Health, Medications, Sexual Health, Women's Health, Birth Control, Over the CounterRoss Phanbirth control pills, hormonal birth control pills, progestin-only birth control pills, minipill, Plan B, OTC birth control, birth control, OTC birth control options, OTC contraceptive, OTC contraceptive options, birth control pills online, pharmacist-prescribed birth control, Opill, Rx-to-OTC switch, HRA Pharma, Ibis Reproductive Health, Ross PhanComment
Blood Thinners to Prevent Blood Clots in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Blood Thinners to Prevent Blood Clots in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) — is linked to a higher risk of blood clots. Flare-ups may further increase this risk. But are blood thinners okay in people with IBD, who may have symptoms of bloody diarrhea or rectal bleeding during flare-ups? Read on to learn more.

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Health, Medications, Risk factors, Side Effects, Treatment, IBD, Blood thinners, Blood clots, Crohn's disease, Ulcerative colitis, PreventionRoss PhanInflammatory Bowel Disease, IBD, Crohn's diseasae, CD, UC, Ulcerative colitis, inflammation, chronic inflammation, blood clots, blood thinners, VTE, DVT, PE, venous thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, heart attacks, stroke, anticoagulants, platelets, antiplatelets, bleeding problems, aspirin, prevent blood clots, risk factors, easy bruising, easy bleeding, serious side effects, severe side effects, side effects, Ross PhanComment
Bone Density and Epilepsy: Are Antiepileptic Drugs a Risk for Osteoporosis?
Bone Density and Epilepsy: Are Antiepileptic Drugs a Risk for Osteoporosis?

Epilepsy is linked to a higher risk for osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures (broken bones). Long-term use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) can also put you at a higher risk for fractures. Read on to learn more.

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Health, Medications, Epilepsy, Seizures, Osteoporosis, Falls, Side Effects, Mental Health, AED, Risk factors, Osteopenia, Women's Health, Prevention, Treatment, Lifestyle ChangesRoss Phanside effects, fractures, bones, BMD, bone mineral density, bone loss, bone density, bone mass, broken bones, depression, weight-bearing exercises, weight training, jogging, vitamin D deficiency, anticonvulsants, long-term use, long-term side effects, phenytoin, Dilantin, Divalproex sodium, valproic acid, Depakote, osteoclasts, low vitamin D, carbamazepine, Carbatrol, Tegretol, bone turnover, neurology, supplements, alcohol, steroids, exercise, low body weight, bone density scan, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, DEXA scan, healthy diet, calcium, vitamin D, smoking, physically active, mucles, balance, independence, strength, tai chi, yoga, swimming, walking, dancing, tennis, bisphosphonates, bone breakdown, Alendronate, RANKL inhibitors, RANKL, enosumab, parathyroid hormone, PTH, teriparatide, Forteo, osteoblasts, building bone, balancing exericises, non-slip shoes, well-lit home, grab-bars, skid-proof carpets, skid-proof rugs, handrails, clutter, sleeping pills, Ross PhanComment
Finger Clubbing and Lung Cancer
Finger Clubbing and Lung Cancer

Finger clubbing can be a harmless trait that runs in families. In some people, however, it might be a symptom of a serious medical condition. In fact, 80% of people with finger clubbing have lung cancer. Read on to learn more.

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Cancer, Genetics, Health, Medications, Lung Cancer, Finger Clubbing, SymptomsRoss Phanlung cancer treatments, lung cancer comorbidities, nail beds, fingertips, fingernails, Schamroth sign, low oxygen, growth factors, nail or finger changes, lung cancer medications, Ross PhanComment
6 Medications That Are Used To Treat Diabetic Macular Edema
6 Medications That Are Used To Treat Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetes is a medical condition of high blood sugar. Persistently high blood sugar can lead to health issues over time. This can include various eye problems, such as diabetic macular edema (DME). Read on to learn about the different treatment options for DME.

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Biologics, Biosimilars, Eye Health, Health, Medications, Diabetes, Diabetic Macular EdemaRoss Phandiabetic macular edema, DME, diabetes, eyes, Ross Phan, expensive medications, monoclonal antibody medication, Lucentis, Byooviz, macula, VEGF inhibitors, VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor, Avastin, bevacizumab, Eylea, aflibercept, ranibizumab, Susvimo, ranibizumab-nuna, Vabysmo, faricimab-svoa, FDA, angiopoietin-2, Ang-2, Ozurdex, dexamethasone, steroid implant, Iluvien, fluocinolone, Beovu, brolucizumabComment
FDA Approves Tezspire for Severe Asthma
FDA Approves Tezspire for Severe Asthma

Tezspire is the first and only TSLP-targeting biologic for asthma. The FDA approved it to treat any type of severe asthma. Read on to learn more about Tezspire.

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Biologics, FDA, Health, Medications, AsthmaRoss Phanasthma, severe asthma, Ross Phan, drug interactions, expensive medications, monoclonal antibody medication, Tezspire, tezepelumab-ekko, asthma maintenance medication, side effects, add-on medication, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, TSLPComment
FDA Approves Verzenio (Abemaciclib) for Early Breast Cancer
FDA Approves Verzenio (Abemaciclib) for Early Breast Cancer

Verzenio was already approved to treat advanced breast cancer. Now, the FDA just gave Verzenio an additional approval to treat early breast cancer. Read on to learn more about how Verzenio works and what side effects to expect.

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Clinical Trials, FDA, Health, Medications, Research Studies, Women's Health, Cancer, Breast CancerRoss PhanVerzenio, Abemaciclib, HR+/HER2- breast cancer, hormone positive breast cancer, HER2 negative breast cancer, early breast cancer, CDK inhibitor, advanced breast cancer, side effects, expensive medications, limited distribution drug, LDD, specialty pharmacy, lower risk of cancer coming back, targeted therapy, Ross PhanComment
FDA Approves Byooviz to Treat 3 Eye Conditions
FDA Approves Byooviz to Treat 3 Eye Conditions

Byooviz is the first biosimilar eye medication. This biologic medication is approved to treat 3 different eye conditions. Read on to learn more about Byooviz, what it treats, and when it will be available.

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FDA, Health, Medications, Eye Health, Biologics, Biosimilars, Older Adult Health, Macular DegenerationRoss Phanside effects, medical conditions, age-related macular degeneration, AMD, retinal vein occlusion, RVO, myopic choroidal neovascularization, myopic CNV, Lucentis, Byooviz, monoclonal antibody medication, Ross PhanComment
Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Addyi (Flibanserin)?
Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Addyi (Flibanserin)?

Addyi (flibanserin) is a prescription treatment option used to raise female sexual desire and interest, but what are the risks or interactions when mixed with a couple of drinks of alcohol? Learn about the potential dangers when combining alcohol with Addyi.

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Health, Medications, Women's Health, Sexual Health, Alcohol, Genetics, Genetics TestingRoss Phanside effects, low sex drive, low libido, hypoactive sexual disorder, HSDD, alcohol, drug interactions, Addyi, flibanserin, premenopausal women, pharmacogenomics, PGx, Ross Phan Comment
What Is an Orphan Drug? Learn How and When a Medication is Given This Designation
What Is an Orphan Drug? Learn How and When a Medication is Given This Designation

Are you curious how medications for rare diseases are developed? If so, read on to learn more about these “orphan drugs” for rare medical conditions.

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Medications, Health, Rare Diseases, Drug Development, Drug Manufacturers, FDA, Clinical Trials, Research StudiesRoss Phanorphan drugs, Orphan Drug Act, post-market approval, post-market studies, expensive medications, manufacturer benefits, manufacturer incentives, Ross PhanComment
The Off Script Update
The Off Script Update

Are you growing impatient for another article since my last blog post? If so, thank you for being understanding; and please read on for some Off Script updates!

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Health, Medications, Healthcare, Older Adult Health, Pharmacy Services, Natural MedicationsRoss Phannatural medications, convenience, drug interactions, convenience delivered, communication with prescribers, Off Script Membership, genetics testing, insurance coverage issues, updates, loved one, caregiver, advocate, side effects, herbals, supplements, virtual communication, personalized, dedicated, Ross PhanComment
Being Naturally Healthy
Being Naturally Healthy

Taking many costly medications? Read on to increase your awareness about some useful enhanced pharmacy services that might help naturally improve a loved one’s and your quality of life as much as possible!

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Healthcare, Medications, Health, Genetics, Natural Medications, Older Adult Health, Pharmacy ServicesRoss Phanquality of life, advocate, medication costs, communication with prescribers, side effects, best option, genetics testing, natural medications, herbals, supplements, medical conditions, vitamin deficiency, house calls, HIPAA-compliant app, secure, face-to-face, dedicated, personalized, secure e-mail, healthcare team, contact, drug interactions, loved one, Ross PhanComment