May 2023 roundup — practical guides on drugs, conditions and supplements
This month on PharmNet we published short, useful pieces you can actually use. Want better ways to manage plaque psoriasis on hands and feet? Curious how glaucoma types differ, or whether a drug like aripiprazole helps OCD? We covered those and more — with clear tips, safety flags, and real-world advice.
Skin and symptoms first: the plaque psoriasis post focuses on hands and feet where flare-ups interfere with work and daily tasks. Simple routines matter: consistent moisturizing, gentle exfoliation to remove scale, and avoiding skin injury. If topical creams don’t help, see a dermatologist — some cases need prescription therapy or light treatment.
Eye care got a practical primer on glaucoma types. Open-angle glaucoma is the common, slow kind; angle-closure can be sudden and needs urgent care. We broke down signs to watch for and why early testing matters. If you have family history or vision changes, schedule an eye exam and ask about pressure checks.
Mental health and meds: we looked at aripiprazole as an add-on idea for OCD. It’s not first-line, but some studies and clinician reports show benefit for certain patients. Talk to your psychiatrist about risks, expected benefits, and whether adjunct therapy fits your plan.
Money matters: Prochlorperazine cost and insurance guidance explains how prices vary by plan and pharmacy. Quick actions that save money: call your insurer to check coverage, compare local and online pharmacy prices, and ask your doctor about generic options or discount cards before filling a prescription.
Supplements & antivirals — what to watch
We tested supplements like Bean Pod and explained inositol nicotinate benefits. Supplements can boost energy or circulation, but look for transparent ingredient lists and try one change at a time. For antivirals, posts covered darunavir’s potential beyond HIV and warned about Tenofovir mixed with alcohol — both can stress the liver, so consult your doctor and avoid heavy drinking while on these meds.
Kidney and gut health posts were very practical. For renal failure, we listed helpful meds (diuretics, blood pressure drugs) and drugs to avoid — especially NSAIDs. In the acute diarrhea piece we talked about productivity: stay hydrated, use short-term anti-diarrheals when appropriate, and don’t hesitate to rest when symptoms are severe.
Allergy and hormone pieces gave clear, usable info. We flagged a possible link between fluticasone use and food allergy concerns — worth discussing with your clinician if new allergy symptoms appear. The calcitonin and calcium posts explained how calcitonin lowers blood calcium and why adequate calcium helps prevent muscle stiffness and cramps.
Quick practical tips from May posts
If a skin or eye issue limits daily life, seek specialist input early. Check insurance and generics to cut drug costs. Watch liver and kidney risks when mixing meds and alcohol. Treat supplements like medicine: research ingredients and monitor effects. Small routine changes — better moisturizers, scheduled eye checks, asking pharmacists for price comparisons — often make the biggest difference.
Want a link or a specific post saved? Tell me which topic and I’ll point you to the right article from May 2023.
