Question: I’ve heard about “superbugs” that can’t be stopped by antibiotics. But what does it mean when bacteria are resistant to antibiotics, and how does this happen? Answered by primary care physician Daniel Brown, DO.
In 2005, cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine, an effective decongestant, were moved behind the pharmacy counter. In response, many drug companies replaced pseudoephedrine with phenylephrine, which could be sold over the counter. While the FDA has determined that phenylephrine is not effective as an oral medication, it hasn’t been proven unsafe.
Whether you need a prescription or are looking for an over-the-counter pain reliever or fever reducer, not being able to get your medications can be worrisome. Due to specific shortages, some pharmacies even limit the amount of over-the-counter medications a person can purchase at one time.
“These shortages are occurring with medications that we’re not used to seeing in short supply, which can create some challenges,” says Nebraska Medicine pharmacist Christopher Zaleski, PharmD. “Especially with OTC medications, we tend to take for granted that they’ll be there when we need them.”
Over-the-counter pain relief medications are widely accessible these days. We reach for them when we have aches, pains, fever or inflammation. Although they seem like an easy on-hand solution, are they always a good idea? Let’s take a closer look.
Real talk: These new COVID-19 vaccines were created in record time. Some people are skeptical that the vaccines didn’t go through the normal approval process or that manufacturers cut corners. Find out how the vaccines were developed so quickly.
What does efficacy even mean? Is it the same thing as effectiveness? (Spoiler: Not quite.) Also in this article, compare efficacy rates for the three authorized COVID-19 vaccines.
