Drug Safety

Controlled Drug Classifications: Schedule I, II, III, IV, V

How the DEA classifies these drugs based on medical value and misuse potential — and why some experts say the system needs a second look

May 8, 2025

Mission Critical Update: Medication Safety Updates from the FDA Delayed

FDA drug safety updates have stalled amid new administration decisions, raising concerns about delayed warnings and public transparency

Apr 24, 2025

Makary’s “Blind Spots” Offers Big Ideas — But Can He Deliver as FDA Commissioner?

In his book, Marty Makary makes a convincing case for challenging medical dogma. But will he be able to turn that vision into a reality at the FDA?

Apr 11, 2025

Journavx: How Safe Is This New FDA-Approved Painkiller?

Journavx works differently from opioids and may have a lower risk of addiction, but with limited clinical trial data, much about the drug remains unknown

Mar 17, 2025

Opinion: RFK’s “Radical Transparency” Looks More Like A Closed Door

Despite promises to the contrary, recent actions by RFK Jr. and the new administration are stripping away public oversight concerning our nation’s healthcare

Mar 13, 2025

Medication Safety For Older Adults: Strategies To Reduce Risk And Improve Care

With medication errors and polypharmacy putting older adults at risk, experts call for new strategies—from caregiver support to rethinking prescriptions—to improve safety

Mar 12, 2025

The FDA’s New Drug Ad Rules Are Here. Will They Actually Change Anything?

he FDA has introduced new guidelines to enhance the transparency of drug commercials, aiming to protect consumers. But are these changes really making a difference?

Mar 3, 2025

Opinion: Transforming U.S. Drug Policy for Better Drug Safety

With key health agencies under new leadership, there are real, concrete ways to reform drug safety and accountability to protect all Americans.

Feb 25, 2025

Effexor’s Link To Dangerous Spikes In Blood Pressure

While more commonly associated with mild blood pressure increases, the drug can sometimes lead to a sudden hypertensive crisis, even months after starting treatment.

Feb 19, 2025

How Safe is Veozah? The FDA-Approved Hot Flash Treatment

A new black box warning has been issued for a rare but serious risk of liver damage

Dec 18, 2024

Inside the FDA Drug Development Process: The Limits of Clinical Trials in Preventing Side Effects

Discover how the FDA clinical trial process works and what its limitations mean for your safety and the effectiveness of drugs in everyday use

Dec 13, 2024

Opinion: FDA Proposes Removing Sudafed PE and Cold Meds

An advisory committee unanimously decided that oral phenylephrine was ineffective a year ago. But Americans are still buying it

Nov 21, 2024

What To Know About Cobenfy, First New FDA-Approved Treatment For Schizophrenia in Decades

Cobenfy represents an answer to significant side effects from older antipsychotics—but long-term clinical testing on humans is lacking

Sep 30, 2024

6 Drugs That Can Cause Kidney Damage

Common OTC and prescription drugs can lead to kidney damage—here’s what you need to know to keep your kidneys safe.

Aug 7, 2024

Navigating the Risks: Understanding the Dangers of Wellbutrin

Comprehensive Insights into Potential Side Effects and Safety Concerns of Wellbutrin (Bupropion)

Jun 10, 2024

11 Meds that Can Mess with Your Voice

All medications can help, heal, or harm. There are nearly always side effects that are unintended when it comes to meds. From drugs prescribed by…

May 28, 2024

How Medications Affect Your Dental Health

During your first visit to the dentist’s office, you may have noticed a medical history and medications section in your file. Your dentist will collect…

May 16, 2024

Sick of Drug Ads for Meds? The Rules Are About to Change

If you watch any type of live television, or even streaming services with drug ads, chances are you’ve seen them. Entire ensembles, in coordinated colorful…

Apr 22, 2024

“Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present,” by Harriet A. Washington

Medical Apartheid opens with Harriet A. Washington unearthing a pair of folders in her office, a poison-control center at a teaching hospital in New York.…

Mar 18, 2024

So, You Are 65. Now What? Medications All Seniors Should Know NOT to Take

As you age, things change. You likely notice the little things over time, such as feeling like you pulled a muscle just by sneezing, or…

Feb 16, 2024