Medication Safety in 2025: Prescription Errors, Drug Interactions, and Patient Protection

When it comes to your health, medication safety, the practice of preventing harm from drugs through proper use, verification, and awareness. Also known as drug safety, it’s not just about taking pills correctly—it’s about knowing when something doesn’t add up. Every year, over 1.5 million people in the U.S. are harmed by prescription errors. Many of these aren’t random mistakes—they’re avoidable. You don’t need to be a doctor to catch them. You just need to know what to look for.

One of the biggest risks isn’t the drug itself, but what it’s mixed with. drug interactions, when two or more medications affect each other’s behavior in your body. Also known as medication clashes, they can turn a harmless combo into a dangerous one. Licorice candy might seem innocent, but its glycyrrhizin can spike blood pressure and drop potassium—especially if you’re on diuretics or heart meds. Antihistamines can cause allergic reactions in some people, not relieve them. And generics? They’re safe and legal, but not all can be swapped for brand names. FDA therapeutic equivalency codes, the system that tells pharmacists which generics can legally replace brand drugs. Also known as Orange Book TE codes, they’re the reason your pharmacist sometimes says, "This one can’t be substituted." These aren’t just bureaucratic details—they’re your protection.

And then there’s the human side. How do you know if your doctor wrote the wrong dose? What if your hiccups won’t stop after starting steroids? Or if your child’s expired antibiotics are still in the cabinet? These aren’t edge cases—they’re common. The posts from November 2025 cover exactly these moments: how to check interactions at home using free tools, how to report a mistake without sounding paranoid, how to split prescriptions between mail-order and local pharmacies to save hundreds, and why carrying pills in their original bottles matters when you fly. You’ll find real advice on treating diabetic neuropathy, recognizing heart attack signs in women, and choosing non-drowsy allergy meds that actually work. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what you need to take control.

Whether you’re managing anxiety with SSRIs, worried about rotator cuff rehab, or just trying to avoid a bad reaction from a candy bar, this collection gives you the tools to speak up, ask better questions, and stay safe. You’re not just a patient—you’re the last line of defense. And these posts show you how to use it.

Prescription Writing Errors and How to Catch Them as a Patient
Alistair Fothergill 29 November 2025 8 Comments

Prescription errors harm over 1.5 million people yearly. Learn the 7 key signs to spot mistakes before they hurt you - from confusing abbreviations to dangerous dosing errors - and how to protect yourself as a patient.

Read More
Hiccups Triggered by Medications: Common Causes and Proven Remedies
Alistair Fothergill 28 November 2025 9 Comments

Medication-induced hiccups are more common than you think-especially with steroids, opioids, and benzodiazepines. Learn the top triggers, proven remedies like sugar and baclofen, and how to talk to your doctor when hiccups won’t stop.

Read More
How to Check for Drug Interactions at Home Safely
Alistair Fothergill 27 November 2025 10 Comments

Learn how to safely check for drug interactions at home using free, reliable tools. Avoid dangerous combos between prescriptions, OTC meds, and supplements with step-by-step guidance and expert-backed tips.

Read More
Anxiety Disorders: Types, Symptoms, and Evidence-Based Treatments
Alistair Fothergill 26 November 2025 11 Comments

Anxiety disorders affect nearly 1 in 5 adults, with distinct types like GAD, panic disorder, and social anxiety. Evidence-based treatments like CBT and SSRIs offer real relief. Learn the symptoms, what works, and how to get help.

Read More
Generalized Anxiety Disorder: SSRIs, Benzodiazepines, and CBT Explained
Alistair Fothergill 25 November 2025 14 Comments

Learn how SSRIs, benzodiazepines, and CBT compare for treating generalized anxiety disorder-what works, what doesn’t, and which option is best for long-term relief.

Read More
FDA Therapeutic Equivalency Codes: How Laws Determine Which Generic Drugs Can Be Substituted
Alistair Fothergill 24 November 2025 12 Comments

FDA therapeutic equivalency codes determine which generic drugs can legally replace brand-name versions. Learn how these codes work, why some generics can't be substituted, and how state laws enforce safety and savings.

Read More
Antibiotic Combination Products: Generic Availability and What It Means for Patients
Alistair Fothergill 23 November 2025 9 Comments

Generic antibiotic combination products offer the same effectiveness as brand-name versions at a fraction of the cost. Learn how they're approved, why some aren't available yet, and how they're saving patients and hospitals millions.

Read More
Heart Attack Warning Signs: What to Watch For and When to Call 911
Alistair Fothergill 22 November 2025 10 Comments

Learn the real warning signs of a heart attack-beyond chest pain-and what to do immediately if you or someone else is experiencing them. Know how women and older adults often show different symptoms, and why calling 911 right away saves lives.

Read More
Licorice and Medications: Unexpected Interactions with a Common Candy
Alistair Fothergill 21 November 2025 15 Comments

Licorice may seem harmless, but its active ingredient, glycyrrhizin, can dangerously raise blood pressure, lower potassium, and interfere with common medications. Learn which drugs interact with licorice and how to stay safe.

Read More
Antihistamine Allergies and Cross-Reactivity: What to Watch For
Alistair Fothergill 20 November 2025 8 Comments

Some people develop allergic reactions to antihistamines instead of relief, due to paradoxical receptor activation. Learn why this happens, which drugs are involved, how to diagnose it, and what alternatives actually work.

Read More