Get Informed
BeMedWise Blog
Health and medication safety articles from our team.
- — Carla Dellaporta
Current Treatments for COVID-19
Seven medications and other treatments exist for COVID-19, but only for specific populations in limited circumstances. Learn what's available and who qualifies.
Read more → - — Carla Dellaporta
Do I Need a Second COVID Booster?
The FDA authorized a second booster for those 50 and older and immunocompromised individuals. Here's how to assess whether you need one and when.
Read more → - — Carla Dellaporta
The Hidden Health Consequences of COVID
Beyond direct COVID deaths, the pandemic created numerous indirect medical consequences — from delayed cancer screenings to increased mental health issues and domestic violence.
Read more → - — Carla Dellaporta
Striking Back Against COVID Disinformation
The WHO declared COVID-19 a misinformation pandemic. Learn the difference between misinformation and disinformation, and how to identify and counter false health information.
Read more → - — Carla Dellaporta
Understanding the Current Mask Recommendations
The CDC released updated mask recommendations based on community COVID levels rather than blanket requirements. Here's what changed and what the exceptions are.
Read more → - — Carla Dellaporta
One Difference In Interpretation of COVID Science Partly Responsible for the State of the Pandemic
Political polarization and differing scientific interpretations have prolonged the pandemic. A physician examines how miscommunication and misunderstanding of evidence contributed to the crisis.
Read more → - — Carla Dellaporta
Omicron Variant and Beyond
Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 have three major differences from previous COVID strains — higher transmissibility, different symptoms, and generally milder illness. Here's what you need to know.
Read more → - — Carla Dellaporta
The Unvaccinated Bear the Brunt of the Consequences of COVID
Unvaccinated individuals face dramatically higher risks of serious illness and death from COVID-19, and their choices have broad consequences for those around them and for the healthcare system.
Read more → -
Mix and Match COVID Boosters
When it comes to COVID vaccine boosters, until recently, it was all about Pfizer.
Read more → -
Next Up for Anti-vaxxers – Iodine
Iodine seems to be the newest alleged remedy for COVID-19. Anti-vaxxers are using iodine solutions to gargle, spray up their noses, and even swallow as a way to prevent COVID infections.
Read more → -
Proof of COVID Vaccination – Where, When, and How
On October 25th the White House issued a proclamation that will lift flight restrictions from certain countries and on November 8th replace it with a requirement that all non-resident passengers travelling to the United States present proof of vaccination before boarding the aircraft.
Read more → -
COVID in Children Is Not Insignificant
COVID-19 is not rare in children and adolescents. At time of update, it has infected more than 18.5% (13,541,153) of the young people in the United States.
Read more → -
Rapid COVID Testing – An Effective Preventive Measure
Periodic screening for COVID infection is one of many proven ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Read more → -
Ivermectin, the New Hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19
Many who do not accept the CDC’s evidence-based recommendations about vaccinations and face masks are turning to other ways to prevent and/or treat COVID infections.
Read more → -
Myths About COVID Vaccines
Although the number of new COVID-19 cases in our country is again decreasing after the Omicron peak, hospital and healthcare professionals are still being overwhelmed by the number of COVID patients needing significant care.
Read more → -
The COVID Booster
As of June 18, 2022, the COVID vaccine is available to anyone 6 months old and older, in the United States for protection against severe COVID disease and death.
Read more → -
Saturday, October 24 is DEA National Prescription Take Back Day
The DEA's National Prescription Take Back Day on October 24 offers a way to safely dispose of unused prescription drugs, addressing a major source of prescription drug misuse.
Read more → -
This October, BeMedWise Launches 35th Annual Talk About Your Medicines Month
BeMedWise announces the launch of the 35th annual Talk About Your Medicines Month, a national observance promoting safe medication use.
Read more → -
Clashing Medications Can Put Older Adults at Risk, but Many Haven't Had a Pharmacist Check for Safety Concerns
A University of Michigan poll finds only 29% of adults taking five or more prescriptions have had a comprehensive medication review to check for dangerous drug interactions.
Read more → -
Can People with Low Literacy Easily Access Accurate Info About COVID-19?
A JAMA Network Open research letter finds that even government websites designed for people with low literacy levels often fall short of accessibility guidelines for plain text.
Read more → -
FakeRx: Counterfeit Drugs in the Era of COVID-19
The National Consumers League hosts a webinar on protecting yourself and your community from counterfeit drugs and the heightened risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read more → -
Responsible Pain Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The PAPR Coalition hosts a webinar on the challenges of pain management during COVID-19, offering practical tools for vulnerable populations and safe pain management strategies.
Read more → -
Triglycerides and Cardiovascular Disease – How To Reduce Your Risk
APhA developed a new resource to help healthcare providers discuss cholesterol and triglyceride levels with patients at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Read more → -
Allied Against Opioid Abuse (AAOA) and Mental Health America of Virginia Discuss Supporting Patients with Mental-Health and Addiction
For Mental Health Month, Allied Against Opioid Abuse partnered with Mental Health America of Virginia to discuss the connection between mental health and prescription opioid abuse.
Read more → -
Staying Safe at Home During the Coronavirus Crisis
The Alliance for Aging Research and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging released a fact sheet for seniors and people with disabilities on COVID-19 risks, prevention, and scam awareness.
Read more → -
Beware the Coming Coronavirus Scam Tsunami
The National Consumers League's Fraud.org platform offers guidance on identifying and avoiding COVID-19 related scams, including robocalls and stimulus check fraud.
Read more → -
2020 Safe Kids Report: Keeping Kids Safe Around Medicine
Safe Kids Worldwide released its 2020 research report on medicine safety for children, reviewing recent research, successful interventions, and areas needing further work.
Read more → -
Coronavirus Guidelines for America
President Trump and the White House Coronavirus Task Force issued guidelines for Americans during the pandemic, emphasizing that everyone faces risk and that individual actions affect community transmission.
Read more → -
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) National Adult Vaccination Program (NAVP) Workgroup Has Created a Social Distancing Guide
The GSA's National Adult Vaccination Program workgroup released a Social Distancing Guide to help protect older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read more → -
UPDATED – Coronavirus: What Older Adults Need to Know (NCOA Blog)
The National Council on Aging shares proactive steps and guidance to help protect public health during the COVID-19 outbreak, especially among older adults.
Read more → -
Polypharmacy Dangerous to Patients with Heart Failure
A study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology finds heart failure-exacerbating medications are commonly used and continued in older hospitalized patients, and recommends safer prescribing strategies.
Read more → -
People Often Skip Neurological Meds When Out-of-Pocket Costs Rise
A U.S. study finds that patients with common neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, are more likely to forgo medication when out-of-pocket drug costs increase.
Read more → -
Adults Unintentionally Make It Easy for Young Children to Eat Dangerous Pills
A new study finds that more than half of the time when young children get into prescription pills, the medication had already been removed from its child-resistant container by an adult.
Read more → -
Understanding the Rapidly Emerging Disease, Coronavirus
On January 30, 2020, the WHO designated the Coronavirus a global health emergency. The virus emerged from a market in Wuhan, China in December 2019, and quickly became a global public health and economic crisis.
Read more → -
BeMedWise Partners with National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day
BeMedWise is partnering with National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day on February 22nd to help spread awareness of the risks and symptoms of heart valve disease, which affects as many as 11 million Americans.
Read more → -
Medication Overload and Older Americans
A Lown Institute report recommends a national strategy to reduce medication-related harm, which causes $62 billion annually in unnecessary hospitalizations and even premature death among older Americans.
Read more → -
National Consumers League (NCL) Announces New Action Center to Help Patients Steer Clear of Deadly Counterfeit Drug Websites
NCL has launched Fraud.org/FakeRx, a digital consumer education campaign addressing the global crisis of counterfeit medications, which the WHO estimates account for nearly $83 billion in annual sales.
Read more → -
NCOA Survey: Opioid Crisis Harming Aging Community
A new National Council on Aging survey of more than 200 community-based organizations reveals how the opioid epidemic is eroding the quality of life of older adults and the ability of local organizations to serve them.
Read more → -
New Survey Reveals What Women Aren't Telling Their Health Care Providers
HealthyWomen launched Aging Smart, Aging Well, surveying more than 3,100 women to assess their attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors regarding physical, mental, and sexual health as they approach menopause.
Read more → -
Some Patients Cut Back on Life-Saving Drugs Due to Cost
One in eight adults with heart disease delays filling a prescription, takes less medication than prescribed, or skips medications altogether due to high out-of-pocket costs, according to a study published in Circulation.
Read more → -
DEA and Partners Collect Thousands of Pounds of Unwanted Medications and Vaping Products During the 18th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Americans demonstrated strong support for the DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, dropping off nearly 883,000 pounds of medications during the October 2019 event.
Read more → -
One in Five Older Adults Said That They've Taken Leftover Antibiotics Without Checking with a Doctor First, a New Poll Shows
A National Poll on Healthy Aging found that 89% of adults aged 50 to 80 understand that overuse of antibiotics could mean the drugs won't work against future infections, yet many still take leftover antibiotics.
Read more → -
November Is National Family Caregivers Month
National Family Caregivers Month recognizes and honors family caregivers across the country, raising awareness of family caregiver issues and providing education and support resources.
Read more → -
AAOA-NCL Consumer Toolkit
Allied Against Opioid Abuse launched the AAOA-NCL Toolkit with the National Consumers League to educate consumers on prescription opioid safety, addressing patient rights, risks, and responsibilities.
Read more → -
With a New Guide to Tapering Opioids, Federal Health Officials Seek a Balanced Approach to Prescribing
HHS published new guidance for physicians treating patients on opioid prescriptions, recommending against abruptly reducing dosages for patients dependent on the drugs to manage chronic pain.
Read more → -
New Source of Information on Preventing Opioid Misuse and Abuse – 34th Talk About Your Medicines Month Addresses Preventing Opioid Misuse and Abuse Across the Ages
On average, 130 Americans die every day from opioid misuse according to the CDC. Talk About Your Medicines Month provides resources to help prevent opioid misuse and abuse across all age groups.
Read more → -
Consumer Reports is reminding people that using antibiotics improperly, can pose risks
Improper antibiotic use carries real risks; medical experts discourage taking stored medications or borrowing pills without a current prescription due to documented dangers.
Read more → -
Drug dealers are peddling steroids on Facebook and YouTube
Drug dealers are increasingly using Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter to sell illegal steroids, raising questions about platform accountability and content moderation.
Read more → -
Off-label medication orders on the rise for children
U.S. physicians are increasingly ordering medications for children for conditions not approved by the FDA, a Rutgers study finds, highlighting the need for better pediatric drug safety policies.
Read more → -
FDA warns of NDMA found in samples of ranitidine
The FDA identified NDMA, a probable human carcinogen, in some ranitidine medications including Zantac, and continues investigating nitrosamine impurities in other drug products.
Read more → -
NABP Launches New Consumer Website
The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) launched safe.pharmacy, a consumer-oriented site with information on safe medication use and preventing prescription drug abuse.
Read more → -
New Survey Finds Vaccine Discussions Are a Low Priority at the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit: Experts Discuss Implications
A survey of primary care physicians and nurse practitioners found that vaccine discussions are a low priority during the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, prompting a webinar on the implications.
Read more → -
SAMHSA's 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
SAMHSA released the latest findings from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, providing estimates of substance use, mental disorders, and treatment across the United States.
Read more → -
AAOA has partnered with HealthyWomen and launched the AAOA-HealthyWomen Toolkit
AAOA partnered with HealthyWomen to launch a toolkit highlighting the prescription opioid abuse epidemic and offering steps for women to keep opioid medications secure at home.
Read more → -
More parents give dietary supplements to kids. But experts warn about their potential danger.
About a third of children in the U.S. use dietary supplements, with herbal and nonvitamin supplement use nearly doubling between 2004 and 2014, raising safety concerns among experts.
Read more → -
Some medications, driving are dangerous duo
The FDA reminds consumers that many prescription and OTC medications carry warnings against operating heavy machinery, including driving, due to side effects like drowsiness and dizziness.
Read more → -
Many Americans Take Antibiotics Without a Prescription
An analysis of 31 studies published in the Annals of Internal Medicine finds many Americans obtain and use antibiotics without a prescription, often from leftovers, friends, or online sources.
Read more → -
76 billion opioids: Newly released federal data unmasks the epidemic
Newly released DEA data show drug companies shipped about 76 billion doses of oxycodone and hydrocodone across the U.S. between 2006 and 2012 as the opioid epidemic skyrocketed.
Read more → -
Few supplements have proven heart benefits
A study of 277 trials with nearly 1 million participants found that most nutritional supplements and dietary interventions fail to protect against cardiovascular disease or death.
Read more → -
New Resource on Parkinson's Provides a Comprehensive Look at the Human and Economic Burden of the Disease
The Alliance for Aging Research and The Michael J. Fox Foundation released The Silver Book on Parkinson's Disease, highlighting key statistics on a disease affecting nearly one million Americans.
Read more → -
Consumers' Knowledge of Acetaminophen Safe Use Remains High
A CHPA survey found consumer awareness of safe acetaminophen use, including how to avoid accidental overdose and liver damage, remains high. BeMedWise supports the Know Your Dose campaign.
Read more → -
Pain Management Task Force Issues Final Report on Best Practices for Treatment of Pain
The Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force, established by the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016, released its final report calling for balanced, patient-centered pain care.
Read more → -
Meeting the Medicine Information Needs of Americans with Vision Loss
More than 3.4 million Americans aged 40 and older are legally blind or visually impaired, underscoring the need for accessible medicine information and labeling.
Read more → -
Doctors can estimate patient adherence by simply asking about medication routine
A study found physicians can estimate patients' medication adherence as accurately by asking about their medicine routine as by asking directly about missed doses.
Read more → -
FDA Warns Against the Use of Unauthorized Devices for Diabetes Management
The FDA is warning patients and providers about risks from unapproved diabetes devices, including continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and automated insulin dosing systems.
Read more → -
HHS Report on Pain Management Best Practices: Updates, Gaps, Inconsistencies, and Recommendations
The Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force published final recommendations for balanced, individualized, patient-centered pain management.
Read more → -
FDA requires stronger warnings about rare but serious incidents related to certain prescription insomnia medicines
The FDA is requiring a new boxed warning on certain prescription insomnia drugs following reports of rare but serious injuries and deaths from complex sleep behaviors.
Read more → -
Opioid Prescriptions to Teens, Young Adults Still Common
A study published in Pediatrics found nearly 57 million opioid prescriptions were written for doctor's office visits between 2005 and 2015, often for teens and young adults with tooth and back pain.
Read more → -
Medicine Safety: A Key Part of Child-Proofing Your Home
A Safe Kids Worldwide report reviews trends in medicine poisoning among young children and shares focus group findings on why kids still access medicine despite safe-storage awareness.
Read more → -
Improving Opioid Misuse Health Literacy Among Older Adults
A SAMHSA webinar brings together opioid misuse health literacy experts to discuss prevention strategies and resources for dialogue between older patients and their healthcare providers.
Read more → -
A Deep Data Dive: Opioid-Related Hospital Care for Seniors
From 2010 to 2015, opioid-related hospital stays among adults age 65 and older rose 27 to 39 percent, even as non-opioid-related stays for the same group declined 17 percent.
Read more → -
Alliance for Aging Research Study Finds that Alzheimer's Disease Is Not Bankrupting Medicare, But It Is Taking a Huge Toll on State Medicaid Programs and Family Caregivers
New study findings show better diagnosis, treatment, and care for Alzheimer's patients could improve outcomes and reduce costs for state Medicaid programs and family caregivers.
Read more → -
Many with Opioid Addiction Don't Get Meds that Can Help
A National Academies report found most people with opioid addiction lack access to medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, with only 5% of those addicted receiving treatment.
Read more → -
ScienceDaily – Inactive ingredients in some meds may not be so inactive
New research found many commonly prescribed oral medications contain inactive ingredients, like lactose, peanut oil, gluten, and dyes, that could cause adverse reactions in some patients.
Read more → -
Google Maps Providing Drug Disposal Locations
Google is partnering with the DEA, HHS, CVS, Walgreens, and state governments to show local drug disposal locations in Google Maps, starting with 3,500 locations nationwide.
Read more → -
FDA Rebukes 17 Firms for Selling Fake Alzheimer's Drugs
The FDA warned more than a dozen companies against selling unapproved dietary supplements claiming to treat Alzheimer's disease and other serious conditions.
Read more → -
Counterfeit Medicines and Illegal Drug Trade
Law enforcement and DEA officials discussed efforts to combat counterfeit drugs and fentanyl trafficking at Congressional briefings, with BeMedWise participating as a named partner.
Read more → -
Nearly Half of US Adults Have Heart or Blood Vessel Disease
A new report estimates that nearly half of all U.S. adults have some form of heart or blood vessel disease, largely due to updated guidelines that expanded the definition of high blood pressure.
Read more → -
Making the Self-Care Commitment, One Step at a Time
There's no better time than now to invest in your health—you likely already practice self-care daily without realizing it.
Read more →