When it comes to your health, medication safety, the practice of using drugs correctly to avoid harm, errors, or dangerous interactions. Also known as drug safety, it’s not just about taking pills on time—it’s about understanding why you’re taking them, how they interact with other substances, and who’s responsible for getting them right. In November 2025, the focus at Canadian-Tabls Health Portal was on real, everyday risks: how a single missed dose can land you in the hospital, how alcohol—even one beer—can turn a routine pill into a danger, and how pharmacy errors still happen more often than most people think.
Pharmacy practices, the systems and procedures pharmacies use to dispense and manage medications. Also known as pharmaceutical operations, it’s where your prescription goes from paper to pill—and where things can go wrong if shortcuts are taken. This month, we looked at how generic drugs, lower-cost versions of brand-name medications that are chemically identical. Also known as non-brand drugs, they’re supposed to save you money—but often don’t, thanks to how insurance formularies and pharmacy benefit managers structure pricing. We dug into why multiple generic competitors don’t always mean lower prices, how mail-order pharmacies risk your meds to heat and theft, and why your employer’s plan might push you toward generics without telling you why.
And then there’s the hidden stuff—the things no one talks about until it’s too late. Like how flushing old pills pollutes drinking water, or how the Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 is a free, 24/7 lifeline you should know before you need it. We broke down how drug interactions, harmful reactions when two or more substances affect each other in the body. Also known as medication conflicts, they’re not just about alcohol and antibiotics—ginseng can drop your blood sugar too fast, and even azelaic acid for hair loss might interfere with other treatments. We also clarified the truth behind myths: metronidazole doesn’t always cause a violent reaction with alcohol, and rizatriptan during pregnancy isn’t automatically off-limits—it’s about weighing risks with your doctor.
What you’ll find below isn’t a list of random articles. It’s a practical field guide to navigating today’s complex drug system. Whether you’re managing arthritis with piroxicam, taking corticosteroids for an autoimmune condition, or just trying to figure out how to safely dispose of old pills, these posts give you the facts without the fluff. You’ll learn what questions to ask your pharmacist, how to report a mistake, and why timing your meds matters more than you think. No jargon. No hype. Just what you need to stay safe, informed, and in control of your own health.
Ginseng may help lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, but it can dangerously interact with diabetes medications. Learn how to use it safely, what to monitor, and when to avoid it entirely.
Employer health plans use formularies to push employees toward cheaper generic drugs, saving billions-but not always passing savings to you. Learn how tiers, rebates, and exclusions impact your prescription costs.
Mail-order pharmacies deliver life-saving meds to your door-but only if temperature, timing, and tracking are handled right. Learn how to spot safe providers, avoid dangerous delays, and protect your medication from heat, theft, and errors.
Learn how to report a pharmacy error safely and effectively, which agencies to contact, what happens after you report, and why your report matters-even if no one got hurt.
Flushing medications pollutes waterways and harms aquatic life. Learn why it's dangerous, what drugs should never be flushed, and the safest ways to dispose of unused pills-including take-back programs and home disposal methods.
Corticosteroids like prednisone quickly reduce inflammation in autoimmune diseases but come with serious long-term risks. Learn how they work, when they help, and how doctors minimize harm.
Learn how the Poison Control Hotline works, what details to report about medications, and why calling early can prevent hospital visits. Free, expert help available 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222.
Multiple generic drug competitors don't always lower prices-market structure, PBMs, patents, and regulations often limit real competition. Here's how generic markets really work.
Learn the essential qualifications, certifications, and training standards for manufacturing staff in 2025. Discover which credentials matter most, how to reduce errors and injuries, and what the future holds for workforce development.
Learn the essential questions to ask your pharmacist about prescription medications to avoid dangerous interactions, side effects, and errors. Get practical advice on safety, cost-saving options, and how to take your meds correctly.
