Author: Ruaridh Wood

Foreign Manufacturing Quality Issues: Why Overseas Production Is Riskier Than Ever

Foreign Manufacturing Quality Issues: Why Overseas Production Is Riskier Than Ever

Foreign manufacturing quality issues are worsening, with contaminated drugs, falsified records, and material substitutions putting patients at risk. Learn why oversight gaps and outdated practices are making overseas production more dangerous than ever.

Ruaridh Wood 26.02.2026
How to Ask About Side Effects vs. Allergies with Your Care Team

How to Ask About Side Effects vs. Allergies with Your Care Team

Learn how to clearly distinguish between medication side effects and true allergies when talking to your doctor. Get practical tips on what to say, what to track, and how to avoid unnecessary drug avoidance that can harm your health.

Ruaridh Wood 24.02.2026
FDA Safety Alerts: Understanding Communications About Generic Drug Problems

FDA Safety Alerts: Understanding Communications About Generic Drug Problems

FDA safety alerts for generic drugs often lag behind brand-name versions due to outdated labeling rules. Learn how the system works, why patients are at risk, and what you can do to protect yourself.

Ruaridh Wood 23.02.2026
Postmarketing Experience Sections: What These Side Effects Mean in Drug Labels

Postmarketing Experience Sections: What These Side Effects Mean in Drug Labels

The postmarketing experience section in drug labels reveals rare but serious side effects only seen after a drug is widely used. Understanding what these entries mean can help patients and providers make safer choices.

Ruaridh Wood 19.02.2026
Blood Pressure Control in Kidney Disease: How ACE Inhibitors and ARBs Protect Your Kidneys

Blood Pressure Control in Kidney Disease: How ACE Inhibitors and ARBs Protect Your Kidneys

ACE inhibitors and ARBs are the most effective blood pressure drugs for protecting kidneys in chronic kidney disease. They reduce proteinuria, slow kidney decline, and lower dialysis risk-even in advanced stages. Learn how they work and why they're underused.

Ruaridh Wood 17.02.2026
Insulin Therapy: Managing Hypoglycemia and Weight Gain Side Effects

Insulin Therapy: Managing Hypoglycemia and Weight Gain Side Effects

Insulin therapy saves lives but comes with two major side effects: hypoglycemia and weight gain. Learn how to recognize, prevent, and manage them without sacrificing blood sugar control.

Ruaridh Wood 16.02.2026
OTC Topical Pain Relievers: Creams, Gels, and Patches Safety

OTC Topical Pain Relievers: Creams, Gels, and Patches Safety

OTC topical pain relievers like creams and patches can be safer than pills-but only if used correctly. Learn the real risks of menthol burns, illegal lidocaine levels, and how to avoid serious side effects.

Ruaridh Wood 9.02.2026
Cold-Induced Urticaria: What Happens When Cold Triggers Hives

Cold-Induced Urticaria: What Happens When Cold Triggers Hives

Cold-induced urticaria causes itchy hives after cold exposure - not just from ice, but even from cool air or chilled drinks. Learn how it works, how to diagnose it, and how to stay safe - including life-saving tips for swimming and daily living.

Ruaridh Wood 7.02.2026
Medication Adherence: Practical Strategies to Take Your Pills as Prescribed

Medication Adherence: Practical Strategies to Take Your Pills as Prescribed

Half of people don't take their meds as prescribed. Here's why-and how to fix it. Simple, proven strategies to stay on track with your pills, manage complexity, cut costs, and avoid dangerous gaps in treatment.

Ruaridh Wood 7.02.2026
DSCSA: Protecting the Drug Supply Chain from Counterfeit Medications

DSCSA: Protecting the Drug Supply Chain from Counterfeit Medications

DSCSA is a federal law that tracks prescription drugs to stop counterfeits. It mandates serialization and electronic data sharing. Compliance has reduced counterfeit risk by 95% and improved recalls. Full implementation by 2024 ensures a secure supply chain for patient safety.

Ruaridh Wood 4.02.2026