As a pediatrician I am very familiar with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In infants and young children RSV infection results in a sometimes frightening seasonal illness called bronchiolitis. The virus affects the smallest airways, called the bronchioles, and results in wheezing and trouble breathing. There is no effective antiviral medication, only supportive treatment. The illness is especially severe in premature infants. In June 1998 one of the first monoclonal antibody drugs palivizumab was approved as a preventative measure given to premature infants at high risk for severe infection. In July 2023 another monoclonal antibody drug named nirsevimab-alip was approved for […]
NeedyMeds Spotlight: Take Charge of Estate Planning with Plan for Passing On
Every year, the month of August marks an important and often overlooked event: National Write a Will Month. This month allows individuals the opportunity to shape their future and ensure their wishes are honored even after the’ve moved on. Amidst life’s busyness, however, many miss out on the chance to dive into estate planning and create wills. Interestingly, a study by Caring.com points to procrastination as the main culprit behind this inaction. Surprisingly, over 42 percent of Americans haven’t created a will, largely due to putting it off. This leaves both wills and estate planning in unfamiliar territory for many, whether […]
NeedyMeds Spotlight: The American Liver Foundation
Welcome to our guest blog celebrating World Hepatitis Day, a global initiative on July 28 to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and its impact worldwide. Understanding viral hepatitis, including A, B, C, and D, is crucial. Hepatitis B and C, if untreated, can lead to liver cancer, emphasizing the need for screening and treatment. We are excited to feature the American Liver Foundation as our guest blog author for today and their vital efforts in combating hepatitis and supporting those affected by liver disease. Join us as we explore the importance of World Hepatitis Day and the pivotal role of […]
New Alzheimer’s Drugs Proven to Work
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disease that is the most common cause of dementia. It causes progressive destructive and irreversible changes in the brain. A common feature is the accumulation of a protein called amyloid-β in the form of plaques and tau tangles. Both are thought to cause brain cell death. Although among the most likely candidates, they have not yet been shown to be the cause of Alzheimer’s disease. In a blog from 2 years ago a newly approved drug for Alzheimer’s disease named aducanumab was discussed. At the time I thought the medication had not been proven to […]
Introducing AudibleRx: Simplifying Medication Information
As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, it’s essential to recognize how crucial accessible healthcare information is for individuals with disabilities. Many people with vision and hearing issues often find themselves jumping through hoops just to access the medication details they need. Despite having tools to assist with these barriers, they can still encounter difficulties in understanding complex medical details. During Deaf-Blind Awareness Week, we talked about the importance of accessibility for deaf-blind individuals. Now, for Disability Pride Month, we’re thrilled to introduce our new website, AudibleRx. Experienced pharmacists created this site to provide clear medication info in an easy-to-understand way. […]