Articles Index

Black Box Warnings
Black box warnings, also known as black label warnings or boxed warnings, are named for the black border surrounding the text of the warning that appears on the package insert and label that describe the medication. Black box warnings are the most serious medication warnings required by the FDA.

Understanding Your Doctor's Prescription
Your doctor uses abbreviations (based on Latin words) that tell your pharmacist which medication to give you and directions on how to use that medication. Learning to read a prescription immediately after your doctor writes it will help make sure that you know what medication you are getting. It will also give you a chance to ask questions about your doctor’s instructions.

How Drugs Work in Your Body
There are more than 8,000 medications available by prescription or over the counter. Medications work in your body in a variety of ways. How drugs work depends on a number of factors. Learn more in this overview of how drugs work.

Side Effects - What You Need to Know
Some side effects may be severe, while others may be mild and of little concern. Learn about the most common drug side effects, what to ask your healthcare provider, and where to find specific information about your drugs.

Grapefruit Juice: Is It Safe With Your Drug?
Americans drink more than 164 million gallons of grapefruit juice every year. However, more than 50 prescription and OTC drugs interact with grapefruit juice with the risk of serious side effects. Find out about why grapefruit juice causes this problems and things to do to prevent dangerous side effects.

Drug Interactions: Reducing Your Risk
Drug interactions occur when one drug interferes with another drug that you are taking or when your medications interact with what you eat or drink. Drug interactions can make your medications less effective or they can cause dangerous side effects.