St. John’s Wort is an herbal supplement made from the yellow flowers and leaves of the shrub Hypericum perforatum. It is widely used to relieve symptoms from depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, menopause, and more.
Medicine Safety Archive
Gummies: Sweet but Potentially Dangerous
If you take a stroll down the vitamin aisle at your local store, chances are you’ll be able to find the vitamin you’re looking for in gummy form!
What You Should Know About Antidepressants
Antidepressants are medicines that are prescribed to treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Sometimes they are prescribed for other conditions such as chronic pain, sleeping disorders, and migraine.
What You Should Know About Semaglutide
If you have watched or read the news within the past few months, chances are you’ve heard about semaglutide, commonly known by brand names such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. It’s a common topic in the news and on social media, promoted for its benefits and its use becoming increasingly popular.
Measuring Medicine Safely
Measuring medicine, also called dosing, can be confusing! Health care providers and pharmacists may use terms such as milligrams (mg), milliliters (mL), micrograms (mcg), grams (g or gm), international units (IU), or other units of measure when talking about medicine.
What You Should Know About Heart Medicines
Cardiovascular (heart) medicines are used to treat diseases of the heart and high blood pressure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of the most common prescription drugs taken by adults are for cardiovascular disease.
Talking With Your Pre-Teen or Teen about Medicines and Other Substances
Pre-teens and teens make up about 17 percent of cases managed by the Maryland Poison Center annually. Studies suggest you should start talking with children about substances when they are an early pre-teen. Let’s review medicines and other substances they may be using.
Weight Loss Medicines and Supplements
Many people choose weight loss as their new year resolution. In addition to the usual steps to achieving weight loss – setting specific and measurable goals, eating healthy, exercising, and other lifestyle changes – some people also use weight loss medicines or supplements.
National Drug Take Back Day
Since 2010, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has held 20 National Drug Take Back Day events. These events are a free and easy way to safely dispose of medicines – both prescription and over-the-counter. The next drug take back day event is October 23, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Antihistamine Safety
Antihistamines are a type of medicine commonly used to treat allergies. Antihistamines were involved in approximately 1,200 cases at the Maryland Poison Center (MPC) in 2020. Let’s dive deeper into antihistamines and how to safely use them.