Dr. Kate Byrd, PharmD

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world held its breath, anxiously awaiting the discovery of miracle cures and wonder drugs. The mainstream media, eager to capture attention and sell headlines, painted a picture of cutting-edge therapies just around the corner, promising to banish the virus. But the true wonder drug against COVID-19 tu...

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who own a cat, you know how stressful vet visits can be for you and your furry friend. But there may be a new solution on the horizon.
The FDA has approved a drug called Bonqat to help calm cat anxiety. Bonqat is the first FDA-approved animal medication to contain pregabalin, which calms overactive nerves.

A viral TikTok video has raised concerns about Depo-Provera, a commonly prescribed injectable contraceptive. The video’s creator, Morgan Roos, was surprised to learn that Depo-Provera is recommended for a maximum of two years after using it for ten years. Many of Roos’ viewers were Depo-Provera users, some for as long as seventeen years, and were unaware of this limit.

Millions of people with diabetes take metformin long-term to control their blood sugar. But new research suggests that stopping it early may increase the risk of thinking and memory problems as they age.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, found that people who stopped metformin early were 21% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia compared to folks who stayed on the drug.
Metformin is a first-choice treatment for type 2 diabetes because it is both effective and safe. It lowers bloo...

Brazilian scientists are on the verge of a breakthrough in the fight against cocaine addiction.

They’re developing a new vaccine, called Calixcoca, which has shown promising results in trials on animals. Calixcoca works by blocking cocaine from reaching the brain, preventing users from getting high.

If approved for use in humans, Calixcoca would be the first vaccine to treat cocaine addiction. It could be a valuable tool for helping people recover and reduce the risk of relapse.

What Is Creatine?

Creatine is a natural compound made by the body and found in some foods. It’s mostly stored in the muscles as phosphocreatine, which can quickly convert into adenosine triphosphate (ATP) — the main energy source for muscles.

Creatine is a favorite of athletes for increased performance and muscle gain.

Many adults get sick in the fall and winter because they didn’t get vaccines that could protect them from illness. If you’re over 50, you’re at higher risk.

Right now is a great time to get vaccinated! Vaccines can make a big difference in how enjoyable your fall and winter will be. Even if you get sick, vaccines make your illness milder and shorter.

Lack of sleep is a serious issue. About 30% of Americans don’t get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Studies show a chronic lack of sleep can lead to many health issues, including a weak immune system, depression, and possibly Alzheimer’s disease.

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is difficulty falling, staying, or obtaining restful sleep, even in an ideal sleep environment. When you don’t sleep well, it can affect your memory, ability to concentrate, and overall well-being.

Natural Slee...

Over 50% of Americans and nearly 70% of older persons use herbal supplements. People often think herbal remedies are safe because they're natural. That's not always true. Herbal products can powerfully affect the body and interact with prescription drugs. When combined with heart medications, the results can be life-threatening.
Understanding Heart Medications
Doctors prescribe heart medications to treat conditions like high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, and heart failu...

Adaptogen was once a buzzword limited to the wellness world. Now you'll find adaptogens everywhere, from supermarkets to Sephora.
But what exactly are adaptogenic herbs? What do they do, and are they effective?
Here's the information you need to know.
What are adaptogens?
Adaptogenic herbs and roots have been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic healing traditions for centuries. Yet, despite this rich history, the term "adaptogen" wasn't coined until 1947 in the Soviet Union.
During the Cold War, So...

As clinicians, we're often so busy keeping up with pharmaceutical breakthroughs that we don't have the time or energy to learn about the ever-increasing array of herbs and supplements our patients may be taking.
But we should

Mental health and wellness are just as important as physical wellness. Thanks to decreased stigma and increased education, gaining access to quality mental healthcare is becoming much easier. Disorders like depression and anxiety are more common in women than men, and there are even certain types of disorders that are unique to only women.

For those reasons, women need specialized treatment for the...

Healthcare is rapidly moving to a more consumer-based system, where individuals shop for healthcare providers and products instead of being assigned one solely based on their location or insurance plan. As this shift continues, more companies are popping up that are devoted to making these consumer choices easy and discreet via a direct-to-consumer telehealth model.

One such company, Wisp, offers telehealth service...

The birth control pill and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) are commonly advertised for the prevention of pregnancy, but some people are unwilling or unable to use hormonal birth control options to prevent pregnancy.

Fortunately, there are many non-hormonal birth control options that can be highly effective in the prevention of pregnancy.

Nexplanon is the newest form of long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs) that provides pregnancy prevention for up to three years. Nexplanon replaced the contraceptive implant Implanon in 2010. Unlike Implanon, Nexplanon is radiopaque, which means it is visible through x-ray.

Nexplanon is over 99% effective and is the most effective reversible contraceptive available at this time. The best part is that once it’s inserted, you won’t have to think about pregnancy prevention again.

No need t...