May 2023 Archive — Key Med Updates & Practical Health Tips
May brought short, focused reads aimed at helping patients and caregivers make smarter choices. You’ll find posts on digestive enzymes after surgery, drug interactions, chronic disease care, and everyday remedies. I’ll summarize the main takeaways so you can scan quickly and act where it matters.
Medication highlights
Pancrelipase after Whipple: Pancrelipase helps digestion and nutrient absorption for people who’ve had a Whipple procedure. The post explains how enzymes ease bloating, gas, and diarrhea and support weight recovery. Tip: ask your clinician about enzyme dosing tied to meal size and fat content.
Sucralfate and H. pylori: A recent piece noted sucralfate may inhibit Helicobacter pylori growth. That doesn’t replace standard eradication therapy, but sucralfate can be useful for ulcer symptom control and as adjunctive care. Tip: if you have H. pylori, discuss combining sucralfate with prescribed antibiotics and acid suppression.
Cyclobenzaprine HCL and mood: Cyclobenzaprine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion in some people. The post recommends checking other meds and avoiding driving until you know how it affects you. Tip: report any mood changes to your doctor and review interactions with antidepressants.
Empagliflozin plus exercise: A practical piece showed how empagliflozin works better with regular activity to help blood sugar control and overall fitness. Tip: start with low-impact routines and monitor blood sugar, especially if you take glucose-lowering drugs.
Practical care and daily health
Children’s bloating: For bloated kids, the advice is simple—smaller meals, fewer gas-causing foods, more water, and play to move gas along. Seek a pediatrician if symptoms persist or are severe.
Biotin for hair, skin, nails: Biotin helps some people improve hair thickness and nail strength. It’s not a miracle, but reasonable daily supplements may help if you’re deficient. Tip: test for deficiencies before long-term high-dose use.
Guaifenesin and liver safety: Guaifenesin is generally safe but use caution with existing liver disease. Tip: tell your provider about liver problems before taking cough medicines.
Multiple myeloma and radiation: Radiation isn’t a cure but can reduce bone pain and shrink lesions. The post emphasized combining radiation with systemic therapies for symptom control. Tip: discuss targeted radiation to painful sites with your oncology team.
Genetic counseling for lymphoblastic leukemia: Families benefit from counseling to understand risks and testing options. Tip: ask about inheritance patterns and testing for relatives when chromosome-positive disease is found.
Toothaches and root canals; gout and safe exercise; Addison’s disease effects on relationships; Indian gooseberry supplement benefits: each post gives short, practical steps—from seeing a dentist early to choosing low-impact workouts, communicating about chronic illness, and trying supplements cautiously.
If one topic matters to you, read the full post and talk to your clinician. These May posts keep recommendations practical and focused on what you can do next.
Want deeper details? Click any headline to read full guidance, dosage notes, side effects, and real patient tips. Bookmark this archive if you’re tracking a condition or sharing resources with family and caregivers. Stay informed, stay safe. Act wisely.
