April 2025 Archive: Drug safety, pregnancy, and treatment alternatives

April brought four practical guides you can actually use. We focused on drug safety in pregnancy, managing isotretinoin’s eye effects with contact lenses, and real options when methotrexate or hydroxychloroquine aren’t working. Below are the essentials from each piece — quick facts, real risks, and clear next steps so you know what to ask your doctor.

Safety in pregnancy and eye care

One article compared albendazole, mebendazole, pyrantel, and praziquantel for pregnant patients with parasitic infections. The takeaways: these drugs aren’t identical — timing and type of infection matter. The guides explain when treatment can be delayed, when single doses are preferred, and why specialists sometimes recommend waiting until later trimesters. If you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy, the practical move is to discuss testing, the exact parasite involved, and timing with your clinician rather than assuming all anthelmintics are safe.

On a different note, isotretinoin users often run into dry, irritated eyes that make contact lenses painful. The April post breaks down why isotretinoin dries tear production and what to do about it: try preservative-free artificial tears, give lenses a break when irritation starts, consider switching to daily disposables or glasses for the treatment period, and see an eye doctor if vision changes or persistent pain happens. These are simple, immediate steps you can take today to protect your eyes while on acne therapy.

Treatment alternatives: realistic options in 2025

Two posts reviewed alternatives when common rheumatoid arthritis drugs fail or aren’t suitable. The methotrexate article lists nine alternatives, from injectable biologics to newer oral agents. Each option includes where it tends to fit — for instance, some drugs are better when methotrexate causes toxicity, others when response is insufficient — plus quick notes on monitoring, likely side effects, and cost considerations. That helps you and your doctor pick the path that matches your goals: fewer side effects, easier dosing, or stronger disease control.

The hydroxychloroquine piece zeroes in on Tofacitinib as a notable alternative in 2025. It explains why some clinicians choose a JAK inhibitor: oral dosing, fast action for some patients, and effectiveness in certain cases where older drugs fall short. The article also flags safety points: infection risk, bloodwork needs, and discussions about long-term monitoring. No single drug is best for everyone — the post helps you weigh trade-offs clearly.

Want practical next steps? Read the full posts that match your situation, jot down specific questions about timing, monitoring, and side effects, and take that list to your prescriber. If you’re worried about pregnancy, eye health, or switching therapies, asking focused questions gets better answers fast. Check the full articles for the detailed evidence and patient-focused tips published in April 2025.