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Just like the food in your refrigerator, medications are labeled with expiration dates. And while a bottle of forgotten ibuprofen in the medicine cabinet may not be as risky or as unpleasant as, say, a carton of forgotten milk, it’s important to regularly scan your medications and safely discard any that are too old — both for your health and safety and others.

What To Do With Expired or Unneeded Medication

Here’s more on the risks of expired medication and how to dispose of them. (Spoiler: safe disposal varies by medication.)

Why do I need to discard expired medication?

A medication’s expiration date marks the date at which a medication will begin to lose its full potency and safety. This may be due to a change in a medication’s chemical make-up or a weakening of its strength.

While many expired medications will not cause great harm, expiration dates are very important for certain medications. For instance, not only will an expired antibiotic lose its effectiveness, it may cause more serious illness and lead to antibiotic resistance. (As the term suggests, antibiotic resistance occurs when the bacteria that caused an infection become resistant to an antibiotic, making that infection more difficult to treat.)

Proper disposal of any unneeded medication is critical even if that medication has not formally expired. This prevents others from taking the medication, which is especially important with opioids, benzodiazepines, or other medications with the potential for dependency or misuse.

To find your medication’s expiration date, check the prescription label, bottle, or carton.

How do I safely dispose of expired or unneeded medication?

The best way to discard expired medication is through a medication take-back program. There are both permanent take-back collection sites and recurring events.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has a search tool to help you find your nearest authorized collection site. You can also learn more about medication take-back days here.

If a medication take-back program isn’t an option, there are two methods for safe at-home disposal of your medications.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a “flush list” of medications that should be flushed down the sink or toilet as soon as they are no longer needed. This list includes medications that can cause harm to others, including opioids.

While flushing a medication always has the potential for environmental effects, research studies have found that the risk of leaving these medications accessible far outweighs any risks associated with flushing them.

Never flush a medication that is not included on the FDA’s list.

If your medication isn’t on the flush list and medication take-back isn’t possible, there are certain precautions to take when throwing it in the trash at home.

Mix medications with dirt, cat litter, used coffee grounds, or a similar substance. Never crush tablets or capsules.

Place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag or other container and put it into the trash.

Remove any personal information from empty medicine bottles or packaging and put it into the trash or, if recyclable, the recycling bin.

Inhalers for asthma and other respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can cause environmental harm if punctured or burned in a fire or incinerator. Follow local regulations when discarding these devices and contact your area’s trash and recycling facility if needed.

Needles and other injection supplies used in the treatment of diabetes, infertility, and other health conditions also require safe disposal. (Such supplies are often referred to as sharps.) 

The best method for sharps disposal is to bring them to a designated collection site. Find a safe local disposal site here.

If a collection site isn’t an option, put your sharps into a strong plastic container and place it in the trash. Never recycle your sharps.

Our team can answer any questions you have about your medications. We also offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills to make it as simple as possible to stay on track with treatment.

To learn more, reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Antiviral medications have fueled many medical breakthroughs since they were first introduced in the 1960s to treat viruses. Not only are they currently helping to reduce severe cases of covid-19 and related hospitalizations, they have also made HIV a manageable chronic condition — and that’s only to name a few examples of the role they play in healthcare.

How Do Antiviral Medications Work?

Antiviral medications have fueled many medical breakthroughs since they were first introduced in the 1960s to treat viruses. Not only are they currently helping to reduce severe cases of Covid-19 and related hospitalizations, they have also made HIV a manageable chronic condition — and that’s only to name a few examples of the role they play in healthcare.

Take a look at how these medications treat and prevent viruses like Covid, the flu, HIV, hepatitis, and more. 

A virus is a germ that causes an illness. It cannot survive on its own. In order to replicate and spread, it must infect healthy cells in your body.

Well-known diseases caused by viruses include:

Viruses are distinct from bacteria. While antibiotics are highly effective at ending infections caused by bacteria, they cannot work on viruses. This is why the creation of antivirals was such an important medical advancement.

Antiviral medications help your body fight a virus by disrupting the infectious agent’s replication process. They function differently depending on which virus they’re targeting. When used to treat the flu or Covid, for instance, they can reduce the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of the infection.

When treating chronic illnesses like HIV or herpes, antivirals cannot permanently end the infection. Rather, they lower the amount of the virus in your body — also referred to as your viral load — to control symptoms and prevent transmission.

When taken as prescribed every day, the antivirals used to treat HIV can help those with the condition maintain an undetectable viral load. This stops the progression of the illness and virtually eliminates the risk of transmitting it to others.

While they are not a substitute for vaccines, antivirals can also be used as a preventative measure against some viruses, as explained in more detail below.

The majority of antivirals are oral medications, but they can also be taken as an injection, intravenously, topically, or even as eye drops or an inhalant.

Many antivirals can safely be used by children as well as pregnant and breastfeeding individuals. Guidelines vary by medication. Consult with your provider about whether a specific antiviral is an option for you.

The duration and starting point of antiviral treatment varies by virus.

Tamiflu® and Paxlovid®, which treat the flu and Covid, respectively, are typically prescribed for several days. In some cases, it’s necessary to take them for a week or more.

These medications are most effective if taken within two days of infection. However, it may still be beneficial to take them after two days, especially if you are at risk for complications.

The following factors may increase your risk of complications from the flu and/or Covid.

Respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Weakened immunity from illness or medications

Age - adults 65 and older and children under two are most vulnerable

The antivirals used to treat the Ebola virus — Inmazeb® and Ebanga® — are administered as a single intravenous infusion.

When used to treat chronic conditions such as HIV, hepatitis B or C, or herpes, antivirals must be taken on an ongoing basis, even in the absence of symptoms.

If you have received a diagnosis of a chronic condition caused by a virus, it’s important to begin treatment as quickly as possible to protect your health and others.

Some antiviral medications can protect against viral infections after potential exposure. PEP, or post exposure prophylaxis, is a medication taken within 72 hours of potential exposure to HIV to lower a person’s chances of contracting the virus. There are other medications that work similarly after potential exposure to the flu.

Antivirals may also be prescribed for individuals with HIV during pregnancy to prevent transmission from mother to baby. The baby will also likely receive antiviral treatment after it is born.

While some antivirals can prevent a person from getting infected by a virus after potential exposure, they are not a substitute for vaccines, which offer ongoing protection against viruses. 

Additionally, while other antivirals reduce the severity of symptoms, vaccines are even more of a safeguard against virus-related health complications, as they prevent the initial infection altogether.

Check with your doctor about which vaccines you need. For detailed vaccine recommendations by age group, reference the CDC’s recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents and adults.

Managing any chronic condition is easier with a reliable pharmacy partner by your side. Our pharmacists have deep expertise in HIV treatment and prevention and can help you get started and stay on track with antiretroviral therapy as well as the preventative medication PrEP.

We will coordinate with your healthcare and insurance providers to ensure that you’re receiving the best option for your needs at the best price. Our pharmacists are also available to chat whenever questions come up about side effects or how to take your medication properly.

Reach out any time through in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

Take a look at how antiviral medications treat and prevent viruses like covid, the flu, HIV, hepatitis, and more. Read on here.

If you’ve ever been told not to eat a specific food while taking a medication, it was likely due to the possibility of a medication interaction.

Some medications work less effectively or cause unpleasant side effects when mixed with certain foods, beverages, vitamins, or supplements. (As you’ll learn below, sometimes taking a medication as prescribed means avoiding grapefruits.)

Medication Interactions, Explained

If you’ve ever been told not to eat a specific food while taking a medication, it was likely due to the possibility of a medication interaction.

Some medications work less effectively or cause unpleasant side effects when mixed with certain foods, beverages, vitamins, or supplements. (As you’ll learn below, sometimes taking a medication as prescribed means avoiding grapefruits.)

Several factors affect how a medication works, and interactions can happen between:

Most potential medication interactions are known. So as long as your provider is aware of your health history and all the medications you’re currently taking — including over-the-counter ones — you should be able to experience the benefits of your medications and avoid unnecessary side effects.

It’s also helpful to understand why these interactions occur. Below, you’ll find an overview of medication interaction basics. In addition, always ask your doctor or pharmacist as many questions as you need to in order to feel confident taking your medications.

Proteins in your liver called enzymes are responsible for helping your body absorb and process a medication. Sometimes a medication, vitamin, or supplement changes how these enzymes work.

If one medication causes enzymes to break down another medication more slowly, you may experience an interaction between the two medications. This can cause a medication to stay in your body for too long, or increase its quantity in your body. Both scenarios can lead to unwanted side effects or worsen side effects that you typically experience.

On the flip side, a medication interaction might cause enzymes to work faster, making medication pass through your body too quickly. In these types of medication interactions, you won’t experience a medication’s normal benefits, which can worsen symptoms of a health condition.

Other times, a food or supplement binds to an oral medication, preventing that medication from entering your bloodstream or lowering your blood levels of it.

Keep in mind that each person’s body and genetic makeup is unique. Your specific genes can profoundly impact how medications are metabolized and any resulting medication interactions.

A medication-medication interaction occurs when the combination of two or more medications produces an unwanted side effect. As an example, when the heart medication digoxin (Lanoxin®) is combined with another heart medication called amiodarone (Pacerone®), blood levels of digoxin may increase, resulting in side effects.

Other examples of medication-medication interactions include:

Anticoagulants and antibiotics/OTC pain relief: Antibiotics and many common pain relief medications including ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and naproxen (Aleve®) aren’t safe to combine with blood-thinning medications like warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®), as they can increase the risk of bleeding.

Levothyroxine and omeprazole: The thyroid medication levothyroxine (Synthroid®) requires extremely precise dosing and other medications can easily alter blood levels of it. In particular, the heartburn medication omeprazole (Prilosec®) can decrease the body’s absorption of levothyroxine.

Diuretics and certain antidepressants: Diuretics, a class of blood pressure-lowering medications that includes chlorthalidone (Thalitone®, Tenoretic®, and Clorpres®) and hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril®, Microzide®, and Esidrix®), can lower sodium levels. Combining these medications with certain antidepressants including fluoxetine (Prozac®) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR®) can increase the risk of severely low sodium levels.

Even some of the most nutritious foods can pose health risks when combined with certain medications. For example, grapefruits and grapefruit juice can block the enzymes your body needs to break down cholesterol-lowering statins, leading to higher blood levels of the medication and a greater risk of side effects.

Some statins interact more strongly with grapefruits and grapefruit juice — like atorvastatin (Lipitor®), lovastatin (Mevacor®, and simvastatin (Zocor®) — while others, including fluvastatin (Lescol®) and pravastatin (Pravachol®), are less affected. If you have concerns about this potential medication interaction, speak with your doctor about your options.

Other common food-medication interactions include:

Warfarin and vitamin K-rich vegetables: The anticoagulant warfarin blocks the effects of vitamin K, which helps your blood clot. High intake of vitamin K-rich veggies like broccoli and spinach can make the medication less effective. Consult with your doctor about nutrition considerations when taking warfarin, and maintain a consistent diet.

Metformin and alcohol: Drinking heavily while taking the oral diabetes medication metformin can increase your risk of extremely low blood sugar. In rare cases, it can also cause a condition called lactic acidosis, in which too much acid accumulates in the bloodstream. Many people are able to safely drink in moderation while on metformin. The specific interaction of alcohol and metformin varies by individual. Consult with your doctor to determine what precautions you should take.

Dairy products and antibiotics: Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products can reduce the body’s absorption of certain antibiotics, including tetracycline, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline.

Dairy products and bisphosphonates: Dairy products can also reduce absorption of some oral bisphosphonates used to treat osteoporosis.

As a precaution against food-medication interactions, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the best ways to take your medication. The potential for these interactions doesn’t necessarily mean avoiding certain food or drinks altogether, but rather making small modifications or being mindful of when you eat or drink them. For example, it is typically recommended to consume dairy products at least three hours after taking an antibiotic.

Interactions between medication and a health condition

Doctors need to know your health history in order to safely prescribe a medication. Certain health conditions may increase a medication’s side effects, and some medications can worsen symptoms of a health condition.

Examples of interactions between a medication and health condition include the following. If you are concerned about the possibility of a medication-condition interaction, speak with your doctor about appropriate alternative medications.

Decongestants and hypertension: Some decongestants used to relieve colds, including pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®), can tighten blood vessels throughout your body, increasing blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, look for decongestant-free cold medicines like Coricidin®.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hypertension: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen and naproxen can also increase blood pressure. Aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is typically a better option for pain or fever relief for individuals with hypertension.

Beta blockers and asthma: Beta blockers, a medication class commonly used to lower blood pressure, can tighten airway muscles, potentially causing an asthma attack.

Acetaminophen and liver function issues: Your liver is critical in your body’s absorption of acetaminophen. If your liver function is impaired, the medication can accumulate in your bloodstream and further damage your liver. If you have any known issues with liver function, ask your doctor if acetaminophen is safe to take. They may recommend a lower dosage or suggest taking an alternative medication.

The best way to prevent any negative medication interaction is to make sure that anyone prescribing a medication for you is informed of your entire health history. This is especially important if you see multiple doctors, take multiple medications, or live with a chronic health condition.

When you are prescribed a medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you take — both OTC and prescription — as well as supplements, vitamins, and herbs. They should also have a sense of your diet.

Consolidating your prescriptions at one pharmacy can also prevent interactions between multiple medications. At Alto, we check for potential interactions when we receive a new prescription by reviewing every prescription on file.

You should always know the answers to the following questions when taking a medication. Never hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist for additional clarification.

Can I take this medication with other medications?

Should I avoid certain foods or drinks when taking this medication?

Are there known potential medication interactions? If so, what signs should I watch for?

Our expert pharmacists can answer any questions you have about medication interactions, side effects, or release right in the Alto app. We also offer free same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills to make it as simple as possible to stay on track with your treatment.

Reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

While many people who suffer a heart attack are able to experience a full and active life after recovering, it often takes time to get back on your feet. And given the risk of another heart attack — about 1 in 5 of those age 45 and older have a second one within five years of their first — it’s important to prioritize your health and stay proactive about prevention efforts.

Medications Used After a Heart Attack

Recovery looks different for each person, with treatment dependent upon a variety of factors including the type of heart attack you had, its severity, and your overall health history. In most cases, a combination of lifestyle changes and medication is necessary to manage the risk of another heart attack. Here’s an overview of what to expect.

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is reduced or blocked as the result of a blockage in a coronary artery. There are two main types of heart attacks, categorized by the extent of the blockage:

An ST-elevation myocardial infarction, commonly referred to as a “STEMI” heart attack, is caused by a complete blockage.

A non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, commonly referred to as an “NSTEMI” heart attack, is caused by a partial blockage.

Coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease, is the cause of most heart attacks. In this condition, accumulation of plaque causes the coronary arteries to become hardened or blocked.

Too often, people learn that they have coronary artery disease after having a heart attack. To detect cardiovascular issues at an early stage, consult with your doctor about your risk for heart disease. Your doctor may use a cardiac risk calculator to assess your chances of developing heart disease based on your personal health history.

Remember that your risk can be managed. The purpose of calculating it is to help you take important preventative steps. While some drivers of heart disease like age and genetics aren’t modifiable, you have control over many others, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and physical inactivity.

Presentation of heart attack symptoms can vary significantly from one person to another. In fact, not everyone who has a heart attack develops symptoms. When they do occur, they can range from mild to severe, developing suddenly or over the course of days or weeks. 

If you think you might be having a heart attack, seek medical care right away. Chest pain or pressure is the most common symptom for both men and women, but watch for the following signs as well.

There is some variation between men and women in the presentation of a heart attack. The symptoms marked with an asterisk (*) are more common in women.

The timeline for heart attack recovery ranges from two weeks to three months. Treatment typically includes lifestyle changes, medication, and cardiac rehabilitation. Surgical procedures may be necessary to treat more severe cases.

It’s important to actively participate in your health after a heart attack. Recovery care and prevention should be a collaborative effort between you and your care team. Stay on track with your appointments. The American Heart Association recommends visiting your doctor for a follow-up appointment within six weeks of your heart attack.

Many people find enrolling in a cardiac rehabilitation program to be beneficial for heart attack recovery. These programs offer access to expert healthcare professionals who can support you in making changes to your routine and managing stress. Speak with your doctor about whether cardiac rehabilitation is a good fit for your needs. 

Your doctor may advise you to change health habits after a heart attack. For many people that includes: 

Avoiding cigarette smoke and limiting your alcohol intake

Medications prescribed after a heart attack

The primary goal of post-heart attack care is to reduce the risk of another heart attack. A variety of medications may be prescribed to:

Prevent complications such as arrhythmias, blood clots, and heart failure

These are the most commonly prescribed medication classes.

Anticoagulants reduce the blood’s ability to form new clots and prevent existing clots from growing. Commonly prescribed anticoagulants include:

Warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®), which prevents the liver from processing vitamin K into proteins that help form blood clots.

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as apixaban (Eliquis®), betrixaban (Bevyxxa®), dabigatran (Pradaxa®), edoxaban (Savaysa®), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto®), which directly block the blood’s ability to form clots.

Like anticoagulants, antiplatelets prevent blood clots from forming. They accomplish this specifically by preventing blood platelets from sticking together. Commonly prescribed antiplatelets include:

Frequently used to lower blood pressure, ACE inhibitors block production of a hormone called angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to narrow, so that more blood can flow through. Commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors include:

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) also protect blood vessels from the hormone angiotensin II to lower blood pressure. Commonly prescribed ARBs include:

Beta blockers cause the heart to beat more slowly and less forcefully, lowering your blood pressure. They also help improve overall blood flow by opening up your veins and arteries.

Commonly prescribed beta blockers include:

Beta blockers typically aren’t recommended for those with asthma, as they can trigger severe asthma attacks.

Never stop taking a beta blocker without first consulting with your doctor. Abruptly stopping the use of these medications can increase the risk of heart attack.

Alpha-beta blockers combine alpha and beta blockers to decrease constriction of blood vessels and help the heart work less forcefully.

Commonly prescribed alpha-beta blockers include:

Also used to lower blood pressure, calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. This opens up narrowed blood vessels and eases the heart’s workload.

Commonly prescribed calcium channel blockers include:

Diltiazem (Cardizem CD®, Cardizem SR®, Dilacor XR®, Tiazac®)

Verapamil (Calan SR®, Covera HS®, Isoptin SR®, Verelan®)

The most common cholesterol-lowering medication, statins act on the liver to prevent cholesterol from forming. Commonly prescribed statins include:

If statins aren’t the best option for you or your cholesterol levels need to decrease further, your doctor may prescribe a non-statin cholesterol medication such as ezetimibe (Zetia®) or alirocumab (Praluent®).

Ezetimibe is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor. It lowers your cholesterol by reducing the small intestine’s absorption of cholesterol.

Alirocumab belongs to a newer class of injectable cholesterol-lowering medications called PCSK9 inhibitors. These medications act on proteins produced by the liver that are linked to high cholesterol levels.

Pharmacy Care After a Heart Attack

A healthy pregnancy begins well in advance of trying to conceive. Preconception health planning sets you up to feel your best while growing a baby, allowing you to work towards health goals and manage preexisting conditions that could potentially result in complications.

How to Have the Healthiest Pregnancy Possible

It can also help you make any necessary changes to your treatment plan — for example, if you take a medication that is considered unsafe during pregnancy, your doctor can help you safely transition to an alternative.

Below, we break down some of the most important steps to take as you focus on your health and wellness while building or growing your family.

1. Consult your doctor about your health history

As you begin to plan for a baby, schedule a doctor’s appointment to identify any health issues that can impact pregnancy — whether it’s your first, second, third, or fourth.

While chronic health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disease, and asthma are sometimes linked to pregnancy complications, you can prevent health challenges during pregnancy by staying proactive about treatment. For those with diabetes, this means working with your provider to maintain healthy blood sugar levels before trying to conceive. The same goes for hypertension and blood pressure levels.

Read Navigating Pregnancy With Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

Be sure to discuss any past pregnancy complications, if relevant. Experiencing certain complications in a first pregnancy can increase your risk of having them again in a later pregnancy. These complications include:

This does not mean that a recurrence is inevitable. Proactively managing your risk before and during pregnancy is the most important thing you can do to prevent these complications.

You should also share any health issues that you experienced during postpartum, including mental health challenges.

Changing a medication regimen or treatment plan

A pre-pregnancy care checkup is also an opportunity to discuss potential changes to your treatment plan. Bring all medications you are currently taking with you to this appointment, including vitamins and herbal remedies.

Never stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting your doctor. Many medications cannot be abruptly discontinued and require you to slowly titrate, or taper off, over a period of time

It is recommended to focus on preconception health at least three months prior to pregnancy. However, everyone has unique health needs, and you may need more time to prepare for a healthy pregnancy. Try, as much as possible, to be patient and give your body the time and space it needs.

2. Get all recommended vaccines and screenings

At the beginning of your family building journey, ask your doctor which vaccines are recommended for your age. Certain infections or illnesses can cause birth defects or pregnancy complications. Many of these can be prevented with vaccines. And since illness-fighting antibodies can pass through the placenta, vaccinated individuals can pass along immunity to their growing baby in the womb.

It’s important to stay up to date since the recommended timing of vaccines varies. Not all can be given during pregnancy while others can. Your doctor can clarify which vaccines are recommended before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and after delivery. (Two of the most important vaccines for pregnant women, the flu vaccine and the Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), can be safely administered during pregnancy.)

Additionally, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, HPV, and viral hepatitis can cause pregnancy complications and harm a developing fetus. Fortunately, treatment can prevent transmission to a baby. Screening for these infections is a critical step in planning for a healthy pregnancy.

3. Take steps to live your healthiest life

In the months before trying to conceive, revisit your health habits and make any changes to your routine or lifestyle that can support the healthiest pregnancy possible. There are several key areas to focus on.

Several nutrients are especially important to consume in the months before pregnancy. 

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day for at least a month before pregnancy through the first trimester. This important nutrient supports a baby’s growth and development and can prevent certain birth defects.

Depending on your health history and previous pregnancies, your provider may advise you to increase your intake of folic acid with an additional supplement.

(You can add prenatal vitamins to your next Alto delivery!)

Calcium helps build a developing fetus’s bones and teeth. Dairy products including milk, cheese, and yogurt are the primary sources of calcium, but you can also get this nutrient from other sources including:

If you are concerned about your calcium intake, ask your doctor about calcium supplements.

Iron also helps support a healthy pregnancy. Some prenatal vitamins include iron. It can also be found in the following iron-rich foods:

In addition, be sure to eat foods that support your body’s absorption of iron, including the following fruits and veggies, which are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene:

If you have anemia, your doctor may recommend additional iron supplements.

An omega-3 fatty acid called DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is important for fetal growth and development. It can be found in some foods such as fatty fish. Depending on your diet, your doctor may recommend taking supplemental DHA before and during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Some prenatal vitamins contain DHA, but not all, so be sure to check the ingredient list.

Since heavy caffeine consumption can affect fertility, it is recommended to reduce your intake to 200-300 mg per day.

Aim for about 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, incorporating some muscle-strengthening exercises.

Being underweight or overweight can cause health issues during pregnancy. Try to reach and maintain a healthy weight in the months before trying to conceive. Your provider is an important resource and can advise you on whether your weight may impact your pregnancy.

Smoking, drinking alcohol, and using certain drugs — including misusing prescription medication — can cause serious health issues during pregnancy like preterm birth and birth defects. When planning for a future pregnancy, do not be afraid to ask for any support needed to give up harmful behaviors. Your provider can offer resources. 

It’s also important to avoid secondhand smoke during pregnancy.

Genetics are a factor in your baby’s health and the progression of your pregnancy. Prior to pregnancy, discuss your family’s health history as well as your partner’s with your provider. This allows them to identify any genetic risk factors.

Some couples and individuals may be referred to a genetic specialist for reasons such as the following:

A family history of a genetic condition, birth defect, chromosomal disorder, or cancer

Two or more pregnancy losses or a stillbirth

Having given birth to a child with a genetic condition, birth defect, or intellectual disability

These risk factors do not guarantee that your baby will develop a health condition or that you will have a complicated pregnancy. Genetic testing can determine the likelihood of passing on a genetic issue to a child. A genetic specialist can help you understand your options for testing.

5. Prioritize your partner’s health as well

Preconception health concerns both parents. Male partners should also take steps to become as healthy as possible, which will improve their own reproductive health and fertility. This includes limiting their alcohol intake, quitting smoking or using harmful substances, and eating a healthy diet. (These lifestyle factors have been linked to issues with sperm production.)

Other important steps for male partners to take before trying to conceive include getting screened for STIs and consulting with a provider about family health history and medication use.

Alto Pharmacy can support you in preparing for a healthy pregnancy, however that looks for you. From delivering prenatal vitamins straight to your doorstep, supporting you in managing a chronic condition, or helping you navigate fertility treatment, we make it as simple as possible to focus on your health.

We offer free, same-day delivery and in-app medication management tools like reminders and auto refills. Additionally, our pharmacists are available to answer any questions you may have about medications or side effects.

Allergies, the immune system’s response to foreign substances, can take numerous forms, from hay fever and allergic asthma to food allergies, medication allergies, and more. For those with allergic contact dermatitis — also referred to as allergic eczema — contact with an allergen causes skin inflammation and a rash.

Blog

What To Do With Expired or Unneeded Medication

How Do Antiviral Medications Work?

Medication Interactions, Explained

Medications Used After a Heart Attack

How to Have the Healthiest Pregnancy Possible

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Treatment and Prevention of Asthma Attacks

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