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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.

With the discovery of antibiotics in the 1920s, once fatal illnesses including bacterial pneumonia, meningitis, and strep throat became curable. These life-saving medications remain in wide use today, treating severe infections or reducing the severity of symptoms.  

It’s very important to take antibiotics as prescribed. Like many powerful treatments, they have both benefits and risks. Improper or unnecessary use can cause avoidable side effects or make an antibiotic ineffective over the long term.

Read on to learn more about antibiotics and how to take them safely. 

How Do Antibiotics Work?

With the discovery of antibiotics in the 1920s, once fatal illnesses including bacterial pneumonia, meningitis, and strep throat became curable. These life-saving medications remain in wide use today, treating severe infections or reducing the severity of symptoms.  

It’s very important to take antibiotics as prescribed. Like many powerful treatments, they have both benefits and risks. Improper or unnecessary use can cause avoidable side effects or make an antibiotic ineffective over the long term.

Read on to learn more about antibiotics and how to take them safely. 

Antibiotics help your body fight a bacterial infection. Some completely kill the bacteria that caused the infection while others slow the bacteria’s growth. They are primarily derived from bacteria and fungi.

The age of antibiotics began with the Scottish physician Alexander Fleming’s accidental discovery of penicillin in 1928. Upon returning to his lab after a vacation, he observed that the emergence of mold appeared to inhibit the growth of staphylococcus, the bacteria that causes staph infections.

That mold was the origin of penicillin, the first type of antibiotic used in medicine. It became available for treatment in 1942, ushering in a new era of public health.

Antibiotics may be taken orally, as a tablet, capsule, or liquid; topically, as a cream or ointment; or intravenously. The majority are only available with prescription, but some topical antibiotics are available over the counter.

Most antibiotics are taken for 7-14 days. They begin to work immediately, but it typically takes at least several days before their benefits are experienced. The specific timing varies by antibiotic.

While antibiotics are a powerful treatment for bacterial infections, they are not appropriate for all illnesses. Overuse of antibiotics has become a growing concern in recent decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about one-third of all antibiotic use in the U.S. is unnecessary.

Antibiotics are only effective against infections caused by bacteria. This includes many ear infections, strep throat, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and some sinus infections.

They are not effective against viral infections, including:

All cases of a sore throat except strep throat

The symptoms of viruses and bacterial infections frequently overlap. Receiving an accurate diagnosis is important for reducing antibiotic overuse. Your healthcare provider can identify the cause of your illness and recommend appropriate treatment.

Examples of commonly prescribed antibiotics

There are more than 100 antibiotics currently available to treat bacterial infections. Here’s an overview of the most commonly prescribed antibiotic classes, as well as potential side effects and medication interactions.

Penicillins such as penicillin V, penicillin VK, amoxicillin, dicloxacillin, and ampicillin are often used to treat strep throat, staph infections, skin conditions, ear infections, and kidney infections.

Potential side effects include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and headaches. Some people have an allergic reaction to penicillin, experiencing rashes, hives, and difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical treatment if you experience the above signs of an allergic reaction after taking a penicillin.

Potential medication interactions include oral birth control and warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®).

Cephalosporins such as cephalexin, cefaclor, and cefdinir are often used to treat skin infections, soft tissue infections, sinusitis, UTIs, and other bacterial infections.

These medications are frequently prescribed for those who are allergic to penicillins. However, other antibiotics including cephalosporins can also cause allergic reactions. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about any suspected medication allergies, even if you think it’s unrelated.

Anti-inflammatory tetracyclines such as doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline are often used to treat chest, urethral, and pelvic infections as well as inflammatory skin conditions, including acne and rosacea. Doxycycline is one of the most common treatments for lyme disease.

These medications, particularly doxycycline, may inflame or irritate the esophagus. Sitting or standing upright when taking doxycycline can help prevent this side effect, as well as staying hydrated. Doxycycline is also known to cause photosensitivity, making individuals more susceptible to sunburn, so it is often recommended to avoid sun exposure during treatment.

Minocycline is associated with more side effects than doxycycline, including autoimmune reactions, dizziness, and headaches.

Tetracyclines have been known to interact with diuretics, lithium, anticonvulsants, colestipol, and oral birth control.

Anti-inflammatory macrolides such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, and azithromycin are often used to treat skin conditions such as acne and rosacea; respiratory infections; and chlamydia. They are frequently prescribed for those who are allergic to penicillins or cephalosporins. 

These medications are known to interact with a variety of medications, including calcium channel blockers, anticoagulants such as warfarin, the heart medications amiodarone and digoxin, tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, lithium, and others.

Fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and levofloxacin are often used to treat UTIs, bowel infections, and pneumonia, as well as more serious bacterial infections or infections that don’t respond effectively to other treatments. They have a high potential for antimicrobial resistance, which means they can lose their effectiveness over time as bacteria develop the ability to fight them. For this reason, it is especially important that these medications are taken only when needed.

In rare cases, fluoroquinolones may cause serious side effects, including tendon rupture and heart conditions. Older adults are most vulnerable to these effects. Always speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of a potential medication.

Sulfonamides, or sulfa medications, such as sulfamethoxazole, sulfadiazine, and sulfasalazine are used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. The combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Bactrim®) is one of the most common treatments for UTIs.

Common topical forms of sulfonamides include sulfacetamide and silver sulfadiazine.

Food, other medications, and supplements may affect the absorption of some antibiotics, particularly tetracyclines, macrolides, and fluoroquinolones.

To prevent interactions and side effects associated with these antibiotics, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about the best way to take your medication. Here are some helpful questions to ask:

Can I take this antibiotic with other medications?

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

After taking this antibiotic, how long should I wait before eating?

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

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria become resistant to an antibiotic, making certain infections more difficult to treat.

This is a natural process to an extent, as bacteria constantly search for new ways to fight an antibiotic — as do fungi for antifungal medications — but inappropriate use of antibiotics is a leading cause of resistance.

The most impactful step you can take to prevent resistance is to take antibiotics only when necessary. Never use them for viral infections including the cold, flu, or a sore throat that isn’t strep.

Always take an antibiotic exactly as prescribed. This includes:

Even if you feel better after several days, it’s important to continue taking the medication for as many days as your doctor has prescribed. Taking medication shorter or longer than directed may also contribute to resistance.

Liquid antibiotics often have specific storage instructions. Some require refrigeration while others should be stored at room temperature. Be sure to safely discard any remaining medications. Expired liquid antibiotics should never be used.

A better pharmacy makes all the difference

Our pharmacists are here to provide any information you need to take your antibiotics safely, including how to prevent medication interactions or side effects. Plus, we’ll hand-deliver your medications right to your doorstep — for free. 

To get started, reach out through in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

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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.

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

Pneumonia is a lung infection in which the air sacs in both or one of the lungs are inflamed, leading to difficulty breathing and other symptoms including a cough, fever, and chills. There is a wide spectrum of severity of pneumonia cases — symptoms can range from mild to much more critical. Infants, young children, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems are among the most vulnerable to complications.

Read on for a closer look at symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

What to Know About Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection in which the air sacs in both or one of the lungs are inflamed, leading to difficulty breathing and other symptoms including a cough, fever, and chills. There is a wide spectrum of severity of pneumonia cases — symptoms can range from mild to much more critical. Infants, young children, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems are among the most vulnerable to complications.

Read on for a closer look at symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

There are several types of pneumonia, categorized by cause. The three main types are bacterial pneumonia, viral pneumonia, and mycoplasma pneumonia.

Bacterial pneumonia is the most common — and often the most serious — type of pneumonia. It may be caused by various bacteria, most commonly Streptococcus pneumoniae. It typically develops when the body has been weakened by illness, age, or impaired immune system functioning, which allows the bacteria to enter your lungs.

The following factors can increase a person’s risk for bacterial pneumonia:

Having an existing respiratory disease or viral infection

Viral pneumonia accounts for about a third of all pneumonia cases. It may be caused by various viruses, including the flu.

This less common form of pneumonia — also referred to as atypical pneumonia or walking pneumonia — is caused by the Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacterium. Symptoms are typically mild.

Symptoms vary by pneumonia type. Bacterial pneumonia is typically the most severe and requires medical care more frequently than viral pneumonia. Common symptoms may include:

Rapidly increased breathing and heart rate

Bluish lips or nail beds due to low oxygen in the blood

These symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly.

Viral pneumonia symptoms typically develop over the course of several days. Initial symptoms often resemble those of the flu, including:

These symptoms often intensify within several days. Later symptoms may include:

If you suspect that you or your child may have pneumonia, it’s important to seek medical care right away rather than waiting for symptoms to become more noticeable. If you are in one of the more vulnerable groups — over 65 or immunocompromised, for example — seeking medical attention is even more critical due to the possibility of complications.

A doctor may be able to diagnose pneumonia based on your health history and a physical exam. The diagnosis process can also include one or more of the following tests:

A chest X-ray, which shows the severity of inflammation in the lungs

Blood tests, which can confirm the infection and identify the underlying cause

A sputum culture, or a mucus sample, which also helps identify the cause of the infection

A pulse oximetry, which measures how much oxygen is in your blood

A chest CT scan, which shows a better view of the lungs and can identify potential complications. This is most commonly used for individuals who may be more vulnerable to complications.

A bronchoscopy, a procedure that offers a view into the airways of the lungs. It is often reserved for more severe or treatment-resistant cases.

Pneumonia treatment can help end the infection and prevent related health complications. The specific course of treatment your doctor recommends will depend on which type of pneumonia you have, the severity of your symptoms, and your personal health history.

Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics. These medications cure bacteria-caused infections by either killing the bacteria or keeping the bacteria from growing.

The most effective antibiotic to treat bacterial pneumonia depends on your age and health history. These are some of the most commonly prescribed:

Amoxicillin and clavulanate (Augmentin®)

If you are prescribed an antibiotic, it’s important to take it for the full duration. Though you may feel better within a few days of treatment, stopping the medication prematurely can cause the infection to return.

If your pneumonia was caused by a virus, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), zanamivir (Relenza®), or peramivir (Rapivab®). These medications help your body fight off the virus, reducing symptoms and shortening the duration of the infection.

Not all cases of viral pneumonia require antiviral treatment, however, and symptoms can often be managed by:

Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) to control a fever

Consuming an adequate amount of fluids to loosen phlegm

Drinking warm beverages and using a humidifier to help open the airways in your lungs

In addition, allow your body to get as much rest as possible and avoid any form of cigarette smoke, including secondhand smoke.

Always consult your doctor before taking cough medicines to treat pneumonia symptoms, as coughing helps your body clear the infection. If your cough is interfering with your sleep, your doctor can recommend appropriate ways to manage it.

More severe cases of pneumonia, especially bacterial pneumonia, may require hospitalization. If you are hospitalized for pneumonia, you may receive oxygen therapy or intravenous medications, including antibiotics. Your treatment may also include breathing exercises that can loosen the fluids in your lungs.

Individuals with heart conditions or respiratory conditions.

Staying on track with immunizations is one of the most impactful steps you can take to prevent pneumonia. Since the flu is a common cause of viral pneumonia, getting your annual flu shot can also protect your lungs from infection.

The pneumococcal vaccine offers protection against a common type of bacterial pneumonia. This vaccine is especially important for children under the age of five, adults ages 65 and older, and people with certain health conditions that increase the risk of pneumonia complications such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

Check with your doctor about which vaccines you need.

Our pharmacists can answer any questions you may have about your medications, and we offer free same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common form of arthritis that affects children and adolescents. Like adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA), JIA is characterized by pain and inflammation throughout the body as the result of joint inflammation and stiffness.

In contrast to the ongoing nature of RA, some children do outgrow JIA. However, it can impact a growing child’s bone development, so treatment is important.

What to Know About Arthritis in Children

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common form of arthritis that affects children and adolescents. Like adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA), JIA is characterized by pain and inflammation throughout the body as the result of joint inflammation and stiffness.

In contrast to the ongoing nature of RA, some children do outgrow JIA. However, it can impact a growing child’s bone development, so treatment is important.

Here’s what to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options of JIA.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects children and adolescents age 16 and under. It may cause joint pain and inflammation anywhere in the body, but most commonly in the hands, knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists.

If untreated, JIA can lead to health complications, including:

Eye health issues such as cataracts or glaucoma, as JIA can cause inflammation in the eyes

More rarely, issues with the kidneys, heart, or endocrine system

The prognosis of JIA varies by individual. About 50% of children and adolescents with the condition fully recover while others continue to experience arthritis symptoms in adulthood. 

All forms of arthritis including JIA fall under the umbrella of autoimmune diseases. These conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. With arthritis, the immune system acts on the lining of your joints.

The causes of JIA aren’t fully known (idiopathic means unknown). Genetics likely play a component. Some evidence suggests that some children have a gene that leads to the development of JIA when activated by external factors such as a virus or bacteria.

Symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Symptoms of JIA can vary from one child to another. Some individuals experience flare-ups, or periods when symptoms intensify, while others have a more chronic experience of the condition.

Pain and inflammation in the joints, most commonly in the hands, knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists. (For many, this symptom frequently occurs in the morning or after sleeping.)

The process of diagnosing JIA often involves several steps, as symptoms may resemble those of other conditions.

A physical exam is typically the starting point, after which a doctor may recommend one or more of the following blood tests to confirm a diagnosis of JIA: 

Antibody tests such as the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, which measures blood levels of antibodies linked to rheumatic disease

Tests that check for levels of red and white blood cells and platelets - lower levels of red and white blood cells may be indicative of JIA

An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test, which examines how quickly your red blood cells sink to the bottom of a test tube - higher rates of settlement may indicate inflammation

A c-reactive protein (CRP) test, which identifies blood levels of CRP, an inflammation-linked protein produced in your liver

A creatinine test, which checks for kidney disease

A rheumatoid factor (RF) test, which checks for rheumatoid factor, an antibody found in about 80% of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis

Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and bone scans may also be used to support a JIA diagnosis.

Treatment for JIA encompasses medications, lifestyle changes, and physical and occupational therapy, with the goal of reducing symptoms and supporting an active life.

Individual treatment plans depend on a child’s symptoms, age, and overall health history.

The following types of medications may be included in a JIA treatment plan:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen (Advil®) and naproxen (Aleve®) may be used to reduce pain and inflammation during flare-ups. While these medications are available over the counter, your child may need a prescription for a higher dose.

Oral corticosteroids such as prednisone may also be used to reduce inflammation in children with JIA.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic medicines (DMARDs) such as methotrexate (Rheumatrex®) reduce the immune system’s response to triggers, easing inflammation and controlling JIA symptoms.

Injectable biologic DMARDs — which target more specific pathways in the immune system — are also used in the treatment of JIA, typically after other treatments have proven ineffective. Commonly prescribed biologics include abatacept (Orencia®), adalimumab (Humira®), canakinumab (Ilaris®), etanercept (Enbrel®) and tocilizumab (Actemra®).

Sugars, refined carbohydrates, and gluten can contribute to joint pain and inflammation, so it is often recommended for those with any type of arthritis to reduce their intake of these foods. With JIA, there is the additional consideration of incorporating nutrient-rich foods to support a child’s healthy growth and development. Consider speaking with a nutrition specialist to develop a balanced meal plan.

Regular physical activity is another component of managing JIA. Swimming and other water exercises, yoga, and cycling may be a good fit for children and adolescents with the condition. Physical therapy may be involved in treatment to help a child improve muscle and joint function. 

Lastly, it’s important for a child with JIA to get plenty of rest.

JIA is linked to eye inflammation, which can cause more serious eye problems later in life. Staying on track with regular eye exams can prevent and detect potential problems.

Life with juvenile idiopathic arthritis is easier with a reliable pharmacy partner by your side. Our pharmacists have specialized training in arthritis treatment and can answer any questions you may have, from medication side effects to navigating lifestyle changes.

In addition, we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app to make it as simple as possible to stay on track with your treatment.

A healthy immune system offers protection against the bacteria and viruses that cause illness, deploying antibodies that attack these invaders. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system cannot differentiate between outside germs and healthy cells and mistakenly attacks various tissues and organs throughout the body.

What is an autoimmune disease?

A healthy immune system offers protection against the bacteria and viruses that cause illness, deploying antibodies that attack these invaders. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system cannot differentiate between germs and the body’s own cells and mistakenly attacks various tissues and organs.

There are more than 80 of these conditions, with variation in the affected area of the body; some of the most common autoimmune disorders involve the joints and muscles, digestive tract, nervous system, and skin. There is also significant variation in day-to-day life with autoimmune disorders. Some, like type 1 diabetes, require daily management, while others may have periods of intensified symptoms known as flare-ups. In all cases, there are treatment options that can reduce discomfort and help you experience a better quality of life. Here’s what to know about the most common types of autoimmune disorders.

Causes and symptoms of autoimmune disorders

Many autoimmune disorders do not have a specific known trigger, but the following factors may play a role in the development of certain conditions.

Blog

What To Do With Expired or Unneeded Medication

How Do Antibiotics Work?

How Do Antiviral Medications Work?

What to Know About Pneumonia

What to Know About Arthritis in Children

What is an autoimmune disease?

Congenital Heart Disease, Explained

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis

Understanding Cystic Fibrosis

An Introduction to Skin Health

The Science Behind Vaccines

What to Know About Nebulizers

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