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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.

Some prescription medications used to treat chronic conditions or manage pain also carry the potential for dependence and misuse. These medications fall into a different category than most and are classified as controlled substances.

Managing a Prescription for a Controlled Substance

The distinction between controlled and non-controlled substances is an important one, as controlled substances are more heavily regulated than other prescription medications. There are limits on refills, and additional steps may also be required to get your prescription. Specific restrictions depend on factors such as your insurance plan’s benefits and the laws in your state. For example, many insurance providers limit the quantity of a controlled medication that they will cover over a given period of time.

Read on to learn how to manage your prescription for a controlled substance.

Controlled substances are regulated under federal law. The category includes both prescription medications and illegal drugs.

These substances are further categorized into five schedules, based on factors including their medical use, safety, and potential for misuse or dependency, with Schedule I substances being the most regulated.

Schedule I substances have no currently accepted medical use and are defined by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as having a high potential for misuse. Substances categorized into this schedule include heroin, ecstasy, and marijuana.

Schedule II substances are defined by the DEA as having a high potential for misuse and severe psychological or physical dependence. Substances categorized into this schedule include both illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine as well as prescription medications such as meperidine (Demerol®), oxycodone (OxyContin®), fentanyl, Dexedrine®, Adderall®, and Ritalin®.

Schedule III substances are defined by the DEA as having a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. Substances categorized into this schedule include some codeine-containing products, like Tylenol® with codeine; ketamine; anabolic steroids; and testosterone.

Schedule IV substances are defined by the DEA as having a low potential for misuse and a low risk of dependence. Substances categorized into this schedule include alprazolam (Xanax®), diazepam (Valium®), lorazepam (Ativan®), zolpidem (Ambien®), and Tramadol (ConZip®, Ultram®).

Schedule V substances are defined by the DEA as having an even lower potential for misuse than Schedule IV substances. Substances categorized into this schedule contain limited quantities of certain narcotics, including Robitussin AC®, Lomotil®, Motofen®, Lyrica®, and Parepectolin®.

Under federal law, there is a 30-day limit on the supply of any controlled substance. Additional federal restrictions on filling or refilling controlled substances vary by schedule. Some states may have additional restrictions or requirements for filling a controlled substance prescription. Here’s a brief overview.

No refills are allowed for schedule II substances. A new prescription from your healthcare provider is required for every fill.

Some states require a hand-written prescription with a provider’s signature.

Some states have expiration dates for Schedule II prescriptions, but there isn’t a federal law.

You are allowed to refill a prescription for these medications with a provider’s authorization.

If your provider has authorized refills, you are typically allowed up to five refills in six months. After five refills, a new prescription is required.

A prescription for a Schedule III, IV, or V medication expires after six months. After six months, a new prescription is required regardless of how many refills are left.

Tips for safe use of a controlled medication

If you are prescribed a controlled substance, it is especially important to keep track of your medication supply and take your medication only as directed. Never adjust the frequency or dose of your medication without consulting your provider. Make sure that anyone who prescribes a medication for you is aware of any other medications you take.

Be aware that some providers ask patients to sign a written agreement to ensure safe use of controlled substances like pain medication. These agreements may require that you only fill your prescription at one pharmacy and don’t take controlled substances prescribed by another provider.

Filling a prescription for a controlled substance at Alto

Given the additional regulations of controlled substances, these medications are currently not eligible for auto refills or medication bundling at Alto. Your convenience and safety is our priority, and we hope to expand these services to include controlled substances in the future.

Delivery of these medications requires a signature from you or an authorized signer. To add an authorized signer to your Alto account, head to Account > Delivery Addresses > Edit Address > Delivery Instructions in the Alto app.

In states where a written prescription is required to fill a controlled medication, these prescriptions cannot be transferred to Alto from another pharmacy.

Our team can answer any questions you have about your prescriptions. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For many Americans living with a chronic health condition, prescription medications are necessary to manage symptoms and prevent complications. But following a treatment plan can be easier said than done. There are many considerations involved, from managing medication interactions and side effects to staying on track with related testing and follow-up appointments. And of the 66% of U.S. adults who are prescribed medication, only half take their medication as prescribed.

National Pharmacists Month Spotlight: Wei-Lin Chang

At Alto, medication therapy management pharmacists like Wei-Lin Chang help patients navigate all the complexities of managing a chronic disease. As part of our coverage of American Pharmacist Month 2022, we spoke to Wei-Lin about her professional path, the challenges of retail pharmacy, and the importance of medication education.

What motivated you to pursue a career in pharmacy?

I honestly didn’t know what I wanted to do when I first entered college. My parents encouraged me to pursue a career in healthcare, but I knew I was a bit too squeamish around needles to become a doctor or nurse.

I took a chemistry class that I really enjoyed and decided to do all the pharmacy prereqs. I then did an internship with the head of pharmacy at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. Through that experience, I saw firsthand that pharmacists were a critical liaison between patients and doctors, with so much valuable information about medication strength, directions, dosing, and administration.

After that, I pretty much knew that pharmacy was for me. I’ve been practicing since 2002.

What challenges have you encountered as a pharmacist?

Blog

What To Do With Expired or Unneeded Medication

Managing a Prescription for a Controlled Substance

Medication Interactions, Explained

What to Know About Pneumonia

How to Have the Healthiest Pregnancy Possible

National Pharmacists Month Spotlight: Wei-Lin Chang

National Pharmacists Month Spotlight: Gabrielle Kaplan

National Pharmacists Month Spotlight: Travis Allison

Medication Bundling: One Delivery for All Your Prescriptions

The Evolution of HIV Medication

The Science of Habit-Forming

Managing Type 2 Diabetes at Any Age

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