You filled your prescription. You drove home.

Maybe you sat in the car for a minute before going inside. Maybe you tucked the bag into your purse or jacket pocket before walking past your neighbor. Maybe you’ve memorized which pharmacist asks questions and which one doesn’t.

If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not imagining things, and you’re not being paranoid. The stigma around Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is real, and chances are you’ve bumped into it more than once. Stigma around Suboxone® treatment is one of the least-talked-about parts of recovery. And for many people with opioid use disorder (OUD), it’s one of the hardest. 

You’re doing exactly what you’re supposed to do. You’re showing up, staying consistent, and taking your medication. And yet, somewhere along the way, someone made you feel like that was something to be ashamed of. That could have come from either a family member, a coworker, or even a healthcare practitioner. When stigma goes unchallenged, it can make people question the treatment that’s working for them, or worse, keep them from seeking help in the first place.

The truth is that taking Suboxone as part of your recovery is nothing to be ashamed of. In this article, we’ll give you some clear facts that prove this, alongside tools to help you handle the moments when the world hasn’t caught up yet.

Understanding the stigma of opioid use disorder (OUD) and Suboxone treatment 

You’ve already done something remarkable by starting your recovery journey. To put it bluntly, it is not your job to have to educate others on why choosing Suboxone as part of your treatment is valid. You are already doing the work of staying in recovery and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect for taking brave steps to take control of your health and rebuild your life. However, understanding where the stigma of addiction comes from can help you protect your peace and progress if you experience it from others who don’t get it.

The stigma around OUD and MAT is based on outdated and inaccurate thinking. 

Suboxone is not a shortcut. It’s not “cheating.” It’s a well-established, evidence-based approach endorsed by leading medical organizations.

OUD is a chronic medical condition that changes the way the brain regulates dopamine and reward. Buprenorphine, the active ingredient in Suboxone, works by stabilizing those systems so your brain can heal. 

It’s no different from people who take medication for type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Nobody tells someone managing a chronic illness that they should “just stop” their prescription, or that taking it means they haven’t “really” committed to their health. But people in MAT hear versions of this constantly.

People in recovery from OUD often encounter judgment from family, friends, coworkers, and sometimes even healthcare providers who believe that using medication isn’t “real” recovery. That belief is both hurtful and factually wrong. And it’s worth understanding where it comes from so you can challenge it if you choose to. 

Busting myths surrounding the stigma of opioid use and treatment

Researchers Yngvild Olsen and Joshua Sharfstein identified four factors that fuel the stigma around OUD and its treatment. Here’s what those factors are, and more importantly, here’s why they don’t hold up. 

1. The “moral failing” myth: OUD is often framed as a character flaw or a sign of weak willpower. This framing is outdated and unsupported by science. Opioid use disorder is a chronic brain condition. It changes the way the brain processes reward, motivation, and decision-making. That is not a reflection of someone’s character. Treating OUD with medication is no different than treating any other chronic health condition with the appropriate medications.
   
2. Treating OUD differently from other health conditions: The healthcare system has historically siloed OUD away from general medical care, sometimes even chalking up unrelated symptoms to a patient’s OUD history without looking deeper. That creates a cycle of mistrust and makes people reluctant to be open with their clinicians. It also reinforces the false idea that OUD is somehow different from other medical conditions. It’s not. It deserves the same thorough, compassionate, evidence-based care.
   
3. Harmful language shapes harmful thinking: While the saying goes, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me,” that’s not altogether true. Words carry weight. Terms like “clean,” “dirty,” “junkie,” and “detox” reduce a complex medical experience to a moral judgment. They have seeped into everyday language so thoroughly that people often don’t realize the damage they do. Shifting to person-first language, like “person in recovery” rather than “addict,” is a small change with a real impact. It moves the conversation from shame to humanity.
   
4. Gaps in the criminal justice system: Medications like buprenorphine are rarely available in prison and jail settings, the way other prescription medications are. This gap reinforces the message that people with OUD don’t deserve standard medical treatment, when the opposite is true. 

How should I react to stigma?

Stigma has a way of getting inside your head. Years of hearing that MAT isn’t “real” recovery, or that you’re not trying hard enough, can start to leave a mark even when you know better. So, dealing with stigma isn’t just about managing other people’s opinions. It’s about protecting your own.

In her TEDx talk on overcoming stigma, Adonica Shaw offers four strategies that are worth keeping in mind. 

• Support yourself first. Your recovery belongs to you. Make decisions based on what is genuinely best for your health and wellbeing, and don’t be afraid to lean on people who have your back. Asking for support is a strength, not a weakness. 
• Reframe your thoughts. You can’t control what other people believe. You can control how you respond to it. When a stigmatizing comment or belief shows up, look for the counter-narrative. Think about what you have already overcome and how far you’ve come. Let that truth be louder than the noise. 
• Set firm boundaries. Not everyone in your life needs access to every detail of your treatment. It’s worth asking yourself who in your circle is coming from a place of genuine care and who is projecting their own misunderstanding onto you. You’re allowed to protect your energy and your peace. 
• Find your community. There are people who understand exactly what you’re going through. You don’t need universal approval to keep moving forward. Whether it’s a support group, an online community, or your care team, finding people who get it can make a real difference. 

None of this is quick or simple. Changing ingrained thought patterns takes time, and some days will be harder than others. Be patient with yourself. The effort is worth it. 

Scripts to combat stigma and the permission not to explain

Protecting your recovery is your priority. You are never under any obligation to explain it to others. However, if you do feel up to it, we’ll share a few helpful tips and scripts to have in your back pocket to combat stigma when it may come from family, friends, or an employer. And if you don’t feel like explaining, we’ll give you a few options, too. 

What to say to family and friends:

Being on the receiving end of stigma from loved ones can sting. These are the people whose opinions carry weight for you. That’s exactly what makes their misunderstanding so painful.

Most people who stigmatize MAT have absorbed a decades-old cultural narrative that recovery means abstinence, and anything else is weakness or cheating. That narrative is loaded with misinformation. However, it’s deeply embedded and takes time to shift.

You should never feel pressured to shift it in a single conversation. You’re also not obligated to shift it at all.

If you want to explain it, here are a few ways to start:

• “My doctor prescribed this medication because it’s the most effective treatment for what I have. I take it the same way someone takes medication for any chronic condition.”
• “Suboxone doesn’t get me ‘high.’ It stabilizes my brain chemistry so I can function. It’s actually designed to prevent the kind of high that drives addiction.”
• “I know this might not be what you expected recovery to look like. I’m open to talking about it more when you’re ready to listen.”

If you don’t want to explain it, that’s also okay. 

“My medical care is between me and my doctor” is a complete sentence. So is “I’m doing well, and I’d rather not get into the details.” You don’t owe anyone your chart notes. You don’t owe anyone a defense of your treatment. Your job is to stay healthy,  not to manage someone else’s comfort level with how you’re doing it.

Some people will come around when they see you thriving. Some will need more time. Some may not change their perspective at all. None of those outcomes is your failure. The goal isn’t to convince everyone. The goal is to protect your recovery. Sometimes that means protecting your peace first.

Scripts for responding to stigma from employers

Workplace stigma around MAT is real, but so are the legal protections designed to stop it. It’s important to know your rights. 

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), opioid use disorder is considered a disability when a person is in recovery and not currently engaged in illegal drug use. Employees who have been prescribed Suboxone are generally protected from discrimination under the ADA. That means an employer cannot legally fire you, demote you, or refuse to hire you solely because you take prescribed buprenorphine.

HIPAA also protects your medical information. You are not required to disclose your diagnosis or your medication to your employer in most situations. HR departments do not have access to your health records without your consent.

Practical tactics for common scenarios:

• Someone asks why you have a regular medical appointment: “I manage a chronic condition. It’s nothing that affects my work.” That’s it. That’s the whole answer.
• A drug test comes back flagged for buprenorphine: You can disclose your prescription to the Medical Review Officer (MRO), who reviews drug test results. This is separate from your employer and is confidential. A valid prescription for buprenorphine should not show up as positive on an employer-mandated drug test.
• You’re concerned about disclosure before it’s required: You generally don’t need to disclose. Talk to your care team about how to document your treatment if a situation arises where you do.
• You feel you’ve been treated differently because of your treatment: Document what was said, including dates and who was present. If the pattern continues, the ADA National Network offers free guidance, and an employment attorney can advise on your specific situation.

We’re here for you at every stage of your recovery journey. 

You already know what it feels like to work with a team that doesn’t judge you. That’s not something we take lightly, and it’s not something that changes as your recovery evolves.

Whether you’re having a hard week, have questions about your treatment, or simply want to check in with your doctor, we’re here. Our team is made up of compassionate clinicians who see you as a whole person, not a diagnosis. We know the road you’re on, and we’re proud to be part of your support system.

Naloxone (Narcan) and naltrexone (Vivitrol) both interact with the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, preventing opioids from coming in contact with these receptors. The primary difference between these medications lies in their speed, duration of action, and specific applications.

What is Naloxone (Narcan)?

Naloxone is an emergency medication used to rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdose. It is designed for situations where patients are found unconscious, barely breathing, with pinpoint pupils, and possibly with blue lips or nose, indicating a lack of oxygen. Naloxone works quickly to restore normal respiration within minutes.

However, its effect tends to last less than an hour, necessitating immediate medical attention and transportation to the hospital for further stabilization.

What is Naltrexone (Vivitrol)?

Naltrexone is a longer-acting medication used primarily to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol addiction. Unlike naloxone, naltrexone is not used for emergency overdose situations. Instead, it helps patients maintain abstinence from opioids by blocking the euphoric and sedative effects of the drugs. When patients take naltrexone, they lose their cravings for opioids and can focus on recovery. For an educational comparison of how naltrexone and Suboxone® are used in MAT, see how naltrexone and Suboxone compare and the role lifestyle plays in choosing MAT.

Additionally, naltrexone is effective in treating alcohol addiction by blocking the opioid receptors that alcohol activates, thereby reducing the pleasurable effects of alcohol consumption.

Where Can I Get Naltrexone?

QuickMD can prescribe naltrexone via video or phone during a telemedicine appointment. The prescription will be sent electronically to your pharmacy of choice, making it convenient and accessible.

Conclusion: Choosing Between Naloxone and Naltrexone

While both naloxone and naltrexone serve crucial roles in managing opioid-related issues, they are used in different contexts. Naloxone is a life-saving medication for immediate overdose situations, while naltrexone is a long-term treatment option for those seeking to overcome addiction to opioids and alcohol.

Get in Touch 

If you or a loved one needs support in managing opioid or alcohol addiction, contact QuickMD for a telemedicine appointment and explore your treatment options with naltrexone.

If you’ve been reading up on weight loss medications, you’ve probably seen Ozempic® and Wegovy® mentioned almost everywhere. Sometimes, you might even see them talked about interchangeably. But is there a difference between the two? 

Ozempic and Wegovy share a lot of similarities. Both medications are made by Novo Nordisk. And both contain semaglutide, the active ingredient that helps with weight loss. However, the main difference is what they were approved for. Ozempic came first for managing type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy was developed specifically for weight management and comes in higher doses. Both were also later approved to reduce cardiovascular risk in certain patients.

We’ll dive into more of the particulars around each of these medications, including insurance coverage, costs, results, and more, to help you better understand your options and decide if one is right for you. 

The basics of semaglutide

Semaglutide is a medication that acts like a natural hormone called GLP-1. This hormone helps control your appetite, blood sugar, and how full you feel after you eat. Semaglutide helps you lose weight by:

• Affecting the appetite center in your brain, so you think about food less
• Slowing down digestion, which means you feel fuller longer
  

Both Ozempic and Wegovy work this way. Ozempic is FDA-approved for managing type 2 diabetes, but doctors often prescribe it off-label for weight loss, while Wegovy is specifically approved for weight management.

Is Wegovy or Ozempic better for weight loss?

While both Ozempic and Wegovy have helped people successfully shed pounds, the two medications differ in terms of dosage. This difference matters in terms of weight loss. Ozempic’s highest doses are 1.0 mg and 2.0 mg, while Wegovy goes higher with 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg doses. 

Studies on semaglutide and weight loss found:

• People on lower doses (0.25 mg and 0.50 mg) lost an average of 9.2% of their body weight after six months. 
• Those on higher doses (1.7 mg and 2.4 mg) lost 12.1%, nearly 3% more.
• After 104 weeks, people on Wegovy’s highest doses lost 15.2% of their body weight. 
  

Here’s how Ozempic and Wegovy stack up side by side:

How fast can you expect results?

While both Ozempic and Wegovy can boost weight loss, you might wonder how quickly you can expect to see results. Let’s look at the timelines and see how Ozempic and Wegovy compare. 

Ozempic results timeline

Ozempic, while effective for both diabetes and weight loss, is prescribed at a lower dosage than Wegovy (up to 1 mg). As a result, weight loss tends to be more gradual. 

Many people report that it takes 3 to 6 months to see significant weight loss on Ozempic. However, the medication’s blood sugar management effects are usually noticeable within the first few weeks, as it stabilizes glucose levels.

Wegovy results timeline

Since Wegovy is specifically designed for weight loss, it tends to work more quickly in that area. Patients on Wegovy may see faster and more dramatic results, particularly because of its higher dosage (up to 2.4 mg). Studies show that patients can lose 15-20% of their body weight over a period of about 6 to 12 months.  Most people hit their peak results around 60 to 68 weeks (a little over a year). 

You’ll still need to pair the treatment with diet and exercise, but Wegovy offers a more aggressive weight loss option.

Dosage differences

Both Ozempic and Wegovy are once-weekly injections you give yourself using a prefilled pen. If you’re nervous about self-injections, there are also pill versions with semaglutide.

Injectable forms:

• Ozempic: Available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, and 2.0 mg doses (multi-use pen)
• Wegovy: Available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg doses (single-use pen)
  

Oral forms:

• Rybelsus: Available in 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg doses. It’s approved for type 2 diabetes, but doctors can prescribe it off-label for weight loss.
• Wegovy pill: Available in 1.5 mg, 4 mg, 9 mg, and 25 mg doses. This new pill format was approved by the FDA in December 2025, making it the only GLP-1 designated specifically for weight loss. 
  

The tradeoff for the pills is that they need to be taken on an empty stomach with specific timing. For some people, that’s more hassle than a weekly shot. However, oral versions of the medications can be easier to travel with. It all boils down to what’s most convenient and safe for you, your lifestyle, and goals. A conversation with your provider can help you decide what’s right for you. 

What are the side effects like?

Like any medication, both Ozempic and Wegovy come with potential side effects, especially as your body adjusts or your dose increases. Most people find them manageable, and they ease up after the first few weeks. 

Here’s a quick comparison of the most common side effects for Ozempic and Wegovy:

Nausea is the most common side effect for both medications and typically hits hardest in the first few weeks before easing up. If you’re dealing with nausea, these tips can help:

• Eat bland foods like crackers, toast, and rice
• Eat more slowly
• Choose watery foods like soups and gelatin
• Drink clear or ice-cold drinks
• Avoid fried, greasy, and sweet foods
• Don’t lie down right after eating
• Get fresh air

Side effects of Ozempic

Because Ozempic is prescribed at a lower dosage, its side effects are often milder and easier to manage. Some common ones include:

• Nausea (especially in the first few weeks)
• Stomach discomfort
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Fatigue
  

Most side effects fade within the first few weeks as your body adjusts. Around 15% of patients experience nausea on the 0.5 mg dose, while about 20% experience it on a 1.0 mg dose. If you’re using Ozempic for diabetes, you’ll likely see blood sugar improvements within a few weeks, which can make any initial side effects easier to deal with. 

Talk to your provider if any of these rare but serious side effects occur:

• Low blood sugar (especially if used with another blood sugar medication like sulfonylurea or insulin)
• Gallbladder problems
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Changes in vision

Side effects of Wegovy

Wegovy’s higher doses can potentially mean that side effects can be more frequent and intense. About 44% of patients experience nausea on the highest dose (2.4 mg). The side effects usually lessen as your body adjusts over the first few weeks, but if yours are making life difficult, ask about adjusting your dose.

Talk to your provider if any of these rare but serious side effects occur:

• Low blood sugar (especially if used with another blood sugar medication)
• Gallbladder problems
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Changes in vision
• Depression or suicidal thoughts

Ozempic vs. Wegovy costs

If you’re thinking about talking to your provider about using GLP-1s for weight loss, there’s some good news on the cost front. Both Ozempic and Wegovy are now significantly cheaper because Novo Nordisk lowered their cash-pay prices. The cost you’ll actually pay varies depending on which pharmacy you use, what discounts you apply, if your insurance covers the medication, and your dosage. You can often find savings through discount cards or manufacturer coupons.

If you’re new to Ozempic or Wegovy, Novo Nordisk sometimes offers a deal for self-pay patients. Currently, they’re offering patients their medication at $199 for the first two months, then $349 monthly for the lower doses (0.25 mg or 0.50 mg). For up-to-date information on discounts be sure to check the Ozempic or Wegovy websites. 

If you’re thinking about making GLP-1s part of your weight loss program, QuickMD can help. Our providers offer same-day virtual visits from the comfort and privacy of your own home. If you and your provider decide on a particular medication, we’ll send your prescription to your pharmacy of choice for you to pick up. This gives you the option to choose the most affordable cash-pay option for your needs. 

With Ozempic and Wegovy, it’s worth shopping around for a pharmacy that offers you the best price. You could save hundreds per month, which is a big deal when you might be on this medication for a while. For more ways to save, check out our guides on how much Ozempic costs and Wegovy pricing.

Here’s what you might pay per month without insurance, depending on which pharmacy you use and what discounts you apply:

Accessibility and insurance coverage: which is easier to get?

One of the biggest considerations for patients is accessibility—not just in terms of availability but also insurance coverage and affordability. Here’s how Ozempic and Wegovy compare in these areas.

Ozempic: more likely to be covered for diabetes patients 

Because Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and reducing cardiovascular risk in people with diabetes and heart disease, it’s often covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance if you have any of these conditions. However, patients seeking Ozempic specifically for weight loss may face challenges with insurance, as it is not officially approved for that use.

Wegovy: more coverage for weight loss and certain health conditions

Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight management, so insurance is more likely to cover it if your primary goal is weight loss. It’s also approved to help prevent life-threatening cardiovascular events, like heart attacks and strokes, in people with obesity and existing heart disease. This can also make coverage easier if you’re at high cardiovascular risk.

What about compounded semaglutide?

Due to previous Ozempic and Wegovy shortages, one of the workarounds was to prescribe compounded semaglutide, which is a custom-made version of the active ingredient in these medications. These custom-made versions came from specialized pharmacies, but were not FDA-approved like the brand-name medications. 

Now that the shortage is over, the FDA has directed most pharmacies to stop making them. However, doctors can still prescribe compounded versions in specific situations, like if you’re allergic to an inactive ingredient in Ozempic or Wegovy, or if you need a dose that isn’t commercially available.

How to get Ozempic and Wegovy

To get a prescription for either medication, you’ll need to see a healthcare provider who can evaluate whether you’re a good candidate based on your health history, current medications, and weight loss goals. This can be done in person with your regular doctor or through a convenient telemedicine visit.

Here at QuickMD, we offer same-day online visits with licensed providers who are there to understand and support your goals. If you and your provider decide that Ozempic or Wegovy is a good fit, we’ll send your prescription directly to the pharmacy of your choice. And if it turns out that these medications aren’t right for you, we can help you explore other options that might be a better fit.

Is Wegovy or Ozempic right for you?

The decision between Ozempic and Wegovy ultimately depends on your long-term health goals and what you’re looking to achieve:

• If you’re focused on weight loss and maintaining those results over time, Wegovy may be the better choice due to its higher dosage and FDA approval for weight management.
• If you need a long-term solution for managing diabetes and weight simultaneously, Ozempic offers a comprehensive approach that tackles both blood sugar control and weight reduction.

Book a visit with QuickMD to get help with your weight loss goals

If you’re trying to decide whether Ozempic or Wegovy is right for you, you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re here to help. Chat one-on-one with a provider who can help you take charge of your health. 

At QuickMD, we believe your weight loss journey should be personal, private, and pressure-free. We offer same-day visits with licensed providers who are there to listen to your goals and help you carve out a plan that’s sustainable and unique to you. No insurance is required. And if you and your provider decide medications are appropriate, we’ll send your prescription to your pharmacy of choice and support you at every step.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of upper respiratory infections, often called the common cold. For most people, RSV infections present mild symptoms, beginning with a sore throat and progressing to nasal discharge (runny nose), poor appetite, tiredness, cough, and low-grade fever. The illness typically resolves on its own within a few days to two weeks.

RSV in Infants and Older Adults

While RSV usually causes mild symptoms, it can lead to severe illness in infants and older adults. In infants, RSV is the leading cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis (infection of the small airways in the lungs). Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial. In very young infants, symptoms may include irritability, reduced activity, and breathing difficulties. Other signs can include poor feeding and breathing pauses lasting more than 10 seconds.

Older adults are also at high risk for severe RSV infections due to weakened immune systems. Each year, approximately 6,000 to 10,000 adults over 65 years old die from RSV. The virus can exacerbate existing conditions such as congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma.

Preventing the Spread of RSV

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several strategies to prevent the spread of RSV:

• Handwashing: Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap or use an alcohol-based hand disinfectant.
• Disinfecting Surfaces: Clean surfaces that may be contaminated by someone with RSV.
• Covering Sneezes and Coughs: Use tissues or elbows to cover sneezes and coughs.
• Staying Home When Sick: Avoid public places if you have a cold.
• Avoiding Contact: Stay away from individuals with upper respiratory infections (URIs).

Treatment for RSV

Treatment for RSV involves supportive care, including:

• Rest: Ensuring adequate rest to help the body recover.
• Fever Management: Using ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce fever.
• Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is crucial.

It’s important to note that antihistamines are not recommended for RSV treatment as they may prolong the infection and increase the risk of pneumonia.

Conclusion: Protecting Vulnerable Populations from RSV

While RSV often causes mild symptoms, it can be dangerous for infants and older adults. Following preventive measures and seeking appropriate care can help manage the infection and protect those at higher risk.

Get Help from QuickMD

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of RSV and need medical advice or treatment, QuickMD is here to help. Our experienced providers can diagnose and manage RSV and other respiratory infections from the comfort of your home. Schedule a consultation with QuickMD today to get the care you need and feel secure in the knowledge that professional help is readily available.

Buprenorphine and naloxone are often combined in medications prescribed for opioid use disorder (OUD). This combination is found in products like Suboxone, Zubsolv, and Bunavail. The addition of naloxone serves a specific purpose: to prevent the misuse of buprenorphine.

How Buprenorphine and Naloxone Work

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It binds to the same receptors in the brain as opioids like heroin and morphine but only partially activates them. This helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same high, making it useful in treating OUD.

Naloxone, on the other hand, is a full opioid antagonist. It binds to opioid receptors without activating them, effectively blocking the effects of opioids. When taken as prescribed, the naloxone in Suboxone is minimally absorbed due to its poor bioavailability when taken sublingually or orally.

The Purpose of Naloxone

The primary reason for adding naloxone to buprenorphine is to prevent misuse. If someone tries to dissolve and inject the medication to get high, the naloxone becomes active, blocking the opioid effects and potentially causing withdrawal symptoms. This discourages misuse and enhances the safety profile of the medication.

Limited Use of Buprenorphine Alone

The single-drug form of buprenorphine (Subutex) is rarely prescribed because it lacks the abuse-deterrent properties of the combination product. Subutex is generally reserved for specific cases, such as for patients who are allergic to naloxone. Some states heavily restrict or even ban the use of Subutex due to its higher potential for misuse.

Conclusion

The addition of naloxone to buprenorphine in medications like Suboxone plays a crucial role in preventing misuse while effectively treating opioid use disorder. This combination therapy offers a safer alternative for patients, reducing the risk of misuse and supporting long-term recovery.If you are seeking treatment for opioid use disorder, QuickMD offers telemedicine services to prescribe medications like Suboxone, helping you on your path to recovery.

The Mini Pill

• Thickening the cervical mucus
• Thinning the endometrium
• Slowing the egg’s progress through the fallopian tube

Advantages:

• Suitable for patients at high risk for blood clots, migraines, or high blood pressure
• Lowers the risk of endometrial cancer
• Less likely to interfere with breastfeeding

Disadvantages:

• Requires strict adherence; if taken more than three hours late, additional birth control is needed for two days
• Can cause irregular menstrual periods, ovarian cysts, lowered libido, tender breasts, acne, weight gain, depression, and unwanted hair growth
• Slightly increased risk of ectopic pregnancy

Combination Pills

• Prevent the release of the egg from the ovary
• Thicken the cervical mucus
• Thin the endometrium
• Slow the egg’s progress through the fallopian tube

Advantages:

• Shorter, lighter, and more predictable periods
• Relief from dysmenorrhea (severe menstrual cramps) and premenstrual syndrome
• Treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis
• Lowered risk of ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal cancer
• Improved bone mineral density

Disadvantages:

• Can cause nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, and breakthrough bleeding, though these may decrease with continued use
• Risk of elevated blood pressure, heart attacks, and stroke, particularly in smokers
• Potential for blood clots, liver disorders, and gallbladder disease

Oral Birth Control: Final Thoughts

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Ways to Treat Restless Legs Syndrome Without Drugs

Lifestyle Changes for Treating RLS

Restiffic Relief Compression Foot Wrap

Treat Restless Legs Syndrome with QuickMD

Different types of insulin are generally classified by how long they take to begin action, peak, and last. The five basic different types of insulin are rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, mixed, and long-acting.

Rapid-Acting Insulin

Rapid-acting insulin, like the one released from the pancreas, swiftly lowers blood sugar. It’s typically taken at the beginning of a meal. When taken at dinner time, it can effectively prevent severe drops in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) during the night.

Some commonly prescribed rapid-acting insulins are:

• NovoRapid (insulin aspart): Begins to work in 9 to 20 minutes, peaks in 1.0 to 1.5 hours, and lasts 3.0 to 5.0 hours.
• Fiasp (faster-acting insulin aspart): Begins to work in 4 minutes, peaks in 0.5 to 1.5 hours, and lasts 3.0 to 5.0 hours.
• Apidra (insulin glulisine): Begins to work in 10 to 15 minutes, peaks in 1.0 to 1.5 hours, and lasts 3.5 to 5.0 hours.
• Humalog (insulin lispro): Begins to work in 10 to 15 minutes, peaks in 1.0 to 2.0 hours, and lasts 3.0 to 4.75 hours.

Short-Acting Insulin (Regular)

• Humulin R and Novolin R: Begin to work in 30 to 60 minutes, peak between 2 and 4 hours, and last 6 to 8 hours.
• U500 (regular with 5x concentration): Begins to work in 30 minutes, peaks in 30 minutes, and lasts 18 to 24 hours.

Intermediate-Acting Insulin

• NPH insulin: Begins working in 1 to 2 hours, peaks in 4 to 12 hours, and lasts 14 to 24 hours.

Long-Acting Insulin

• Basaglar (insulin glargine): Goes to work in 1 to 1.5 hours, maintains a steady level, and lasts 11 to 24 hours.
• Levemir (insulin detemir): Goes to work in 1 to 2 hours, maintains a steady level, and lasts for as long as 24 hours.
• Tresiba (insulin degludec): Goes to work in 30 to 90 minutes, maintains a steady level, and lasts 42 hours.

Mixed Insulin

• Humulin 70/30: Goes to work in 30 minutes, peaks at 2 to 4 hours, and lasts 14 to 24 hours.
• Novolin 70/30: Goes to work in 30 minutes, peaks in 2 to 12 hours, and lasts as long as 24 hours.
• Novolog 70/30: Goes to work in 10 to 20 minutes, peaks in 1 to 4 hours, and lasts as long as 24 hours.
• Humulin 50/50: Goes to work in 30 minutes, peaks at 2 to 5 hours, and lasts 18 to 24 hours.
• Humalog mix 75/25: Goes to work in 15 minutes, peaks in 30 minutes to 2.5 hours, and lasts 16 to 20 hours.

Get an Online Insulin Prescription With QuickMD

Did you know? QuickMD offers the convenience of remote consultations and online insulin prescriptions. You can now get your insulin prescription from the comfort of your home, without the need for insurance.

We’re here to make your diabetes management easier.

The keto, or ketogenic, diet gets its name from ketones, or ketone bodies, which are produced when fat is burned for energy. The ketogenic diet is high in fat, which, when burned for energy, puts the body into a state of ketosis, meaning having a high level of ketone bodies. According to the Mayo Clinic, the keto diet was first developed in the 1920’s to treat children with seizure disorders, and is now used for weight loss and for extreme endurance sports such as triathlons and marathons. 

Cheese with 4% fat and other full-fat dairy products, plain yogurt, low carbohydrate and fibrous veggies, oils, meats, eggs, and fish are the main foods allowed. High carbohydrate foods are severely limited, and water, coffee, and tea are the main beverages allowed. 

To test the effectiveness of the keto diet, dieters can purchase ketone strips from most pharmacies. The strips test whether ketones bodies are found in the urine, to show whether the body is breaking down fats.

The keto diet should cause weight loss within a few weeks, but there are long-term health concerns, and therefore in generally the diet should not be continued for long, because its lack of fruits and vegetables is not healthy. This diet should be practiced with caution in patients with kidney disease because ketosis can worsen their condition. Halitosis (bad breath), nausea, vomiting, constipation, and insomnia are other side effects.

QuickMD can discuss the risks and benefits of a keto diet with you remotely by telemedicine as part of the weight-loss program.

A Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) is a blood test that measures various components of blood chemistry. It typically includes:

• Blood glucose (sugar)
• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• Creatinine
• BUN/creatinine ratio
• Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Chloride
• Carbon dioxide
• Calcium

A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) extends the BMP by including liver function tests.

Normal Ranges for BMP Components

Here are the normal ranges for the blood chemistry measured in a BMP:

• Glucose (sugar): 70 to 99 mg/dL
• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): 5 to 20 mg/dL
• Creatinine: 0.74 to 1.04 mg/dL
• BUN
  ratio: 10:1 to 20:1
• eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate): 90 mL/min/1.73m²
• Sodium (Na): 135 to 145 mEq/L
• Potassium (K): 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter
• Chloride (Cl): 96 to 106 mEq/L
• Carbon dioxide (CO2): 23 to 29 mEq/L
• Calcium: 8.6 to 10.3 mg/dL

Common Abnormalities in BMP

Blood Glucose Levels:

• Prediabetes: 100 to 125 mg/dL after an 8-hour fast.
• Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher after fasting.
• Diabetic patients monitor their blood sugar levels to adjust insulin or medication dosages. Consistently high levels may require increased medication, more exercise, or dietary changes. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar (below 70 mg/dL), can indicate too much medication, excessive physical activity, or inadequate food intake. Rare conditions, such as insulin-producing tumors, can also cause hypoglycemia.

How QuickMD Can Help

QuickMD offers remote consultations to interpret your BMP results and discuss any necessary adjustments to your treatment or lifestyle. Schedule a telemedicine appointment with QuickMD for personalized advice on managing your health effectively.