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June marks the beginning of summer, with its longer days and warm, sunny weather. From browsing local farmers markets and lounging on the beach to al fresco dining and family barbecues, June presents plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Plus, it’s Men’s Health Month and National PTSD Awareness Month, a reminder to focus on healthy habits, preventive care,  and mental health.

Key takeaways Doxycycline is a generic antibiotic known to significantly increase sun sensitivity. Photosensitivity can trigger a fast, severe sunburn after minimal sun exposure. Consult a healthcare provider before stopping doxycycline or resuming sun exposure after a reaction. In this article If you’ve been prescribed doxycycline, a generic antibiotic used to treat a variety of infections and prevent malaria, a healthcare provider might have warned you to stay out of the sun.

Key takeaways Carvedilol IR can start lowering blood pressure and slowing the heartbeat in one to two hours. Carvedilol ER works more gradually, with peak effects at about five hours. Lower heart rate and BP, less swelling and shortness of breath, and an increased ability to perform daily tasks are signs that carvedilol is working.

Key takeaways Take sucralfate on an empty stomach, one hour before meals or two hours after eating, to ensure its efficacy. Separate sucralfate from other medications by at least 2 hours to avoid reduced absorption. Consistency matters most: Take your doses at regular times every day. In this article The last thing you need when you have an ulcer is a complicated list of instructions on how to take the medicine that helps you.

Key takeaways Lisinopril is a blood pressure medication that can lower systolic blood pressure by 8–14 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 5–6 mmHg on average. Factors that affect how well lisinopril lowers blood pressure include dose, kidney function, diet, and other medications. Healthcare providers may add a diuretic to lisinopril treatment to better control blood pressure.

Key takeaways Gabapentin 100 mg is the lowest available capsule strength of this prescription medication. A typical starting dose is 100 mg three times a day, working up to 300 mg or higher. Children, older adults, and patients with reduced kidney function may stay on 100 mg gabapentin as a long-term maintenance dose.

Key takeaways Dexcom will stop producing G6 sensors after July 1, 2026. People using the Dexcom G6 will need to switch to the Dexcom G7 to continue monitoring their blood glucose. The Dexcom G7 is smaller than the G6, has a faster warm-up time, and combines the sensor and transmitter into one device. It’s available as the standard G7 (10-day wear) or the G7 15-Day.

Key takeaways Topiramate is the generic version of brand-name Topamax, a medication for preventing seizures and migraines. Generic topiramate usually costs much less than brand-name. Ask your healthcare provider before switching this important neurologic drug. In this article Topamax (topiramate) is a brand-name prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat certain types of seizures in adults and children ages 2 and older.

Key takeaways Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that often develops with age. Cialis can relieve BPH symptoms, but it isn’t for everyone. For men without erectile dysfunction, an alpha blocker like Flomax (or a combination therapy) may be more effective. In this article Cialis (tadalafil) is widely known for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), but it is also approved to treat an enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Key takeaways Repatha lowers your LDL cholesterol levels, reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke. Clinical trial data show that Repatha is safe and effective for people with diabetes, who are already at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease because of their high blood sugar. In rare cases, Repatha may slightly raise your blood sugar, so it’s important to monitor your glucose levels at home, especially in the first 6 months after starting this medication.