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Welcome to Sesame's medical info center - a trusted medical source of expert-reviewed articles, health tips, updates, and more. Stay informed and get the latest from top doctors online.

Recent Articles

Omeprazole vs. Pantoprazole: Key Differences and Uses Is pantoprazole the same as omeprazole? Break down the differences between omeprazole and pantoprazole on access, timing, and drug interactions. Read more

Cymbalta vs. Effexor XR: Which SNRI drug is right for you? Weighing Cymbalta against Effexor for anxiety or depression? Learn how these popular SNRI antidepressants compare in clinical effectiveness, potential side effects, and specific uses, so you can make an informed choice with your provider. Read more

Claritin vs. Zyrtec: Which one is better for allergies? Choosing between Claritin and Zyrtec? Compare key benefits, side effects, and speed of symptom relief to find your ideal match. Read more

Wellbutrin vs. Lexapro: Which antidepressant is right for you? Compare Wellbutrin vs Lexapro for depression & anxiety. Discover how both medications differ in overall effectiveness, common side effects, FDA-approved uses, and key treatment considerations. Read more

Retatrutide Side Effects: What Clinical Trials Reveal About Risks and Weight Loss Explore retatrutide side effects reported in clinical trials, including common symptoms like nausea, rare risks, weight-loss results, and ongoing safety research on this triple-agonist drug. Read more

Cymbalta vs Zoloft: Which antidepressant is right for you? Compare prescription antidepressants Cymbalta and Zoloft for depression and anxiety treatment. Learn how they differ in their effectiveness and common uses. Read more

Trazodone for sleep: What is it and how does it work? Trazodone is not only useful for the treatment of depression. Learn how trazodone for sleep works and when it may be prescribed. Explore dosage guidelines, benefits, risks, and potential side effects. Read more

Lexapro vs Zoloft: What is the difference between Zoloft and Lexapro? Compare the well-known medications Lexapro vs Zoloft for anxiety and depression, including side effects and other conditions they treat. Learn how Sesame can help with treatment. Read more

Zepbound vs. Wegovy: Which weight loss medication is right for you? Zepbound vs. Wegovy: Discover key differences in weight loss results, side effects, costs, and how each works. Compare dual-action GIP/GLP-1 vs. GLP-1 mechanisms to find the right FDA-approved treatment for your body and health goals. Read more

Non-Stimulant ADHD Meds: How They Work and 6 Most Common Options Unsure about stimulant alternatives? Discover how non-stimulant ADHD medications build steady focus over time without the crash. Compare the 6 most common options—including Strattera, Qelbree, and Intuniv—to find the right fit for your daily needs. Read more

Lyme Disease: Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Treatment Discover what doctors prescribe for Lyme disease treatment. Learn about the common and unusual symptoms of Lyme disease, and when to seek urgent care. Read more

What happens if you don’t pay medical bills? Learn what happens if you don’t pay medical bills by exploring the potential consequences. Understand your options and how to manage medical debt safely. Read more

What are peptides for weight loss, and how do they work? Learn what peptides for weight loss are and how they work. Explore their benefits, risks, and how to safely access treatment with licensed providers. Read more

IVF Timeline: How Long Does the IVF Process Take? Explore the IVF cycle timeline. Learn how long the IVF process takes and what to expect at each stage, from initial consultation to pregnancy testing. Read more

What Do Doctors Prescribe for the Flu on a Telehealth Visit? Wondering how to treat the flu via telehealth? See the most common prescriptions and OTC tips Sesame doctors recommend to help you recover faster at home. Read more

Sesame Launches Fertility Program with Costco & IVI RMA Sesame’s new online fertility program with Costco & IVI RMA offers expert virtual fertility care starting at $99/mo. Learn what’s included & how to get started. Read more

Sesame vs. Hims Weight Loss 2026: What’s the Difference? Trying to choose between Sesame and Hims for weight loss? The differences in price, level of medical support, and insurance help may matter more than you think. Here's everything you need to know about what's included in each program, pricing, and medication options with or without insurance. Read more

Sesame vs. Ro Weight Loss 2026: Similarities and Differences If you're looking into Sesame or Ro for weight loss, your choice may hinge on price, how you want to interact with clinicians, and how much flexibility you want in medication options. Read on to learn more about similarities and differences between these two online weight loss programs. Read more

9 Top Lifestyle Changes to Lower Your Cholesterol Hypercholesterolemia, better known as high cholesterol, is incredibly common. Over 25 million US adults have high cholesterol, and it’s one of the leading causes of heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke. But here’s the good news: your diet and habits have a surprisingly powerful influence on your cholesterol levels! With smart choices, you can improve your cholesterol numbers and support your heart health long-term. Read more

Do You Have A Tension Headache Or Migraine? Here's How To Tell When a headache hits, it can leave you scrambling for relief: pain medicine, a dark room, or maybe both. But not all headaches are the same. Some are mild and stress-related, while others knock you off your feet with nausea and throbbing pain. Finding the right treatment option can come down to whether you’re dealing with a tension headache or a migraine. Read more

9 of the Best Supplements to Help Lower Blood Pressure While antihypertensive medication can play an important role in controlling high blood pressure some people also look into natural supplements to support their treatment. The key is knowing which options are truly effective and using them safely under your healthcare provider’s guidance. Read more

Costco Members Can Now Get Half-Priced Ozempic® & Wegovy® Prescriptions Through Sesame Learn how Costco Members can get prescriptions for Ozempic and Wegovy at half the price, no insurance required. Read more

How Long Should You Wash Your Hands? You touch an infinite number of things in a day: doorknobs, light switches, phones, pet food bowls, keyboards, shopping carts, car doors. And while it’s not fun to think about, every one of those surfaces carries viruses and bacteria that can transfer to your hands. Luckily, there’s a simple and effective way to keep those germs from getting you (and others) sick: washing your hands. Read more

Medicare Enrollees Just Lost Their Telehealth Coverage. Here’s What That Means. On Oct 1, millions of seniors lost their Medicare telehealth coverage. Here’s why it happened, and where to find low-cost virtual care if you're a senior who's been left without insurance. Read more

The Best Antidepressants for Anxiety and Depression Antidepressants are one of the most common treatment options for depression and anxiety symptoms. However, finding the right one for your symptoms can depend on your lifestyle, your medical history, and more. We’ve laid out some common antidepressant options below, along with tips on choosing the best one. Read more

Prozac vs Zoloft: What's the Difference? Choosing between Prozac and Zoloft? Both SSRIs treat depression and anxiety, but differ in side effects, speed, and FDA-approved uses. Read on to learn more about key similarities and differences. Read more

How to Tell if Shortness of Breath is From Anxiety, According to Experts Learn common signs that your shortness of breath is anxiety-related, plus simple tips from licensed providers to help you slow your breathing when anxiety strikes and guidance on when it's time to see a doctor. Read more

What the 'Big Beautiful Bill' Means for Healthcare Coverage The newly passed "Big Beautiful Bill" is making headlines for its sweeping tax cuts, but it could also lead to big changes in health care for millions of Americans. If you or someone you know uses Medicaid or CHIP, your coverage could be at risk. Here's what you need to know about those affected by this new law — and how it could impact healthcare costs. Read more

Margarita Burn Is Real: Here’s How To Treat and Prevent It Enjoying a citrusy drink outdoors may seem harmless, but you may want to think twice before sipping it in the sun. Doing so can lead to a skin condition called margarita burn, or phytophotodermatitis. Let’s break down what margarita burn actually is, how to treat it, and how to avoid it in the first place. Read more

How To Lose Weight With PCOS: Diets, Workouts & Medications Maintaining a healthy weight isn't always easy, but it can be especially challenging for those who are living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, you may be able to lose weight with the right treatment plan. Read on to learn why PCOS causes weight gain and how to lose weight with PCOS, from lifestyle changes to medication options. Read more

Say Hello to Skincare Rx, Sesame’s New Dermatology Subscription If you’ve tried to book a dermatologist appointment recently, then you know the drill: months-long waits to get the care you need, sky-high bills, and an endless stream of insurance co-pays and bills that say, “This is not a bill.” That’s why Sesame launched Skincare Rx, a $59 monthly subscription that lets you skip the barriers associated with traditional dermatology care and get affordable, expert skin and hair care on your schedule. Read more

Understanding Deductibles vs. Out-of-Pocket Costs in Health Insurance If you’ve ever looked over your health insurance plan and felt lost when trying to understand your deductible, copays, or out-of-pocket maximum, you aren’t alone. These terms might seem similar, but they can have very different meanings when it comes to your health expenses. So how do deductibles and out-of-pocket costs vary from one another, and why does it matter? Read more

Sesame Launches App for iOS and Android Whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go, you can now join video calls and message with your Sesame providers, track prescriptions, manage your family’s healthcare and more — all in one seamless app experience. Here’s everything you need to know about app features, care options, and getting started. Read more

Scalp Psoriasis vs Dandruff: How Do I Tell The Difference? Both scalp psoriasis and dandruff can cause itchiness and a flaky scalp that feels dry and irritated. But despite their similar appearance, dandruff and psoriasis are two different scalp conditions with unique causes, symptoms and treatments. Here’s what you need to know about the difference between scalp psoriasis and dandruff, along with options for treating and preventing both conditions. Read more

Sesame Launches Mental Health Rx, A Simpler Way To Manage Medications If you’ve ever found yourself trying to refill your mental health medication at the last minute – leaving voicemails at the doctor’s office and fretting over gaps in your treatment - we designed Mental Health Rx for you: a new $79/mo. subscription program from Sesame that takes the hassle out of medication management, helping you rest assured that you’ll always have your refills when you need them Read more

MMR Vaccine Schedule by Age and Dose Measles outbreaks in the U.S. are surging this year, with 164 measles cases reported in January of 2025 – more than half the total number of cases recorded for all of 2024. Luckily, measles is a vaccine-preventable disease. Here's everything you need to know about the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine schedule for infants, children and adults. Read more

The Semaglutide Shortage Is Ending: What’s Next For Compounded Drugs? As of February 21, 2025, the FDA has officially declared that the Ozempic and Wegovy shortage has ended—for now. Here is everything you need to know about the end of the Ozempic and Wegovy shortage – and what it means for patients on compounded semaglutide medication. Read more

Bird Flu Treatment: Which Medications Work? Human infections from bird flu are extremely rare, and the CDC currently considers bird flu to be a low risk to public health. But like the seasonal flu, early treatment is key to reducing bird flu symptoms and preventing complications like pneumonia or death. Read more

How Much Cardio Should You Do? Weekly Guidelines & Exercises When it comes to exercise, one thing is clear: regular cardio (also known as aerobic exercise) is one of the best things you can do for your health. But how much cardio per week is healthy - and are all types of cardio created equal? Read on for guidance on weekly cardio recommendations, exercise examples, and more. Read more

5 Ways Sesame Can Help You Stick to Your 2026 Weight Loss Goals Losing weight is hard to do without a plan. Learn how the Success by Sesame plan can help you see real results with medication, ongoing provider support. Read more

Election Anxiety and Holiday Stress Converge for Americans in 2024, Survey Finds As the holiday season approaches, we set out to capture the current state of holiday stress across America with our annual holiday stress survey. This year’s findings reveal which stressors top the list, how they impact mental health and wellness, and the ways in which people are (or aren’t) seeking support. Read more

Give A Friend $50 Off Weight Loss With Sesame's Referral Program Sesame makes it easy to lose weight with a friend by your side. Refer a friend to the Success by Sesame online weight loss program and they'll get $50 off their first month of care! Read more

Price Transparency Alone Won't Fix Healthcare. Real Competition Will. David Goldhill, founder and CEO of Sesame, explains why price transparency isn't the solution to rising healthcare costs. Read more

Meet Success by Sesame, Sesame’s New Weight Loss Program A truly affordable weight loss program is finally here. Today, Sesame announced the launch of Success by Sesame: a clinically-comprehensive online weight loss program focused on holistic patient care and measurable results for just $99 per month. Read more

Eczema vs. Psoriasis: Key Differences and Similarities Explore the differences between eczema and psoriasis, two chronic skin conditions. Discover their symptoms, causes and various treatment options to help manage these conditions effectively. Read more

Best Medications and Treatment Options for Anger Management Sudden anger can hurt your quality of life. It's normal to feel angry sometimes. But frequent, intense anger may be a sign of an underlying mental health condition. Some people may struggle to control these feelings of anger despite having tried non-medical treatment options, like therapy. In these cases, medication may help manage anger and restore emotional balance and control. Read more

7 Medicines To Help You Quit Smoking Withdrawal symptoms can make quitting smoking feel like an impossible task - but thanks to smoking cessation medications, you don’t have to go the journey alone. These seven FDA-approved medications for smoking cessation may be able to help you say no to nicotine for good. Read more

When Does Menopause Start? Age, Signs, Stages and Treatment Our bodies undergo a sea of changes as we age. Some changes are easier to identify than others — for instance, those first gray hairs or fine lines. Other changes, like menopause, can be harder to recognize or predict. If you're beginning to experience symptoms like night sweats or irregular periods, you may be wondering if you're starting menopause. In this article, we'll delve into what menopause is, its different stages when it begins, common symptoms and effective ways to manage them. Read more

What is Self-Care? Sustainable Tips for a Healthier You Self-care is the practice of actively looking after one's well-being by engaging in activities that regulate and recharge one's body and mind daily. Studies have shown that a regular self-care practice can reduce stress's impact on a person’s quality of life. Additionally, self-care can promote better health, boost your overall well-being and make you more resilient. Read on to learn more about self-care and to discover sustainable tips for establishing a self-care practice that enhances your daily life and supports your well-being and overall health. Read more

Bug Bite Relief: How to Treat Itching, Stinging & More Most bug bites and stings are mild and relatively harmless. Usually, an insect bite or sting only causes an itchy or stinging bump on the skin that goes away after a few days. Luckily, there are several over-the-counter and at-home treatment options for bug bites and stings. Let’s explore the most effective ways to treat itching and stinging at home. Read more

Video Visits on Sesame: What To Expect Video Visits on Sesame: What To Expect Read more

UVA vs UVB Rays: Differences, Risks, Benefits UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, causing premature aging, while UVB rays primarily cause sunburn and are more harmful, leading to skin cancer. UVA and UVB rays affect your skin and health in various ways. Understanding the differences between UVA and UVB rays can help you better protect your skin. This article will explore how each type of UV radiation affects your skin and overall health. Read more

10 Ozempic Alternatives and Different Price Points As a result of pricing and medication shortages, many people are exploring Ozempic alternatives. To make your search easier, we’ve detailed every GLP-1 medication on the market below– along with a comparison of cost, dosing amount, and how it varies from Ozempic. Read more

What is Zone 2 Training? How to Calculate + Benefits & Tips Zone 2 training is one of the hottest buzzwords in fitness right now. This training method targets the most important muscle in your body, your heart. In this article, we’ll explore Zone 2 training, its benefits, and how to ensure you’re doing it correctly. Read more

What is Sea Lice? How to Treat and Prevent Bites & Rash Sea lice can put a damper on even the sunniest summer day. Even though sea lice rashes don’t pose a long-term threat to humans, they can still be uncomfortable and, at times, painful. Read on to learn how to identify, treat, and prevent sea lice bites so you can enjoy your beach days without any unwelcome surprises. Read more

What Does Arthritis Feel Like? Symptoms and Treatment Arthritis is more than just joint pain; it's a chronic condition that impacts countless aspects of daily life. Read on to better understand what arthritis feels like. Learn about early symptoms to look out for and possible treatments to manage the chronic condition and improve your quality of life. Read more

Can Food Help With Period Cramps? Best Foods for Menstrual Cramps Relief Menstruation can bring about a handful of uncomfortable — and, at times, debilitating — symptoms, known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS refers to the collection of symptoms that many experience before and during their period, like menstrual cramping and bloating. Read on to discover which foods to eat and avoid to reduce period cramps and support your well-being. Read more

Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke: What’s the Difference? Heat exhaustion and heat stroke vary in terms of severity, symptoms and treatment. Read on to learn more about the differences between these conditions, along with treatment and prevention measures. Read more

When Do You Ovulate? Key Signs and Tracking Tips The menstrual cycle helps the body prepare for potential pregnancy each month. One of the ways it prepares for potential pregnancy is through ovulation. Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from an ovary during the menstrual cycle. People who menstruate are most fertile, or likely to become pregnant, during ovulation. Understanding ovulation and when it happens is key to planning or preventing pregnancy. Read on to learn how you can better estimate your fertile window and time of ovulation. Read more

How to Stop Hot Flashes with Natural and Medical Remedies Hot flashes are one of the most common and uncomfortable symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. While relatively harmless, hot flashes can be overwhelming, disruptive and unpredictable. This article explores what hot flashes are, along with their common symptoms. It also offers the best natural and medical remedies to help mitigate them. Read on to discover how you can find quick relief from hot flashes and improve your quality of life. Read more

Antidepressants: Uses, Types, and Side Effects Antidepressants are prescription drugs used by health care professionals to treat depression. There are many different types of antidepressants. The word “antidepressant” is an umbrella classification for diverse subgroups of drugs used to treat depression. In this article, we will take a look at what antidepressants are, what they're used for, and how to use them. Read more

Generic Victoza (Liraglutide) GLP-1 Now Available in the U.S. While liraglutide and other GLP-1 medications are highly effective, many people are struggling to access them due to high costs and limited supply. However, an alternative may be on the horizon. In June 2024, a generic version of Victoza (liraglutide) became available to the public. This is the first authorized generic GLP-1 drug to hit the market. Here's what you need to know. Read more

Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) Constipation: Causes and Treatment Options for Relief One of the most common side effects of Ozempic is constipation. Constipation occurs when stool is moving too slowly through your bowels, causing strained bowel movements and leaving you feeling bloated, gassy and uncomfortable. Read on to learn about how to treat Ozempic constipation, how common it is and why it happens. Read more

Taking Antidepressants While Pregnant: Is It Safe? When it comes to pregnancy and raising a child, the world is full of loud and contradictory opinions. Many women may feel pressured to take a stance or make a decision right away. However, some decisions are harder to make than others, like which medications to continue during pregnancy. For many women with major depressive disorder (MDD), deciding whether to stop using antidepressants during pregnancy can be especially difficult. Read more

Colon Cancer Screenings: Types of Tests + Testing Guidelines Colorectal cancer screening tests are routine tests used to detect early signs of colon cancer. This article will detail the different types of screenings and general colorectal screening recommendations. Read more

Hair Loss Treatments for Men: Best Options for Hair Growth Hair loss affects millions of men. This article will detail some of the best treatment plans for hair loss in men. It will also examine some common causes of hair loss and prevention tips to maintain the hair you have. Read more

Anxiety Medications: Types, Side Effects, and More Treatment for anxiety involves a combination of prescription medication and psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy). This article will explore the different types of anxiety disorders and their symptoms. It will also detail the best treatment options and prevention tips to manage mental health. Read more

Can you drink alcohol while taking Ozempic? If you’re one of the many people who are taking Ozempic or another GLP-1 like Wegovy or Mounjaro, you may have questions or concerns about drinking alcohol while taking the medication. You also may be wondering if Ozempic reduces your urge to drink. In this blog post, we’ll discuss whether or not it’s safe to consume alcohol while on Ozempic, along with potential risks and side effects. Read more

Do I Have a Dehydration Headache? Signs, Treatment and Prevention Headaches are extremely common: research suggests that 9 out of every 10 people worldwide will experience one at some point, and they can be caused by any number of factors, from medication to health conditions. One lesser-known cause of headaches is dehydration. Luckily, dehydration headaches are typically easy to treat. Read on to learn about signs of dehydration headaches to look out for, along with treatment and prevention methods. Read more

Healthy Blood Pressure Level Charts by Age and Gender Blood pressure readings are a critical indicator of your health. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for many health problems and heart disease. Similarly, low blood pressure levels (hypotension) can put you at a higher risk of dangerous complications. This article will detail average blood pressure numbers by age and gender and offer guidance on how to read blood pressure readings and what they mean. Read more

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