March 2025 Highlights: Warfarin Alternatives, Gotu Kola & Metformin Options
This archive pulls together our practical posts from March 2025 so you can find what matters fast. If you or someone you care for is weighing blood-thinner choices, curious about herbal supplements, or reviewing diabetes drugs, these pieces give clear, actionable takeaways you can discuss with your clinician.
Anticoagulants — practical choices beyond Warfarin
Warfarin has been a mainstay for decades, but newer direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are changing the conversation. Our Warfarin alternatives article breaks down common options like Rivaroxaban (Xarelto), Apixaban (Eliquis), Dabigatran (Pradaxa) and Edoxaban. These drugs often mean fixed dosing and less blood monitoring than Warfarin, which is a big convenience win.
That convenience comes with trade-offs. DOACs tend to have a lower risk of some types of bleeding but can still cause serious bleeds. Kidney function, drug interactions, cost, and the reason you need anticoagulation (AFib, DVT, valve issues) all affect which drug fits best. If you’re switching from Warfarin, plan the change with your doctor — timing, lab checks, and any reversal options matter.
Gotu Kola & Metformin alternatives — supplements and diabetes choices
We published a plain-language guide on Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica). People use it for mental clarity, skin healing, and circulation. The plant contains compounds like asiaticoside that research links to wound repair and collagen production. Topical preparations can help scar appearance; oral supplements claim cognitive benefits, but doses and product quality vary. Don’t mix high doses with liver disease or certain sedatives, and check with your provider if you’re pregnant or on multiple medications.
On the diabetes front, our "7 Alternatives to Metformin" post lists modern and traditional options: tirzepatide (a GLP-1/GIP agonist), semaglutide and other GLP-1 drugs, SGLT2 inhibitors like empagliflozin, DPP-4 inhibitors such as sitagliptin, insulin when needed, plus lifestyle strategies that still move the needle. Each option has pros and cons — tirzepatide and semaglutide drive strong weight and glucose improvements but can be costly and may cause GI side effects. SGLT2 drugs add heart and kidney benefits for many people but can raise the risk of genital infections.
Across these posts the common theme is this: there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all answer. Drug choice depends on your health goals, other conditions, budget, and risk tolerance. Use the articles as a starting point, note questions for your clinician, and always confirm changes under medical supervision.
Want to read a full article from this month? Click the titles on the archive to get the full breakdown, study notes, and practical tips tailored to each topic.
