Sorting Fact from Fiction: How to Find Trustworthy Health Info in a Sea of Misinformation

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Health advice is everywhere. You’ll see it on social media, in the news, even from well-meaning friends. But when it comes to your health, not all information is created equal. Inaccurate or misleading claims about medications and treatments can cause confusion, harm, or less trust in the healthcare system. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to help patients navigate this overwhelming landscape. They translate complex scientific jargon into understandable terms, and help you separate facts from fads.

Where Health Disinformation Comes From

Misinformation spreads fast, and it often sounds convincing. Here are a few common sources that can lead patients astray:

• Social Media Posts and Influencers: Content creators may share personal experiences as fact, promote unproven supplements, or spread fear about prescription drugs.

• “Miracle Cure” or “Detox” Products: Be cautious of anything claiming to cure chronic conditions overnight or replace prescribed medication.

• Outdated or Misinterpreted Articles: Even legitimate studies can be taken out of context. Online forums and blogs sometimes recycle information that’s no longer accurate.

• Unverified Online Pharmacies: These can sell counterfeit medications or provide incorrect dosing information, putting your safety at risk.

Throughout this post, you’ll see Pharmacist Insights. These are expert perspectives that provide practical advice and deeper understanding from Tria Health’s team.

Pharmacist Insight:

Have you encountered misinformation that’s caused a patient to stop or change their medication? How did you handle it? 

• Maggie: Often times what patients are finding are half-truths or misinterpreted information. When I am given the opportunity to share the full picture with them, they can make a better healthcare decision.  

• Sarah: When a patient encounters misinformation that leads to stopping their medication, from my experience, I have found that this is usually an indicator of a medication misunderstanding or fear of negative side effects. These concerns have existed from the beginning but were never addressed or properly explained. This usually opens up a larger conversation involving, what is the bigger concern here? What are you trying to accomplish? What route are you comfortable with in achieving your healthcare goals?  

Reliable Sources for Health Information

When you need accurate, up to date medical information, start with trusted, evidence-based sources. A few reliable options include:

• FDA (Food and Drug Administration): www.fda.gov - For approved drug information, recalls, and safety warnings.

• CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): www.cdc.gov - For guidance on vaccines, diseases, and health statistics.

• MedlinePlus: medlineplus.gov - Managed by the National Library of Medicine, offering clear, easy-to-read medical explanations.

• Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.org - For medically reviewed articles on conditions, treatments, and medications.

• Tria Health’s Pharmacists: A trusted source for personalized medication guidance. Meeting one-on-one with a Tria pharmacist gives you access to expert advice tailored to your prescriptions, conditions, and lifestyle.

How to Evaluate Health Information Online

Before trusting a source, ask yourself these questions:

• Who wrote it? Look for content written or reviewed by licensed medical professionals.

• Is it selling something? Be wary if the main goal seems to be promoting a product or supplement.

• Is it current? Check the publication date, medical recommendations can change quickly.

• Are sources cited? Trust articles that link to credible research, not vague “studies.”

When in doubt, check what you’ve found with your Tria pharmacist, they can verify whether it’s safe and evidence based.

Pharmacist Insight:

How do you guide patients who arrive with information they found online that isn’t entirely accurate? 

• Maggie: Let the patient share their information and ask their questions openly. There is really no dumb answer when it comes to health. Then we discuss research and resources. At the end of the day the patient is deciding what goes into their body; my job is to make sure they have the facts to determine the best course of action for themselves.  

• Sarah: Ask more questions about the source of inaccurate information to verify the validity. Then asking the patient’s thoughts on how to proceed forward on accomplishing their health care goals based on their comfort level.  

The Pharmacist’s Role in Combating Disinformation

Pharmacists act as trusted guides in a noisy digital world. Whether it’s clarifying medication interactions or correcting myths about side effects, their goal is to ensure patients have confidence in their care plans.

At Tria Health, pharmacists help patients cut through misinformation every day, making sure your medication plan is safe, effective, and backed by science.

Pharmacist Insight:

What role do pharmacists play in helping rebuild trust in medical information today? 

• Maggie: Pharmacists are medication experts. Ultimately our goal is for our patients to only be on the medication they really need to live full lives. We look for ways to simplify medication regimens, reduce side effects, and improve overall health by maximizing medication therapy. Pharmacists also look for non-medication therapy to maximize health, like optimizing diet changes and improving physical activity.  

• Sarah: I am very open with patients in saying that if I do not know the answer to a question, I will research the information and get back to them. I believe this builds trust in pharmacists and medical information today because I am not looking for a quick fix. Healthcare and medications are complicated. Taking the time to research and fully understand their question, to me, shows the patient that their question is important and taken seriously.  

Trust Facts, Not Fads

When it comes to your health, accurate information can make all the difference. In a world full of “quick fixes” and trending cures, your best resource is still a knowledgeable professional. A conversation with your Tria pharmacist is one of the most reliable ways to get clarity, confidence, and peace of mind about your health decisions.

Questions?

If Tria Health is a part of your health insurance benefits, you can contact the Tria Health Desk at 913-322-8456 for questions about your medications or overall health.