13 Things Your Pharmacist Won't Tell You

What to bear in mind the next time you visit the pharmacy counter.

1. Don't try to get anything past us. Prescriptions for painkillers or sleeping aids always get extra scrutiny.

2. We're not serving fries in here. I'd think twice about using a drive-through pharmacy. Working there distracts us-not a good thing when it comes to pharmaceuticals.

3. We're human … and we make mistakes (about two million a year). Ask if we use a bar-code system to help keep us from pulling the wrong drug off the shelf or giving the wrong strength of the right drug.

4. Sometimes we can't read the doctor's handwriting either. E-prescribing can help, but as of 2006, fewer than 20 percent of prescriptions were being electronically transmitted.

5. I hate your insurance company as much as you do. "Even if something's working for you, the insurance company may insist you switch to something else," says pharmacy owner Stuart Feldman."I'm stuck in the middle trying to explain this to customers."

6. We can give flu shots in most states.

7. A less-qualified pharmacy technician may have actually filled your prescription. Currently, there is no national standard for their training and responsibilities.

8. Generics are a close match for most brand names. But I'd be careful with blood thinners and thyroid drugs, since small differences can have big effects.

9. I can give you a generic refill that's different from the one you started with. When in doubt, ask. Online resources like cvs.com let you double-check your pill.

10. We're not mind readers, and there's not some big computer database that tracks your drugs and flags interactions for pharmacists everywhere. Use one pharmacy. If you start using a new one, make sure we know what you're taking.

11. Avoid the lines. It gets busy Monday and Tuesday evenings, since many new prescriptions and refills come in after the weekend.

12. Look into the $4 generics offered by chains like Target, Kroger, and Wal-Mart. And it can't hurt to ask your pharmacy if it will match the price.

13. Yelling at me won't help. If I can't reach your doctor and/or insurance company to approve a refill, there's nothing I can do about it. “It's frustrating,” says pharmacist Daniel Zlott, “but I'd be breaking the law in some states if I gave it to you.”



Originally Posted at Reader's Digest

13 Things Your Pharmacist Won't Tell You

Smoking Cessation Tips: How to Use Chantix

Chantix, also known as Varenicline Tartrate, is a non-nicotine prescription medicine specifically developed to help adults 18 and over quit smoking. Chantix works in the brain to block the pleasurable effects of smoking. This helps to decrease your desire to keep smoking.

Here are few instructions on how to use Chantix:

•  Get prepared. Choose a quit date to stop using tobacco. Chantix is designed to be taken one week before your quit date so that it will have time to build up in your body. Your first week of pills will be in lime green and white packaging.

•  Start taking Chantix. From Day 1 to Day 3, take one white pill in the morning. Each white pill is 0.5 mg. From Day 4 to Day 7, take one white pill in the morning and one white pill in the evening. You can continue to use tobacco during this first week.

•  Stop using tobacco on Day 8. Make sure that your environment is clear of tobacco products to reduce temptation. For weeks 2 to 12, take one blue pill in the morning and one blue pill in the evening. Each blue pill is 1 mg and is in blue and white packaging.

• Take Chantix for 12 weeks. Do this even if you are doing well and quit smoking early in the process. In clinical studies, 44 percent of people taking Chantix for 12 weeks remained tobacco free at the end of the study. Don't get discouraged if you slip and use tobacco products after your quit date. Just start over again and stay encouraged. Talk with your doctor if you feel that you need an additional 12 weeks of Chantix to stay tobacco free.

• Be aware of potential side effects. Nausea occurs in about 30 percent of people that take this medication. Other side effects that can occur include problems sleeping, constipation, gas and vomiting. Use caution when operating machinery or driving until you are aware of how Chantix affects your body.

 Tips & Warnings

•  If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is close to time for your next pill, skip the pill you missed. Always take Chantix with food and a full glass of water. This can help with side effects that may occur. If you are having problems with the dosing schedule of Chantix, consult your doctor.

• Chantix is not recommended for people under the age of 18, pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers because it has not been tested in these groups. People that have kidney problems or take dialysis may need a lower dose. The Federal Aviation Administration banned the use of Chantix among pilots and air controllers due to potential side effects. Those with pre-existing mental health conditions should only take this medication under the supervision of their doctor.

Useful Resources 

• Chantix Official Website

• Search for Chantix Coupons
  

Smoking Cessation Tips: How to Use Chantix

Kill the Bill: Americans fight healthcare reform

President Obama's multi-billion dollar health reforms face a key vote on Saturday. It's supposed to give medical care to people who can't afford it - even though Americans spend more than most on their treatment. But for the thousands descending on Capitol Hill, they say the costs will cripple their already sick economy.

Kill the Bill: Americans fight healthcare reform

Health insurance tips: what to do before you buy

Learn all you can! An educated consumer is a smart consumer. Use this and other Internet sites to learn about the different types of policies available to you;
research the companies that are offering the insurance;
make sure you know what the policy will pay for and what it won't;
determine how you will be reimbursed for your visits,
prescriptions, and other medical services.

Pay your premiums annually.
You can save money by paying your yearly premium in one lump sum -- check with your insurance agent about how your savings can be. You can avoid the service fee and could also be eligible for a pre-payment discount.

Move to a higher deductible.
If your family has enjoyed good health for a number of years, you may want to switch to a higher deductible of $500 or $1000. You'll notice a significant reduction in premiums.

Don't buy policies that exclude pre-existing conditions.
If at all possible, avoid policies with any pre-existing conditions. If you can't locate one without any waiting period, at least get one with no more than a six month period.

Health insurance tips: what to do before you buy

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