Pay Less for Prescription Drugs

The recession has made it more difficult than ever before for many Americans to afford prescription medications, but several options are available, according to an expert from Butler University in Indianapolis.
First, talk to your pharmacist, advised Carriann Richey, director of outreach and assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Butler's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Pharmacists may be able to recommend a lower-cost generic drug or an alternative, less expensive drug. Many pharmacies have low-cost options such as $4 generics or free antibiotics and prenatal vitamins. If your pharmacy doesn't have this program, ask if they will match other pharmacies' lower pricing, Richey suggested.
Here are some other strategies:

• Go to a reduced-cost or free clinic, where health care providers are trained to consider lower-cost alternatives and may be able to provide prescriptions at reduced cost or no cost.
• Look into drug manufacturer or government programs. Some drug makers offer discount cards or programs for brand-name medications free or at reduced-cost. There are a number of Web sites that provide information about these programs, including optimizerx.com. In addition, some government agencies offer drug discount programs, and most states offer senior assistance plans.
• Online and mail-order pharmacies that offer lower prices on prescription drugs may be helpful for people with chronic conditions. However, because of the time it takes to fill and ship orders, this approach isn't ideal for people with acute conditions. Look for online pharmacies with the VIPPS seal, which indicates the site is approved by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
• In some cases, tablet-splitting can help reduce costs. But not all medications can be split, and not all tablet-splitting will save money. Patients should check with their pharmacist or physician before using this approach.
• Getting food or heating assistance could free up money that could be used to pay for prescription drugs. Check into this type of help by contacting social service organizations such as the United Way.
• Lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise and eating healthier foods, may reduce the need for medications.

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healthday.com

Pay Less for Prescription Drugs

Health Tip: Follow Directions When Taking Medication

A number of adverse effects can result if you don't take a medication as directed.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers this list of possibilities:

* Side effects, such as dizziness or nausea.
* An interaction with another drug.
* An interaction with a food or beverage.
* An allergic reaction.
* A sensitivity that results from use of the drug, such as sensitivity to the sun.

-- Diana Kohnle

healthday.com 

Health Tip: Follow Directions When Taking Medication

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

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