Previously, we talked about medication adherence in broad terms. In fact, we discussed how it isn’t simply a case of not remembering to take prescribed medication, that there are many factors that contribute to non-adherence. While this is true, we need to backtrack a little because a person’s memory does play a role in medication adherence.

How Your Memory Works

We remember information in pieces. As discussed in a recent Forbes article, a young person with a fully functioning working memory (the memory that is used when we are conducting mental tasks, such as problem solving) can remember 3 to 5 pieces of information at a time. As we age, our ability to remember information declines. This means the maximum capacity of the working memory in our lifetime is 5 items or pieces of information.

Link to Medications

Now consider that 20% of Americans are prescribed five or more medications each day. You might think that remembering to take five medications every day isn’t a big deal, after all, it’s five items of information, but what about all the extra information that goes with each of those medications? What if you are taking seven medications every day and some of those medications are to be taken with food, while others are to be taken on an empty stomach; some medications are to be taken in the morning, while others are to be taken at night; some are to be taken once a day and some twice a day?

For example, AARP Bulletin discusses how some medications are more effective when taken at certain times of the day. For instance statins, such as Crestor and Zocor (used for lowering cholesterol), are best taken at bedtime, whereas heartburn medications, such as cimetidine and ranitidine, should be taken about a half an hour before dinner is eaten. When it comes to medications and food, some medications, such as the antidepressant Trazodone, should be taken with food and the asthma medication Accolate should be taken on an empty stomach. Taking multiple medications for multiple health issues is when information becomes harder to remember, regardless of your age, simply because there are so many pieces of information to remember.

Simplifying Your Medication Regimen

Since at the mental peak in our lives we can remember 5 items of information at most, there needs to be a way to simplify the medication regimen for people who take five or more medications so that there is less information to remember. If you find that your medication regimen is so complicated that it is difficult to remember what to take and when, then talk to your doctor. There are ways to simplify this regimen so that it will be easier to remember. Some methods for simplifying the medication regimen are as follows:

• Try to stick with medications that only need to be taken once per day, whether it is a longer-acting drug or a pill that contains more than one medication
• Take medications that work well with the activities in your life so you can remember to take it in conjunction with an activity, such as with a meal or going to bed
• Try to minimize the number of medications you take, if at all possible, by prioritizing and eliminating any medication you can do without
• Print off your free daily medication schedule so you don’t forget to take your medications.

Also, be sure that you ask your doctor or pharmacist to write down the instructions for all medications in plain, everyday language so that it is easier to understand.

Regardless of how many medications you need to take to maintain your health, you will want to get that medication at the most reasonable price possible. To save between 50%-90% on the cost of all your prescription medications, please visit eDrugSearch.com, where we have been working with trusted licensed online pharmacies for over seven years.

The post Memory Function a Reason to Simplify Your Medication Regimen appeared first on eDrugSearch Blog.

Aren’t you just a little bit curious to see what articles and infographics were the most popular in 2014?

Here’s the countdown:

14.) What Everybody Ought to Know About Heartburn Medications - Learn about the upside to taking heartburn medications, downsides and risks, proper diagnosis, and how to find the best price on your medications.

13.) 17 Common Prescription Drugs with Bad Side Effects - Let’s take a look at a few of these prescription drugs with bad side effects, what those side effects are, and what you can do if you experience any of them.

12.) Pay LESS than Your $10 Co-pay for Many Generic Medications! - If your monthly co-pay is $10, then that seems reasonable. But what if you can get your generic medications for less than $10 per month?

 11.) Celebrities with Mental Illness [Infographic] - Check out the Celebrities with Mental Illness infographic to help bring awareness to the 43 million Americans who battle mental illness each day.

10.) Prayer, Pain & Pills: Is Taking Medicine a Sin? - Is taking medicine a sin? Many Christians belong in 4 schools of thought when it comes to the topic of medicine and religion. Which one are you?

9.) Canadian Pharmacies — Setting the Record Strait About Safety - Big Pharma continues to use scare tactics to protect their profits by deterring Americans from buying safe medications from Licensed Canadian pharmacies.

8.) Celebrity Drug Overdoses [Infographic] - We’ve compiled a list of celebrity drug overdoses to help bring awareness to prescription drug abuse. Many lives have been cut short due to drug overdose, accidental or not. See the celebrities who have died from drug overdoses.

7.) Here’s a Quick Way to Prevent Medication Errors in Kids - Medication errors in kids are between 5-27% of all pediatric medication orders which have resulted in approx. 7,000 deaths per year. How does this happen? What can we do?

6.) 10 Over-the-Counter Drugs You Need to Avoid During Pregnancy - Let’s take a look at the top 10 over-the-counter drugs to avoid during pregnancy — that may threaten your baby’s life.

5.) The Financial Toxicity of Cancer Treatment - 60 minutes: The Cost of Cancer Drugs with Leslie Stahl got down to the core of the high drug prices and the financial toxicity of cancer treatment.

4.) Generic Prices Are Going Up . . . Say It Ain’t So!  - Generic prices are going up, making the once affordable alternatives out of reach for some people. Let’s see what you can do to protect your wallet.

3.) Essential Flu Season Tips [Infographic] to Keep Your Family Healthy - Follow and share these essential flu season tips (infographic) to help strengthen your immune system so you can avoid getting sick the season.

2.) 18 Sure-Fire Tips to Save Money on Prescription Drugs - Drug costs continue to rise 15% every year and affects nearly 65 million Americans. Read and share our free tips to save money on prescription drugs.

1.) Insidious Greed: How Big Pharma Rips You Off on Drugs - As long as Big Pharma is allowed to operate this stunningly predatory business model, Americans will continue getting ripped off by Big Pharma.

The post eDrugSearch.com’s 14 Most Popular Posts From 2014 appeared first on eDrugSearch Blog.

The emerging and insidious epidemic Americans should be worried about is not Ebola; it is prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drug abuse and it’s running rampant throughout the U.S. It is something that we all wish wasn’t a reality, but unfortunately it is and we can’t turn a blind eye. Prescription drug abuse is defined by the NIH: National Institute on Drug Abuse as taking any medication is a way other than the way the doctor has prescribed.

The NIH: National Institute on Drug Abuse also states that prescription and OTC drugs are the most sought after drugs after alcohol and marijuana by Americans aged 14 and older. This abuse includes taking medication that has been prescribed for someone else, taking more than prescribed or taking it in a way that is not prescribed, or taking it for a purpose other than that for which is was prescribed. The same can be said for OTC medications in relation to the directions on the packaging.

No longer are illegal street drugs the only contributor to the nation’s drug abuse problem. While prescription and OTC drugs are necessary for many people and helpful when used appropriately, prescription drug abuse is becoming the fastest growing form of drug abuse in the U.S. and it is important for everyone to be familiar with the issue, especially parents. The following is what you need to know about prescription drug abuse:

Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

There are many prescription medications out there and a number of them that are abused. The most commonly abused prescription drugs include:

• Opioids, which are used to treat pain and affect the brain in much the same way as heroin
• Medications for the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders
• Stimulants that are used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy (often taken by students to improve their academic performance) and affect the brain in much the same way as cocaine

OTC Drugs are Abused As Well

Perhaps even more dangerous are OTC drugs, many of which are frequently abused. These include:

• Dextromethorphan, which is the active ingredient in cold medications such as Nyquil and Robitussin and can affect the brain in much the same way as ketamine or PCP
• Pseudoephedrine, which is a nasal decongestant
• Simple pain medications, such as Tylenol and Advil
• Motion sickness pills, such as Dramamine and Benadryl
• Diet pills
• Caffeine medications and energy drinks
• Laxatives and herbal diurectics
• Sex performance medications, such as Viagra

Teens are Particularly at Risk

Teens are at a high risk of prescription and OTC drug abuse. These are drugs that are easily obtainable, often around the house, and teens often feel as though these are a safer alternative to street drugs. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which was conducted in 2006, more than 3 million people between the ages of 12 and 25 had used OTC cold and cough medications for the purpose of getting high and close to 1 million of these young people had done so in the year preceding the survey.

What You Can Do

Parents must be on the lookout. They should be aware of what medications are in their house and keep track of them. If you feel it is necessary, put these medications behind lock and key. Learn the symptoms of prescription and OTC drug abuse and keep an eye on your teens if you have any suspicions.

It is also important for teens and parents to understand the facts about prescription and OTC drug abuse and the PEERx Toolkit is designed for this purpose.  If you or someone you know is dealing with an addiction to prescription and OTC drugs or another kind of addiction, eDrugSearch.com has a free drug abuse support group that can help.  You can go there anytime to share your own experiences and learn from the experiences of others.

Of course, sometimes you need prescription and OTC medication, and when you do eDrugSearch.com can connect you with many other trusted online pharmacies that we have been working with for more than seven years to help you save money on your prescription medications every day. Contact us today to save between 50% and 90% on all your prescription and over-the-counter medications!

The post Prescription and OTC Drug Abuse – The New Epidemic appeared first on eDrugSearch Blog.

Each month we will be featuring one of our pharmacies so that you can get to know them better and this month’s spotlight is on Canadian Pharmacy King. Canadian Pharmacy King is a licensed Canadian online pharmacy that is motivated by the belief that every person should be able to access affordable prescription medication, no matter where they live. Canadian Pharmacy King has been serving customers for over 10 years and is certified through Canadian International Pharmacy Association.

Benefits of Shopping with Canadian Pharmacy King

Canadian Pharmacy King offers their customers a number of benefits. At the top of this list is the guaranteed lowest price on all prescription medications. They also refer to themselves as the King of both brand and generic medications. All orders come from a licensed Canadian pharmacy or one of their international partners from across the globe, allowing them to keep prices low.

Security is a concern for anyone ordering medication online and Canadian Pharmacy King is secured by GeoTrust, which means that all customers will enjoy top-level data encryption and security. All communication between a customer’s web browser and Canadian Pharmacy King’s web servers will remain fully secure and private. The Norton Shopping Guarantee also offers customers ID Theft Protection, a Purchase Guarantee, and the Lowest Price Guarantee.

Canadian Pharmacy King also has a blog that they use to post informational articles that are of benefit to anyone. By helping to keep their customers and others informed and up-to-date, people will have that much more confidence and knowhow when it comes to maintaining a high level of health.

Ease of Shopping

When shopping with Canadian Pharmacy King, customers have the satisfaction of knowing that it is easy to find the medications they are looking for. All they have to do is fax, mail, or email their prescription in and it will be filled. If they wish to find certain medications, the website is easy to navigate, with a list of drug categories for quick identification of medications for certain conditions, disorders, and illnesses. So whether you are looking for an anti-fungal ointment or an anti-depressant, a blood pressure medication or a cancer medication, you will have everything you need at your fingertips. In addition, Canadian Pharmacy King provides medications for pets, products for the treatment of hair loss, birth control, laxative and antidiarrheal medications, and cosmetics.

Ease of Ordering

Ordering from Canadian Pharmacy King is quick and convenient. All you have to do is create a customer account, find your medication and dosage, and add it to the shopping cart. Payments can be conveniently made by MasterCard, check, or money order.

Please feel free to leave a personal review of Canadian Pharmacy King so that you can help others through your experience.  You can also read the reviews from others who have used the pharmacy, which will help you make an informed decision when shopping for your prescription medications.

And remember that at eDrugSearch.com, we link you to Canadian Pharmacy King and many other trusted Canadian pharmacies to help you save money on your prescription medications every day. Contact us today to save between 50% and 90% on all your prescription and over-the-counter medications!

The post Pharmacy Spotlight – Canadian Pharmacy King appeared first on eDrugSearch Blog.

Guessing Game

Every year, experts at the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) play an educated guessing game as to which flu viruses will be prevalent over the coming winter. They make this guess months in advance so that they have time to create the vaccine for that flu season. Sometimes their guess is good and sometimes it’s not. This year falls into the “not” category with seasonal influenza A H3N2 having mutated enough that the effectiveness of the vaccine is now in question. Yet, hundreds of thousands of people have already paid for their potentially ineffective vaccination and there are no refunds coming their way. If they get sick, then they will still have to fork out money for a prescribed treatment.

First Line of Defense is NOT Vaccination

Having a strong immune system really is the first line of defense against the flu. A strong immune system will decrease the risk of getting the flu, and if you get sick, then a strong immune system will help you fight it off more quickly. According to Dr. Mark Hyman, you can strengthen your immune system in the following ways:

• Get enough exercise
• Eat good, healthy, fresh foods, including fruits and vegetables that are rich in color
• Increase your intake of vitamin C and vitamin D
• Drink plenty of fluids, including warmer drinks, such as herbal tea (matcha green tea), or soups and broths
• Try to get a good night’s rest and get 7-8 hours of sleep so your body can restore & heal itself.
• Avoid sugar! This includes sweet treats, white flour and refined grain products
• Increase your intake of garlic, onions, ginger, and spices (such as turmeric and oregano), by adding them to your meals

Flu Season Tips Doctors Don’t Tell You

And remember the following, which doctors don’t tell you:

• You can still get the flu, even if you have been vaccinated
• You can request a mercury-free vaccine if you choose to get vaccinated
• There are needle-free options for vaccination
• Keep at least six feet between you and anyone who is sick with flu-like symptoms (the flu virus can travel that far)
• Wash your hands frequently and for at least 15-20 seconds

If You Get the Flu . . .

Stay home! Don’t put others at risk by going to work or school. Get plenty of rest and treat the symptoms. You can use many over-the-counter (OTC) medications to help treat symptoms of the flu, including Tylenol, Dimetapp, and Drixoral. For help in speeding up recover, prescription flue medication may be prescribed. These include Tamiflu and Relenza, the two most commonly recommended medications for flu treatment, but you might not need these to beat the flu, if you have boosted your immune system and take good care of yourself. If you need OTC and/or prescription flu medication, then you will want to get that medication at the most reasonable price possible. To save between 50%-90% on the cost of all your prescription medications, please visit eDrugSearch.com, where we have been working with trusted licensed online pharmacies for over seven years.

Share This Flu Season Tips Infographic

The post Essential Flu Season Tips [Infographic] to Keep Your Family Healthy appeared first on eDrugSearch Blog.

Many pregnant women suffer from chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or asthma and they have to take medication, such as Metformin, Sectral, and Alvesco, on a regular basis. They may also develop new conditions during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, an infection, or morning sickness. In addition, the dosage of medications they took previously might change as their body changes during pregnancy. There are so many factors involved that it can be very intimidating for a woman to know what medication she can and cannot safely take.

Previous FDA Drug Labeling System

Up until now, the FDA has used an outdate letter system to label prescription drugs for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The letters used in this system include A, B, C, D, and X, and according to CTV News, even the FDA admits that the system is highly misleading. The letters stand for the following:

• A – Poses no risk to the fetus
• B – Poses no risk to animals or no risk to humans even if there has been an adverse reaction in animals
• C – Inconclusive data
• D, X – Poses a risk to the fetus

However, when it comes to these ratings, there may not necessarily be less of a risk to the fetus with a level A or B drug than with a C drug. It might just be that the C drug has been studied in greater depth and more is known about it.

New FDA Drug Labelling System

The new drug labeling system will begin in the summer of 2015 and will be used immediately on all newly approved drugs. Drugs that have previously been approved will have their labelling changed over the next three to five years. The new system will not show detailed information on the pill bottles, but this information will be included on the official drug labelling that doctors are required to read before prescribing medication. It will also come as a package insert when a patient picks up medication from the pharmacy.

The information included in the new drug labelling system will contain a section that provides detailed information regarding what is and is not known about the safety of using the drug during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. News moms need says this includes details regarding the methods used to obtain the safety information and whether it was obtained studying humans or animals. The March of Dimes is also highly supportive of the new drug labeling system for pregnant women.

Due Diligence

The new FDA rules do not take effect until next year, which means you still have to do your due diligence with regards to the current labelling system. Of course, that due diligence will still be required after the rules change; it just might be a little easier to gather information. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant (or think you might be) or nursing. He or she is your first line of defense against medications that could harm your baby.

When you do need to take medication during pregnancy, while nursing, or at any other time, you will want to save as much money as possible. To save between 50%-90% on the cost of all your prescription medications, please visit eDrugSearch.com, where we have been working with trusted licensed online pharmacies for over seven years.

The post FDA Reveals New Drug Labeling for Pregnant Women appeared first on eDrugSearch Blog.

When we picture someone taking medication frequently, even on a daily basis, we often think of the elderly. We also tend to think of this age group when we think of medication adherence. However, its not just the elderly that have a problem with adherence to medication. Anyone who is taking medication for a chronic condition or illness is reliant of daily medication. This includes people who take Metformin or Amaryl for the treatment of diabetes, those who take Ridaura or Imuran to treat rheumatoid arthritis, or those who take daily Lipitor or Crestor to manage their cholesterol levels. People of any age can take these medications and any of these people can have trouble adhering to their daily regimen of taking the medication. In fact, as many as 50% of people who take medications do not take those medications as prescribed by their doctor.

Medication Adherence Definition

Medication adherence means the extent to which a patient takes his or her medication as prescribed by their doctor or healthcare provider.  This includes the patient’s compliance with the dosage, timing, and frequency of taking medication for as long as the prescription needs to be taken.

Factors Contributing to Lack of Medication Adherence

The World Health Organization published a report in 2003 that outlines five different “dimensions” that affect whether or not a person adheres to taking their medication as prescribed. These include:

1. Socio-economic-related
2. Provider/patient/health care system-related
3. Condition-related
4. Therapy-related
5. Patient-related

All of these factors overlap with each other and show that lack of medication adherence isn’t solely due to the patients themselves. Some examples of other reasons for non-medication adherence include the fact that people may not be able to afford the medication, they may not have access to good health services or health insurance plans, they may have a condition that affects their ability to take their medication, and they may have a medication regimen that is complex and difficult to follow. In addition, many patients will be dealing with more than one of these dimensions simultaneously.

How to Improve Medication Adherence

There is a great need to help people improve adherence to taking their medication because proper adherence improves the health of the patient and significantly cuts medical costs. Managed Healthcare Executive outlines six guidelines that will help patients better adhere to their medication regimen. These include:

1. Educating patients
2. Forming a connection between patients and health care providers
3. Building motivation and instilling confidence in patients
4. Ensuring that taking medication becomes a habit
5. Taking the patients’ culture into consideration
6. Making sure taking medication is a simple process

If you feel that you are having trouble adhering to your medication regimen, then talk to your doctor. You can work together to find ways for you to improve your level of medication adherence and improve your health and wellbeing.

One of the biggest stumbling blocks to adherence to medication as required is the ability to afford that medication. Finding ways to cut the cost of prescription medication is critical for many people. At eDrugSearch.com, we are here to help. We have been working with trusted licensed online pharmacies for over seven years to help patients save between 50%-90% on the cost of all their prescription medications. Visit us today and see how much we can save you!

Download Your Free Medication Adherence Schedule

The post Medication Adherence Isn’t Just About Memory appeared first on eDrugSearch Blog.

Antibiotics are prescribed on a daily basis, and when used under the right circumstances, they can help people recover from illness and even save lives, but it has been argued that they are over-prescribed. They can also have unwanted and very serious side effects that many people do not consider or realize when it comes to this type of drug.

What to Watch Out For

According to Jane Brody writing for The New York Times, the class of antibiotics that has some of the most severe side effects is also one of the most popular – fluoroquinolones. Fluoroquinolones include drugs such as the well-known Avelox, Levaquin, and Cipro. Of these, Johnson & Johnson’s Levaquin was the top-selling antibiotic in 2010, yet in the same year there were over 2000 lawsuits filed by people who experienced serious side effects from it.

The Potential Side Effects of Levaquin:

• Hallucinations
• Brain fog
• Trouble sleeping
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Phototoxicity (sensitivity to sunlight)
• Acute kidney failure
• Rashes
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Hearing issues
• Depression
• Psychotic reactions
• Retinal detachment (can cause blindness)
• Possibly permanent, nerve problems (peripheral neuropathy) even with short term use (Rare)

Research Shows…

Dr. Mercola cites research conducted by Dr. Jay Cohen in 2001 in which a whopping 91% of patients experienced symptoms related to their nervous system, such as headaches, numbness, weakness, psychosis, memory loss, dizziness, pain, tingling, and anxiety and panic. In addition, 73% of patients experienced musculoskeletal-related symptoms, such as tendonitis and rupture of the tendons, joint swelling, and weakness. Patients under 18 years of age are at higher risk for side effects, as are those over 60 years of age, pregnant and nursing women, and those who have liver disease and are currently taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids.

Overuse Fluoroquinolones

Overuse of fluoroquinolones also plays a role in their level of danger to patients. This overuse has contributed to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Clostridium difficile (C. diff). These antibiotics are supposed to be reserved for serious illness, yet are frequently prescribed for illnesses that can be treated with weaker, safer drugs or left to get better on their own or via non-medical means. These illnesses include earaches, bronchitis, and sinusitis. These drugs are also often prescribed for viral infections, which do not respond to treatment with antibiotics.

Side Effects of Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics [Video]

What Can You Do?

At some point you or a loved one is going to be prescribed an antibiotic and it is recommended to only use fluoroquinolone antibiotics as a last resort. It is important that you understand what type of infection you have. If it is viral, then you don’t need antibiotics. If you do have a bacterial infection, then ask about the drug you have been prescribed, what the potential side effects are, and if it is a fluoroquinolone, then as whether there is a safer alternative. You should also ask when you should contact the doctor if you experience unexpected side effects or do not seem to be recovering. If you do experience any adverse drug reactions please report them to the FDA by calling: 1-800-FDA-1088

When you do require antibiotics, or any other type of medication, you will want to save as much money as possible on your prescriptions. Visit eDrugSearch.com, where we have been working with trusted licensed online pharmacies for over seven years, to save between 50%-90% on the cost of all your prescription medications. Visit us today and see how much we can save you!

The post Dangerous Side Effects of Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics appeared first on eDrugSearch Blog.

Cholesterol medications are taking by millions of people every day with the goal of lowering the level of “bad” cholesterol and increasing the level of “good” cholesterol in the blood. The Mayo Clinic has also indicated that cholesterol lowering medications might decrease the level of triglycerides, which is a type of fat, in the blood. However, these cholesterol medications bring with them potential side effects and everyone who takes them should be aware of these bad side effects.

Types of Cholesterol Lowering Medications

The Mayo Clinic has broken down the types of cholesterol lowering medication into eight subgroups. These are as follows:

1. Statins, such as Lipitor and Crestor

2. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors, such as Zetia

3. Niacins, such as Niaspan

4. Fibrates, such as Tricor and Lopid

5. Bile acid binding resins, such as Questran and Colestid

6. Combination of cholesterol absorption inhibitors and statins, such as Vytorin

7. Combination of statins and niacins, such as Advicor

8. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as Lovaza

Cholesterol Lowering Medications Side Effects

The cholesterol lowering medications that have the most side effects are the statins. A total of 17% of those taking these cholesterol lowering meds have reported side effects. According to the Mayo Clinic, these side effects include nausea, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, cramps, pain, weakness, and muscle soreness. These drugs may also have a negative reaction in those who drink grapefruit juice and the Food and Drug Administration has sounded the warning that taking these drugs might increase the risk of developing Type II diabetes.

The other types of cholesterol lowering medications can also have potential side effects such as: bile acid binding resins can cause constipation, nausea, bloating, gas, and could actually increase the level of triglycerides in the blood. The cholesterol absorption inhibitors could cause stomach pain, muscle soreness, and fatigue. Fibrates could cause stomach pain, nausea, and gallstones. Niacins could cause flushing of the face and neck, peptic ulcers, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, high blood sugar, and gout. Omega-3 fatty acids could cause increased belching, risk of infection, and fishy taste.

What You Can Do

People with heart disease still need to take statins to help control their cholesterol levels, according to many doctors. However, there are other doctors who believe that a proper diet and weight loss can easily take the place of and offer the same benefits as these medications. If you are taking statins, or another type of cholesterol lowering medication, and are in doubt, then talk to your doctor. Perhaps you are a good candidate for discontinuing the medication and following the proper diet. However, never make these changes without consulting with and gaining the support of your doctor.

If you find you still need to take your cholesterol medication, then you will want to get that medication at the most reasonable price possible. To save between 50%-90% on the cost of all your cholesterol medications, please visit eDrugSearch.com, a free price-comparison engine that has been helping consumers get safe access to affordable medications for over 7 years now.

The post Cholesterol Lowering Medications Side Effects: What You Ought to Know appeared first on eDrugSearch Blog.

EMPOWER YOURSELF TO SAVE!

It’s no secret that prescription drug costs are out of control in the United States. Since 2000, drug costs have risen by an average of 10 percent every year – more than 3 times the rate of inflation during this period. Today, Americans pay more for their medications than the citizens of any developed country in the world.

The unfortunate – and sometimes tragic — results of skyrocketing drug prices include consumers forgoing needed medications because they simply can’t afford them. This is particularly evident in today’s struggling economy. The problem of high drug prices most directly affects the 65 million Americans who don’t have prescription drug insurance. But even those Americans who have insurance are seeing co-pays and coverage gaps increase dramatically – pushing many to the financial breaking point when an unexpected health catastrophe strikes.

We can’t wait for our government to bail us out of this predicament. We can’t expect our employers or insurance providers to come to our aid, either. The key to paying lower prices for your medications – prices you can afford – is to empower yourself. Become a savvy consumer. Be an opportunistic consumer and learn crucial tips to save money on your prescription drugs.

1.) Talk Openly with Your Doc

It may seem uncomfortable to disclose your personal situation to your physician. You may feel embarrassed and prefer that your personal finances remain private. But the reality is that your doctor may know of ways that you can obtain your medication without breaking your wallet. Doctors are privy to a wealth of information in the medical field that patients wouldn’t know about. Many times, physicians are thinking solely about which medication will be best for you to take and some doctors have been influenced by Big Pharma sales reps.  And unless you speak up they may just prescribe the most expensive medication on the market. If you take a breath and simply be frank and honest with your doctor, he/she really does want to help you. The fact is that only 80% of prescriptions that are prescribed actually get filled — doctors would rather prescribe something that you can afford so you will take it and get well than have you do without entirely. Your doctor may know of other alternative medications that are much less expensive or alternatives other than medication to help you. But he/she can’t help if you don’t ask.

2.) Ask for a 90-Day Supply

Just like other products that you purchase, medications are cheaper if they are purchased in larger quantities. Ask your physician if he can write your prescription for a 90-day supply rather than a 30-day supply and buy your medications in bulk. You will save in bulk on prescriptions just like any other product that you purchase.

3.) Ask for Samples at Every Visit

Every doctor’s office generally has a “sample closet”. Pharmaceutical companies will bring thousands of dollars worth of samples of all varieties of medications, especially newer medications, and give them to doctors as an incentive to prescribe their medication versus their competitor. Before you purchase a medication that won’t be effective or that your body won’t tolerate, ask your physician for samples for you to try. Also most doctors don’t mind helping you out — especially if you’ve been candid with them about your financial information.

The Critical “7 Year” Safety Tip Most People Don’t Know About

• Never use a drug until after it’s been on the market for at least 7 years. Almost all new drugs are test on a relatively small number of people before being released, and serious adverse effects and life-threatening drug interactions may NOT be detected until the new drug has been taken by hundreds of thousands of people. A large number of new drugs have been withdrawn from the market within their first seven years after their release.
• Also, new warnings about serious new adverse side effects and reactions have been added the labeling of a number of drugs, usually within the first seven years after the drug’s release date. Using this simple rule-of-thumb will help you save money and maybe even you or a loved ones life!

4.) Take Preventive Measures

Due to the massive changes in health care because of the Affordable Care Act, almost everyone can take free preventive tests that are available like, colonoscopies, mammograms and vaccines. Seniors can also take free yearly visits and health screenings through Medicare so they catch medical conditions early on when they are easier to treat. are a requirement for your insurance coverage. Doing this will help you stay healthier and decreases your need to take multiple medications.

5.) Examine Your Prescription Formulary

Your insurance covers certain medications with varying co-payments. Regularly check with your insurance coverage and compare the medications. Many medications serve the same purpose and, even though they are entirely similar in their purpose, may be on different formulary co-payment schedules. One medication may cost you five dollars as a co-payment while another may cost you seventy-five. Be informed and check the policy medication list regularly. If your physician decides to prescribe a new medication, ask him if there are other similar medications that you can check against your formulary list for price options. Most physicians are happy to do so – they want you to take your medication and stay well. If they know that money is an option, most are happy to help you determine an option that works for you. Explain to your doctor that you are asking for choices so that you can check your insurance policy – physicians are generally thrilled when patients become proactive and involved in their own health care.

6.) Shop Around and Compare Drug Prices

Medications are a consumer product and like any consumer product, each store will have its own price. Shop around various pharmacies, mail order pharmacies and other online sources and compare prices on 30-day supplies versus 90-day supplies. For online medications, eDrugSearch.com is the definitive source for freely comparing drug prices among licensed online pharmacies. Since 2006, millions of Americans have turned to eDrugSearch.com for help with prescription assistance — slashing the cost of their prescription drugs. eDrugSearch.com is an easy-to-use search engine that locates the lowest prices from various safe and licensed online pharmacies — instantly saving consumers up to 90% on their medication costs.

Safety Tips

• Whether your ordering online or from your local pharmacy its important to keep all of your prescriptions at the same pharmacy so they can insure that you don’t experience any adverse drug interactions.
• If you aren’t able to find what you need at the same pharmacy, then at least tell the different pharmacists about what other medications you take so they are aware.
• And don’t ever take a medication for the first time without discussing it with your pharmacist first. While physicians are trained as medical professionals, pharmacists are trained entirely in chemical compounds and pharmaceutical actions and reactions. Many know them by heart and can tell you what side effects to expect as well.
• Anytime you begin a new medication, be sure to track any changes in your health in a journal daily to share with the physician during your routine follow-up.

7.) Split Your Pills

In certain circumstances, you can ask your physician to prescribe your medication at twice the strength that he intends for you to take. If the actual pill is one that be split, you can take half of the pill at each dose. With the same number of pills, you can double your medication supply for the same co-payment.

8.) Ask for Generics

Generic medications can save you a fortune on your medications — usually around 80-85%. Brand-name medications are no different than brand names of any other consumer product. Many times, apothecaries will carry a generic brand of a medication that is identical in its formulation for a fraction of the cost of the brand name. Generics are no different.

9.) Clip Online Coupons

Search online for discounts, coupons and free samples of your medications — many medication manufacturers will heavily discount your first 30-day supply or can be completely cost-free. Popular prescription drug coupon sites include OptimizeRx.com and InternetDrugCoupons.com

10.) Watch Your Weight

Believe it or not, you don’t need a pill for every ill. The most important thing that you can do to maintain your health is to avoid becoming overweight. Obesity causes many different chronic diseases – heart disease, diabetes, and many others. Becoming obese puts extra strain and pressure on muscles and joints, causing aches and pains that can become chronic. By losing a few pounds, you are only helping yourself in the long run. Losing five or ten pounds will not only help you to look and feel healthier, but you will also improve cholesterol levels, blood pressure and chances of becoming diabetic.

11.) Examine Your Part D Plan

Each year, you are given an opportunity to reexamine your Medicare Part D options. During this one open enrollment time each year, take advantage of plans that may pay additionally for prescription costs. The plan may have changes that weren’t there the previous year. By comparing costs of your medical expenses and Medicare Part D premiums, you can insure that the plan you choose is the best and most economical plan for you.

12.) Get “Extra Help” Through Medicare

Many citizens who qualify for Medicare and who live in a limited budget need to check with a government program called Extra Help. This program assists many senior citizens and citizens with financial burdens with the costs of prescriptions. The maximum amount of assistance available from this program is $4,000! That’s $4,000 off of your prescriptions costs that you could spend on other necessities.

13.) Check State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs

Many states offer pharmaceutical assistance programs to low-income individuals provided by pharmaceutical companies or other similar programs. Use Medicare.gov to quickly check if there are of any prescription assistance programs in your state.

14.) Patient Assistance Program Resources

If you can’t find any programs that provide assistance or you don’t qualify for them, you still may be eligible to receive your medications at little or no cost. Virtually all of the major drug companies have patient assistance programs, although each company has different eligibility and application requirements.

• Partnership for Prescription Assistance. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) is an initiative by pharmaceutical companies to help qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get the medicines they need through the public or private program that’s right for them. The PPA Web site includes a searchable directory of drug company assistance programs.

• RxAssist. RxAssist offers a comprehensive database of patient assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies, which offer free medications to people who cannot afford to buy their medicine. The site also offers practical tools, news, and articles for healthcare professionals and patients can find the information they need. RxAssist was created by Volunteers in Health Care, a national, nonprofit resource center for health care programs working with the uninsured.

• NeedyMeds. NeedyMeds is a 501(3)(c) non-profit organization with the mission of helping people who cannot afford medicine or healthcare costs. The information at NeedyMeds is available anonymously and free of charge.

15.) Stop Adding More and More Drugs

Your physician, with the best intentions, will sometimes prescribe one medication for each ailment or condition that you suffer from. If one doesn’t work, they may add another. You may actually continue adding medications until one works. If this happens, discuss cutting some of the other medications out one at a time. However, only do this with your physician’s assistance – it is dangerous to simply stop taking certain types of medication. You have to dose down off of them.

16.) Store Your Medications Properly

Many medications need to be refrigerated in order to be effective. Others may require a dry, warm storage place. If the medications are not stored properly, they can become ineffective. The properties of the medication that make it perform as expected can become ineffective if not stored under appropriate conditions.

17.) Try Over-the-Counter Medications

There are situations where a prescription is not warranted. Discuss this with your pharmacist first, but over-the-counter medications cost a fraction of the price of the prescription. An excellent example is prescription Ibuprofen; written at a dose of 800 mg per pill, the over-the-counter Ibuprofen is the exact same medication at a lower dose. You could just take four of the 200mg Ibuprofen and save a load of money in the meantime. Compare prices between the two. Because your insurance won’t cover the cost of over-the-counter medications, it may be more cost-effective to pay the co-pay and purchase the prescription. Also due to all the direct-to-consumer (TV) advertising many of us tend to immediately ask our doctor for a prescription when we have seasonal allergies, occasional insomnia or minor heartburn. We tend to think that prescription drugs must be stronger than OTC medications– and of course we all want the strongest medicine for our condition. The truth is, in many cases OTC medications work just as well — and don’t require paying for a high-priced prescription drug and doctor’s visit.

18.) Check Out GoodRx.com for Local Prices

• GoodRx.com website. The GoodRx website provides a wide variety of assistance – financial values that are a fraction of the pharmacy price, a question/answer section, a “pill identifier” – if you find a pill and don’t know what it is, you can look it up here- and a variety of other resources. Don’t go to the pharmacy until you’ve checked with GoodRx.com first!

• GoodRx Mobile App. Access the same information from GoodRx.com by installing the mobile app onto your mobile phone or other device. You may be on the go or running errands and realize that you need to pick up a medication refill; you can quickly and easily check the price with your GoodRx.app without having to go all the way home.

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