February 7th, 2010
For hundreds, if not thousands of years, humans have been using herbal remedies to treat the sick. Their use was once the only chemical option available to treat various disease states, and in some cultures is still viewed with high regard today. And although some of these herbal medications do have positive effects, in many cases the risk isn’t worth the benefit!
According to a study done by the Mayo Clinic, more than 15 million Americans use herbal remedies or high-dose vitamins. Many use them because they think “natural” means safer. On the contrary, these herbal medications don’t go through the testing by the FDA to meet safety and efficacy standards. Along with that, the potential for interactions between herbal medications and prescriptions can have catastrophic outcomes. According to Dr. Arshad Jahangir, M.D. at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ, “We can see the effect of some of these herb-drug interactions — some of which can be life-threatening — on tests for blood clotting, liver enzymes and, with some medications, on electrocardiogram.”
If you use, or are considering using herbal medications, talk with your Doctor or Pharmacist. Be sure they have a list of all of the medications and disease states related to your health to help you make a best decision about usage and avoid any serious complications. As always, feel free to contact one of the Pharmacists at Rx Savings Solutions for help on medication matters.
Tags: herbal drug interactions, herbal medication risks, herbal medications, herbal remedies, herbal risks, mayo clinic
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January 31st, 2010
For millions of Men the world over, BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) more commonly known as an enlarged prostate gland that inhibits normal urine flow is a nagging symptom that typically progresses with age. Its not enough that it decreases quality of life, but it can also decrease the amount of cash in your wallet. And in some cases, we’re talking hundreds of dollars a month if you’re using drugs like Avodart or Flomax!
Luckily, there are several cheaper options like doxazosin or finasteride you can try before resorting to these high dollar items. These items can usually be obtained for less then $10.00/mo. and in many studies are equally effective to their Brand Name competitors. For more information talk with your doctor, or ask one of our Board Certified Pharmacists for more information.
http://www.rx-savings-solutions.com/?contact
Tags: avodart, BPH, cheaper options, cost saving, doxazosin, finasteride, flomax, high dollar items, quality of life
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January 24th, 2010
Avoiding anything Free in our society might seem like a crazy idea. But is anything really “Free”? More likely, its at no direct cost to you! Let’s take a look at a familiar scenario:
A patient (maybe you) goes in to their primary care physician for a yearly physical. While there, they find that you have a slightly abnormal condition that is easily treated with a prescription medication. Instead of sending you out the door to the pharmacy, the doctor briefly leaves the room and returns with “Free Samples” that you can try for the next 2 weeks or a month. Sounds great, no cost to you, right?! Not so fast!
If a doctor was doling out free samples, you can bet they came from a drug representative or salesman. And that salesman was betting the doctor would prescribe that particular medication after his patients free samples ran out. So, after a month your free samples have run out, and you return to the doctor again. This time your slightly abnormal condition has been treated with the help of the medication you received. The doctor tells you the drug is working well, and you’re off to the pharmacy. When you get there, the financial nightmare begins! Instead of costing $5.00, $10.00, or even $15.00, you’re hit with a $30.00 or $50.00 a month copay assuming you’re one of the lucky people with insurance. Now, you’re looking at paying upwards of $600.00 a year for the medication that was “Free” last month.
Chances are, there’s probably a solution a whole lot cheaper than the one given by your doctor! Our monthly services help identify these inefficiencies and get you back on your financial track! One of our Board Certified Pharmacists will personally review your information, and make cost saving recommendations with your pocketbook in mind, not the drug companies, pharmacies, or doctors. For more information, click the following link: http://www.rx-savings-solutions.com/?yourprescription.
Tags: cost saving, drug companies, drug samples, free samples, insurance copays, pharmacy cost saving
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January 17th, 2010
As Americans continue to struggle with an obesity problem, a new study out in January states that overeating is now a bigger health risk than smoking tobacco. The study focuses on the speed in which one eats, and concludes that people who are overweight eat faster and consume more calories than those who do not.
For most of us, we’ve all experienced a time when we’ve had a big meal in a relaxing environment where there was still some food on the plate. Typically, we would have finished it, but because we took our time with conversation and enjoyment of the moment, we felt “full” and couldn’t finish. Thats not such a bad thing, and can actually be great for our health and weight. Although exercise is extremely important, equally as important is the amount of calories we put in to our body.
Eating slower is tough in the fast paced life for many Americans, but can go a long way in helping to shed or keep off those extra pounds. It all comes down to the simple formula, calories in minus calories out. Try to take a little more time to enjoy your food at each meal and keep a few of those unwanted calories out of your diet.
A couple of good articles that go along with these follow.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/12/04/fn.beck.griggs/index.html
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/health/2010/01/weight-loss-slower-eating-helps-with-weight-loss-children-and-obesity-mandometer.html
Tags: American obesity, biggest loser weight loss, consumer report, eating right in 2010, eating slowly, negative calorie count, obese USA, obesity health risk, positive effects of eating slowly, weight loss
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January 10th, 2010
On Friday, January 8th, 2010 Astra Zeneca, the maker of the heartburn medication Nexium signed a deal with generic drug makers to stop the production and release of a generic version. In simpler terms, Astra Zeneca paid generic drug manufacturer Teva to not produce a generic form for Nexium. Although its not reported how much the deal was worth, it is likely a hefty figure. In 2008, Nexium had almost $5 billion in revenue!
As we reported several weeks back, there are other more cost efficient options for as little as $20/mo. To view that article follow this link.
To view the original article explaining this deal between Astra Zeneca and Teva, click the link to the Consumer Reports site.
For coupons from Astra Zeneca for those of you that can only seem to get relief from the Purple Pill, follow this link to the Purple Pill Savings Card.
Tags: Astra Zeneca, consumer reports nexium, cost saving options for nexium, generic drug manufacturer, generic drug options, Nexium, nexium options, Nexium Savings, Omeprazole, Teva
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January 3rd, 2010
Do you find yourself asking others to repeat themselves often? Or, do you have a family member who often asks you to repeat him or herself? If so, it could be time to have that unpleasant conversation about hearing aids with a friend or loved one!
Hearing aids are more than just sound amplification tools used to help one understand an audible message, they are devices that can truly increase the quality of life. This quality of life reaches far beyond that of just the user, and improves it for those around the user especially for a spouse, co-workers, or kids. So why is it that more people don’t use these devices, especially baby boomers? It has to do with a combination of acceptance that our ears aren’t as good as they once were, money, and most importantly the social stigma of showing a sign of imperfection. The same could be said for people who wear glasses, braces, or even a joint brace although these are more common and therefore more accepted.
If you’re ready to tackle this issue and help yourself or someone around you, read this guide from Consumer Reports at the address below. It has several articles, checklists, and buying guides to help you make the right choice about picking a hearing device best suited for you or your loved one.
Click below to view the Consumer Reports Hearing aid guide and resources.
http://www.consumerreports.org/health/healthy-living/home-medical-supplies/hearing/hearing-aids/overview/hearing-aids-ov.htm?EXTKEY=HNAA6N9C
Tags: hearing aid, hearing aid buying guide, hearing aid cost, hearing aid solutions, hearing aid stigma, hearing issues, hearing problems, hearing quality of life, hearing solutions, social stigma of hearing aids, trouble hearing
Posted in Drug Prescription Savings, January 2010 | No Comments »
December 27th, 2009
Its that time of the year once again! The holidays are finishing up and grand plans for 2010 are forming. So now that the big gatherings with lots of less than healthy, high calorie food are drawing to an end, lets look at our top five tips to make 2010 your best year yet!
1. Exercise regularly! Regular exercise can have many benefits. Some are cosmetic while others are physical. Although different outcomes motivate people, the important thing is that you develop a plan and stick to it! If you don’t exercise regularly, start slow. If you do, increase your cardio workout a few minutes each day. Slow and steady wins this race!
2. Get plenty of rest! Rest is essential for your body to rejuvenate itself, and keep your immune system strong. During the winter months when cold and flu are more prevalent, this is especially important.
3. If you smoke, this is your year to stop! If you know someone who does, help them! This is often a difficult subject for most smokers, as most want to stop but struggle to do so. With the release of several new medications over the past years, there are more products than ever before available. If you choose to quit in 2010, be sure to contact one of the professionals at Rx Savings Solutions to be sure you get the best possible pricing! You’ll feel better, live longer, and save money both in the short and long term!
4. Eat right. Don’t focus on what you can’t eat, focus on what you can. Let yourself indulge, but don’t let it become gluttonous. Diets fail regularly because people feel restricted. They don’t want to have rules. Develop a diet (or see a dietitian to help) you know you will be happy with.
5. Drink plenty of water. Each day, most Americans drink a large amount of various beverages but most of them are not water! With all of the sugar filled sodas, fancy coffees, and energy drinks we find ourselves with many choices. Try to make that choice water more often. You’ll detoxify your body, stay hydrated, and eat less.
We are Rx Savings Solutions wish you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year!
Tags: 2010 health, 2010 health tips, cold and flu, drink plenty of water, eat right, new years health, new years health resolutions, new years health tips, quit smoking, regular excercise, smoking cessation help, strong immune system
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December 20th, 2009
For many years the idea of allowing prescription medications to be imported from other countries has been in the news as a potential solution to the ever increasing costs for American consumers. As the push for healthcare reform takes center stage over the next few weeks, it may resurface and be presented as a solution once again. But there is more than meets the eye in this debate! Lets take a look at a couple of considerations.
Many people often wonder why the same prescription drug sold in many foreign countries can be so much cheaper than it is when bought in the United States. There are a few reasons, but the major reason is due to the process it must go through in the U.S. to get approval by the Food and Drug Administration. To quickly many consumers give this a bad rap, charging an increase in costs for the same product. But the safety measures the FDA takes are in many ways invaluable! Afterall, your safety and the safety of loved ones is what ultimatley matters.
When you go to the pharmacy, you have access not only to medications but to healthcare professionals who are trained very well to help guide you. At Rx Savings Solutions, we believe there are many ways to reduce your prescription drug costs, but importation of non-regulated medications is not one of them! This country is blessed with many resources, and our healthcare system ranks high on the list. And although it is far from perfect, outsourcing isn’t the answer. Let the team at Rx Savings Solutions help you reduce medication costs without compromising your health!
Tags: healthcare professionals, healthcare system, prescription drug bill, prescription drug importation, prescription medication importation, reduce medication costs, Rx Savings Solutions
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December 13th, 2009
There are many factors partly responsible for patient non-adherence to their prescription drug therapy. A few of the big ones include rationing of both medication and money, lost medication, and just plain forgetfulness. In a recent study by Boehringer Ingelheim, medication non-adherence accounts for 125,000 deaths and more than $100 billion in additional healthcare spending annually. These are dangerous numbers, and ones that are 100% avoidable if you do your part!
The medications you are given each month can do wonders to your health, but only if you take them as directed. For many people, this is easier said than done. Each month millions of Americans make tough financial choices, many directly related to their health. A few all to familiar examples we see include Medicare Part-D patients falling into the doughnut hole or coverage gap, a lost medication by a patient who’s insurance won’t cover a missing supply leaving the individual to foot the bill, and a loss in income of a family who’s forced to make tough choices related to everyday needs. The major financial problems, however, usually arise a short period of time after the medications were not taken properly or at all and result in hospitalization. This is where the $100 billion in unneeded spending and 125,000 deaths annually come from, and can devastate families.
To combat this problem, we at Rx Savings Solutions recommend more cost effective solutions that don’t compromise health or safety from the start. When this is done, patients are happier, healthier, and not financially burdened. If you’d like more information on more cost effective choices, talk with your doctor about using the medication list on the Rx Savings Solutions website, or contact one of the Rx Savings Solutions professionals today!
Tags: cost effective choices, coverage gap, doughnut hole, drug compliance, non-compliance, prescription drug compliance, prescription drug therapy
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December 6th, 2009
It’s that time of year again, the holiday season is upon us and there is much to do. If you’re over age 65 or know someone who is, remember that it is also that time of year to pick a Medicare Part-D Plan for your prescription drug benefits for 2010!
Picking a plan is complex process, with considerations including monthly premiums, brand and generic copayments, and protecting against falling in to the dreaded coverage gap, otherwise known as the doughnut hole. In 2007, 25% of people enrolled in Medicare Part-D plans fell into the doughnut hole and were responsible for 100% of the money for their prescription drugs out of pocket. This amount in 2010 could be as much as $4,550! Coupled with this are insurance ads and sales pitches from brokers that can further cloud the picture. Instead, try using the Medicare Part D Plan Finder. Or, you can call 1-800-633-4227 for assistance over the telephone. These non-biased government resources give you the best chance to pick a plan that fits your needs, and keeps you from being sold something you don’t need.
A few things to remember for picking your prescription drug plan:
1. Use non-biased tools and resources to help pick your prescription plan and lower your out of pocket spending. This can include government resources as well as third party resources who don’t have a vested interest in your choices, like Rx Savings Solutions.
2. $4,550 is the amount you could be responsible for out of pocket if you hit the coverage gap or doughnut hole. This happens after the $2,830 of initial coverage shared between you and your prescription drug plan is exhausted.
3. Avoiding the doughnut hole by lowering your prescription costs at the begining of the year is a good way to start. Talk with your doctor about using our prescription drug list for cost savings on some of your brand name medications. Or, employ the Rx Savings Solutions team to make the suggestions for you, and find you the lowest prices on all of your prescription medications!
Remember to take some extra time to do the research and choose wisely now! You’ll be happy you did!
Tags: coverage gap, doughnut hole, generic medication list, lowest prices, Medicare Part D, medicare part d doughnut hole, Medicare Part D Plan Finder, non-biased resources, out of pocket spending
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