Archive for the ‘Drug Prescription Savings’ Category

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Negative Calorie Counts Essential for Weight Loss

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

Many of us watch the television show “The Biggest Loser” each week, and see an amazing transformation of people losing 100+  pounds over just a few months. We see them working out like crazy, but don’t see quite as much about how they eat.  I heard one of the Biggest Loser Trainers on a local radio show recently talking about this subject, and about the strict diet they keep in the house.

Concurrently, new statistics from the U.S. government out this week state 34% of American adults age 20 and up are obese.  68% of the same population are overweight. And whats worse, is that this number is seen as “relatively good news” in relation to past trends according the the director of the CDC’s division of nutrition, William Dietz.  No matter what the trend numbers might say, its clearly an issue in American society, and a fixable one at that.

When attacking the issue of obesity, it is important to keep in mind just one equation.  Burn more calories than you take in, and you’ll have a negative calorie count, allowing you to shed those extra and unwanted pounds.

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
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704362004575000991306918812.html?mod=wsj_share_twitter

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Oral Hypoglycemic shopping tips for Type 2 Diabetics

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

In 2007, it is estimated by the NIH (National Institute of Health) that 23.6 million people, or 7.8% of the population had diabetes!  Roughly 25% of these people didn’t know they had it at the time, and the majority were Type-2 diabetics.  In all, diabetes cost the nation as a whole a total of $174 billion in 2007. A portion of this cost comes from the diabetes medications many of us take every day.  In a reaction this large market, pharmaceutical companies  have new medication therapies hitting the market routinely, trying to get in on the action.  But are the newer, more costly drugs any better than the old?

There are several factors involved in making a medication choice to treat type-2 diabetes.  A discussion with your doctor is always best in deciding, but having done your research can aid in this process being less costly experience.  It is important to consider the following factors (along with cost of course): safety, efficacy, and adverse reactions or side effects. Taking your medication each day is essential to it doing any good, so be sure to take the time and work with your doctor to choose the best therapy for you.  You can find more pricing information for several of these common and cost effective generic options on the Rx Savings Solutions Medication List, or at Consumer Reports.

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Maalox name confusion brings a growing consumer concern to light

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

As most of you probably read or heard about in the news, this past Wednesday the FDA warned consumers about a potential mix-up in buying Maalox products and treating different medical conditions.  This may seem a little hard to believe, but it happens more and more leaving consumers compromised and subject to serious side effects by brands trying to capture more of the Over The Counter market.

As a pharmacist, I routinely see people who come in to the pharmacy asking for a particular brand name product like Excedrin, Alka-Seltzer, or Robitussin.   When they get to the aisle to find these medications, more than 10 or 12 different products all using the same brand name may be waiting for them.  At this point, they make one of two choices:  to either come ask the pharmacist for more information, or self select and leave the store.  Once companies establish their brand name, they try to capture as much of the market as they can.  And although this may be good business practice in regards to making money, its not always so good for a persons health.

The key to making this selection is looking at the active ingredients, preferably with a pharmacists help if available.  By examining the array of products all using the same brand name more closely, you’re more likely to treat the symptoms you actually have, and not put yourself at risk for an adverse reaction.

When in doubt, ask a pharmacist!  We all took an oath to help people, and most of us really enjoy doing so!

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Heart Attack, do you know the warning signs?

Sunday, February 14th, 2010

Thousands of people witness or experience first hand the symptoms of a heart attack, but most people can’t recognize some of the most common symptoms, according to the AHA (American Heart Association).  Chances are, you’ve seen a television show or movie where a character suddenly experiences severe chest pains, and is clearly having a heart attack.  Real life isn’t always so simple!  This week, as part of American Heart Month, we want to recap some of the signs of a heart attack and suggest a quiz from the AHA.

Here are some signs and resources for recognizing a heart attack from the American Heart Association:
-Chest discomfort.  The pain can come and go, or last continuously.
-Discomfort in other areas of the body.  Discomfort or pain areas are both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
-Shortness of breath.  This can occur with or without any of the symptoms listed above.  It can result in sweating, nausea and lightheadedness.

Heart attacks can happen quickly, but can also start off slow.  The faster you can get treatment, the better the outcome.  Recognition is key!  Take the quiz below to see if you know all you need to, or visit the American Heart Association.

Heart Quiz

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BPH costing you an arm and a leg?

Sunday, 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

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Avoid “Free” Samples from your Doctor

Sunday, 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.

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Eating Slower helps People Lose Weight, Live Longer

Sunday, 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

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Nexium keeps its stranglehold on the Heartburn Market

Sunday, 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.

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The Hearing Aid Stigma

Sunday, 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

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A Few Tips for a Healthy, Happy You in 2010!

Sunday, 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!

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