by: Michael Rea, PharmD Tylenol (generic name: acetaminophen) is regarded by healthcare professionals all over the world as a safe over the counter drug to use for most people. It is one of the few drugs given an “A” rating for pregnant and lactating women, is recommended for everything from aches and pains to fever, and is used in age ranges from newborns to those 100+ years old. So what could possibly make this drug dangerous? Like most medications, to much of something can be a bad thing. It is a more and more common reality, especially for those people taking painkillers. In one recent case, the end result was the loss of life. Tylenol, or acetaminophen, is one of, if not the most common drug used by society today. It is available over the counter, and is also in … Continue reading
As the debate over healthcare in the United States escalates, it is worth some time to take a look at your own medical benefits (if applicable) and analyze what it is your benefits offer you. Too often, people (both insured and uninsured) are under the impression that filling their prescription medicines will cost huge amounts of money, and don’t do so as a result. In many cases, this is false, and may actually end up costing you more down the road. Today’s prescription insurance structure is a complicated maze of different copays/coinsurance, certain drugs not being covered because they are not “preferred,” and less coverage for more money. Meanwhile, pharmacy insurance companies (othewise known as PBM’s or Pharmacy Benefit Managers) are making more money than ever by dictating what medication your doctor can prescribe you based on what medications they can get … Continue reading
