Last week, I discussed how you could save money on your prescriptions by cutting your tablets in half (see previous post for more details), now this week I have another money-saving tip.
So, you can also save money by purchasing generic brands instead of brand name medications. According to Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “ a generic drug product (generic brand) is one that is comparable to an innovator drug product (brand name) in dosage form, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use.” This means that the generic brand has the same active ingredient, as well as the same amount being absorbed into body in the same amount of time, as the innovator drug product (brand name). The only slight difference between a generic brand and the brand itself may be the inactive or non-medicinal ingredients, such as binders that make tablets or fillers for capsules etc.
The table below includes the costs of a 90-day supply of the two strengths of the popular cholesterol lowering medication, Zocor (simvastatin) and its generic brand.
| Zocor 10mg | Generic 10mg | Dollar Savings | % Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 day-supply | $192.26 | $109.53 | $82.73 | 43% |
| Zocor 20mg | Generic 20mg | Dollar Savings | % Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 day-supply | $235.55 | $133.34 | $102.21 | 43% |
So, from the table above, if your doctor prescribed you Zocor 10mg once daily for 90 days and you ask your pharmacist to dispense the generic version instead of the brand name, then your cost will be $109.53 (instead of $192.26), a significant savings of 43% ($82.73). This means an annual savings of $330.94.
| Generic 10mg | Generic 20mg (cut tablets in half) | Dollar Savings | % Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 day-supply | $109.53 | $66.67 | $42.86 | 39% |
If you also apply my last health-savings tip and ask your pharmacist to fill the generic 20mg tablet and take half of the tablet (to get 10mg) once daily, then your cost will be $66.67, an additional saving of 39% ($42.86). This means an annual savings of $171.42. Overall, by choosing a generic version and cutting your tablets in half, you will save $502.36 ($330.94+$171.42) annually!
Please consult your pharmacist if a generic version of your medication if available and if you can cut the tablets in half.
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Tags: cost savings, drug, generic, generic vs brand, medication, prescription, prices, save money
Prescription medication prices are rising. Do you have chronic medical conditions that require taking many prescription drugs? Would you like to save money on your medication expenses? If your answer is YES, then please continue reading. The following is one way that you can cut your prescription expenses in half.
Many prescription medications come in multiple strengths. But, here is a secret, many of these medications with multiple strengths cost about the same. The table below includes the costs of a 90-day supply (and costs per tablet) of the various strengths of the popular cholesterol lowering medication, Lipitor (Atorvastatin).
| Brand | Chemical Name | Strength | Costs for 90-Day Supply | Costs Per Tablet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lipitor | atorvastatin | 10mg | $168.85 | $1.88 |
| 20mg | $208.91 | $2.32 |
||
| 40mg | $223.94 | $2.49 | ||
| 80mg | $223.94 | $2.49 |
Note: Costs for 90-day supply includes $8.60 dispensing fee and are based on Canadian pharmacy prices
So, from the table above, if your doctor prescribed you Lipitor 40mg once daily for 90 days, then the cost will be $233.94 if you were to fill 40mg tablets. But, if you ask your pharmacist to fill Lipitor 80mg and take half of a tablet once daily, then your cost will be $111.97. You will still be taking 40mg per day, but with a significant savings of 50%, or $111.97 in this case. This means an annual savings of $447.88! You can put that extra money towards that special something you’ve been saving up for!
Note: There are certain medications that you cannot cut in half such as (1) capsules, (2) extended or controlled release formulations (“CD”, “XL”,”XR”, “XC”, “LA”, “CR” or “SR”) and (3) enteric coated formulations (“EC”). Please consult with your pharmacist if you can cut your medications. If possible, invest in a pill cutter that can cut your medications accurately in half.
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Tags: cost savings, cut, drugs, medication, prescription, prices, save money, savings
So, from my previous post I have discussed “natural” ways to prevent, reduce or shorten the duration of flu and cold symptoms. Now, lets get to know the common over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help alleviate cough and cold symptoms and/or shorten the duration of viral infections.
Note: you should always read the package insert or read the box for more information regarding dosing (based on age or weight) and caution remarks!
NASAL SYMPTOMS
Runny Nose & Sneezing
Antihistamine (1st generation) are commonly used to treat allergy symptoms such as itchy watery eyes, rash, sneezing and runny nose. However, these medications are also common in cold and flu products because of “drying” side effect. These medications will help dry up the nasal secretions thereby stopping your leaky faucet nose. Another beneficial side effect from these medications is the sedative effect, allowing you to get the most needed good night sleep.
The following are two common 1st generation anti-histamines:
(1) Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and (2) Chlor-Tripolon or Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine)
You should consult with your health care provider before taking these if you have the following condition(s): glaucoma, lung conditions (asthma, emphysema, bronchitis), seizures, prostate enlargement, certain heart condition and/or on certain anti-depressant medications
Common undesirable effects include drowsiness, dry mouth and constipation
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Other related products for runny nose: facial tissues
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Stuffy Nose
Decongestants, which help reduce nasal congestion or stuffy nose, are available in oral or nasal formulations. So, which formulation is better?
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: aches, Advil, Afrin, anti-virals, antihistamines, Aspirin, avian, Benadryl, Cepacol, Chlor-Trimeton, Chlor-Tripolon, Chloraseptic, cold, decongestants, Delsym, dextromethorphan, Dristan, dry cough, fever, flu, guaifenesin, headaches, lozenge, Motrin, Mucinex, oseltamivir, Otrivin, pain, rash, Relenza, runny nose, seasonal flu, sneezing, sore throats, stuffy nose, Sudafed, swine, symptoms, Tamiflu, Tylenol, watery eyes, wet cough, zanamivir
So, now we know the symptoms characterized by the common cold, seasonal flu, swine flu and avian flu from the previous posts. Now, I will discuss some simple things you can do to protect yourself from getting infected by these viruses.
(1) The best and most effective way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated!
Currently there are vaccines available for both swine (Arepanrix pH1N1 adjuvanted or non-adjuvanted) and seasonal flu (Influvac and Vaxigrip). Note: avian flu vaccine is not available commercially.
Please check whether your government offers the above vaccinations.
(2) Flu or the common cold are spread from human to human through coughing or sneezing by infected people, or by touching contaminated surfaces or objects and later touching eyes, nose and mouth. Therefore, to prevent the spread of viruses, it is important to
(i) Clean contaminated surfaces with disinfectants such as Lysol disinfectant spray or disinfecting wipes.
(ii) Clean hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand-sanitizer or hand wipes, and
(iii) Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
(3) Try to avoid contact with people exhibiting flu-like symptoms (if unavoidable wear N-95 facemasks or respirators
So what can you do when you catch the cold or flu?
Non-drug measures
(1) Get plenty of rest
(2) Drink plenty of fluids. Drink at least 8 glasses daily to help thin out phlegm or mucus.
I know sharing is caring but do not share your germs!
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: American Ginseng, andrographis, anti-viral, avian, cold, Cold-FX, echinacea, elderberry, flu, immune booster, infection, Sambucol, sambucus, shorten infection, swine, symptoms, vaccination, Vitamin C, Zinc
Lately, I’ve been asked many questions regarding the differences and similarities between the common cold, seasonal flu, swine flu and avian flu. Hopefully, the information below can shed some light.
| Virus | The Common Cold | Seasonal Flu | Swine Flu | Avian Flu (bird flu) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of virus | Most common: rhinovirus, coronovirus Less common: adenovirus and enterovirus | Influenza A, B and C | Influenza A H1N1 | Influenza A H5N1 |
| Transmission | human to human through coughing or sneezing by infected persons or from touching contaminated surfaces or objects and later touching mouth, nose and eyes | human to human through coughing or sneezing by infected persons or from touching contaminated surfaces or objects and later touching mouth, nose and eyes | human to human through coughing or sneezing by infected persons or from touching contaminated surfaces or objects and later touching mouth, nose and eyes | virus mainly spread among birds or occurs in humans who are in direct or close contact with H5N1 infected birds or contaminated surfaces However, there are cases where the virus was transmitted from human to human |
| Symptoms | Mild | Mild to Severe | Mild to Severe | Severe |
| Fever and chills | Uncommon | Common; very sudden | Common; very sudden | Common; very sudden |
| Headache | Uncommon | Common | Common | Common |
| Aches and pain | Mild | Common | Common | Common |
| Fatigue and weakness | Mild | Common | Common | Common |
| Runny | Common | Common | Common | Common |
| Stuffy nose | common | uncommon | uncommon | uncommon |
| Cough | Initially dry and then becomes wet (mucus or phlegm production) | Dry | Dry | Dry |
| Sore throat | Common | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Other symptoms | nausea, vomiting and diarrhea | nausea, vomiting and diarrhea |
Please seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- chest and/or stomach pain, wheezing, shortness of breath (difficulty breathing or fast breathing)
- fever: > 38.5C (101.3F) for more than 24 hours; or children with fever > 39C (102.2F). Don’t have a thermometer? Click here to see which digital thermometers are on sale!
- fever with rash
Tags: avian, avian flu, cold, cough, fever, flu, H1N1, H5N1, swine, swine flu, symptoms
