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Managing your
Medication
Please
read this information all the way through.
You
know your body better than anyone else.
Keep this in mind when you meet with doctors and pharmacists. Ask them questions about your health and
medications and if you don’t understand, ask them again. Write down your questions for your Doctor
beforehand in case you feel rushed or you might forget during the visit.
Tips from
RxConnect™ on How to
find Savings and Manage your Prescription Medications
There are many
alternatives available now to assist people.
Medicare beneficiaries under a certain income have discount cards and
subsidies available to assist them.
For those that are not eligible for subsidies or publicly funded
programs options may include:
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Asking your doctor to suggest less expensive alternatives, such as generic drug
products or less expensive substitutes.
-
Asking for medicine samples.
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Asking how long you will take this medicine and explain that you want to buy
just enough and no more.
-
Shopping around. Different pharmacies can charge different prices for the same
medication.
-
Asking if you can order a long-term medication in bulk amounts to reduce the
price.
-
Asking your pharmacist if the pharmacist has any suggestions to assist you in
cutting your costs for your prescription drugs.
-
Some organizations recommend purchasing a higher dosage and pill splitting.
Speak to your physician and pharmacist about this option before you try this.
Questions to
ask:
Why
do I need this Medicine (if you aren’t sure)?
Are
there any foods or drugs I shouldn’t take with this medicine?
When
should I take this medicine?
How
long should I take this medicine?
What
can I expect when I take this Medicine?
Are
there side effects?
Remember
to Mention:
-
Any allergies you have to medicine or food.
-
Special dietary needs you may have.
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If you are using alternative medicines (plants or herbal medicines) or
over-the-counter drugs (like aspirin or cough syrups) because they may interact
with new medicine.
-
Side effects you have experience from other medicines.
Other
Suggestions:
1.
Keep a list of your
medications in a safe place (or with you) in case you need medical care.
2.
Get to know your
pharmacist. Pharmacists are experts and
can help you with your questions and concerns about your medications, including
foods or medicines that should not be taken together.
3.
Tell ALL of your physicians
about ALL of the medications you are taking including over-the-counter,
vitamins and herbal supplements to avoid side effects.
4.
Don’t Share Medicines! Never
borrow or lend medications to friends or family.
5.
Do not change the dosage or
miss a dosage before consulting with your physician or pharmacist and tell your
Doctor how you are taking the medicine – especially is its
different from the label!
6.
Use as few medications as
possible. Ask your physician or health
care provider if lifestyle changes can help, such as dietary changes and
exercise.
Medicine
Storage:
-
Store out of reach of young children
-
Follow the directions for storage on the label. Store away from moisture and sunlight or
extreme temperatures of hot and cold.
-
Discard all unused and expired medicine.
Important – Please Read if You Plan to USE the
Internet
The Internet offers many ways to cut drug costs, but you need to ensure
the Web sites you view are reputable.
Look for the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site (VIPPS) Seal of
Approval from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy at
http://www.nabp.net/
**Disclaimer**
This handout is intended to give you some options for
meeting prescription drug costs.
RxConnect™
does not endorse, promote, or administer prescription drug cost cutting
options. We connect consumers with programs. RxConnect™
encourages all persons to discuss these options with their doctor and
pharmacist.
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