Do you become anxious just thinking about getting a prescription filled? You can decrease your monthly expenses for prescription drugs, and maybe even eliminate some of your medicines. At times it is a minor thing, and there are other times that you may have to make a bigger commitment.
The Why: Pharmacists often listen to customer complaints about how expensive medications have become. You can obtain less expensive prescription drugs in a number of ways, but you first have to ask WHY they are cheaper.
• When you see your physician, make sure you are ready. Write down any questions that you want to remember to ask. Prepare yourself with questions and bring them, which enables you not to forget.
• When you are handed those attractively packaged samples, you should ask some questions:
o Why is this medication being prescribed for me?
o Will changes to your lifestyle help to alleviate the problem? For overweight people, would weight loss prevent you from needing this medication? Should you consider a different physical fitness program?
o Can you get a generic medication that will do the same thing?
• Ask your doctor if there will be drug interactions between this medication and the ones you are already taking (you will have a list in your wallet, of course)
• Once you are sure that the new medication is necessary and you cannot get any samples, ask your doctor to prescribe a thirty day supply. This should give you enough time to see if you are experiencing any unpleasant side effects and if the medication is effective for you.
The Buy: Most people choose the most convenient pharmacy. Don’t let this be the only reason to select a pharmacist. Locate a pharmacy that you can trust; you should be comfortable asking questions — remember, it’s your health we are talking about.
• Check with the pharmacist or technician to find out if they have a regular staff or do they often have substitute pharmacists
• Find out how they determine if there are interactions with drugs, foods, and over the counter medications
• Find out if they are usually busy, or do they work at a reasonable pace
• See if they can help you reduce your medication expenses:
o If you bring them a new prescription, will they automatically give you the generic equivalent
o If there is no generic drug, will they call/fax your doctor to recommend a less expensive medication
o Will they let you know when a generic drug becomes available
o Will they tell you what a three month supply will cost compared to a one month supply
o Will they contact your doctor if you bring them an expired refill prescription
o Will they work towards resolving any problems you may have with your insurance company, and if they cannot resolve the problem, will they call your doctor to let them know
o If they use a different manufacturer, will they let you know?
You should give your pharmacist a day’s notice to fill your prescription, so drop it off or call it in the day before you want it.
This serves a few purposes:
• If the pharmacy does not have enough of your medication in stock, it gives them some time to order it
• It gives them time to resolve any problems with your insurance company
• If the pharmacy has any questions for your doctor, it gives them time to call.
Let’s focus, for a moment, on your personal responsibility. You have only one life to live, and it is your responsibility to keep your body in the best possible condition. If you need to lose weight, seek assistance. Do not conceal any depression symptoms you may be having — let your doctor know. A person should not wait for a small problem to intensify; a pharmacist or health professional would like the person to visit him in the initial stages, rather than to waiting until the problem becomes so large that treatment would prove to be costly.
Be sure to take advantage of your pharmacist’s wealth of knowledge. You should only use one pharmacy and make sure you familiarize yourself with their staff. You will find them to be more interested in your health care if you demonstrate a serious interest in your own health. Be sure to ask any questions you might have and read all of the literature. You should understand the reasons why you are taking certain medications and the expected duration of your treatment.
Ask the questions:
• At what time should you take it?
• Are you allowed to take it when you are eating?
• Is it okay to take this drug with your other medications?
• Can you cut or crush these pills?
• If you do not experience any symptoms, is it okay to stop using this medication without first discussing it with your doctor?
• What side effects have been associated with taking it?
Just like with anything else, the cheapest product is not always the best quality, but the most expensive one isn’t necessarily a great product either. Knowing your WHYs and BUYs will help you to cut your expenses for prescription drugs.