Health And Cure

There are times when many Americans need a cure for the all-too-common high cost of prescription drugs. The problem is that the cost of prescription drugs continues to rise in the U.S. Some patients must choose between food and medicine; others are forced to import drugs. Patients can save money on their prescription medications with these easy tips:

• Switch from your brand-name, expensive prescription drugs to low-cost alternatives. Both generic and name-brand medications must be manufactured to meet the same strict FDA requirements. Generics are time-tested to be safe and effective. Some new brands have not been marketed long enough to pass the test of time.

• Don’t be misled by free drug samples at the doctor’s office. Samples are a form of marketing. Often, you’re in for an expensive surprise when the sample runs out and you go to fill the prescription. Get the real price of your drug sample and see if there is a more reasonably priced option at www.USGenericsOnline.com.

“Consumers spend more than they have to on their prescriptions. Know your options, like generic equivalents, and you can save a lot of money,” said licensed pharmacist Mel Solochek, co-founder of USGenerics.

The company provides information on drugs that treat most major medical conditions including diabetes, arthritis and high blood pressure.

Pharmacists are often asked questions about prescription medication, such as possible side effects, dosage instructions and potential interactions. But as health care costs continue to rise, another common question is how to save money on medications.

Often, the best way to save money on a medication is to switch to a generic drug. Generics are often sold at a fraction of the cost of their brand name counterparts.

“Using a generic equivalent is the best and safest option for saving money on medications,” said Lindsey Stephens, pharmacist and director of professional services for Medicine Shoppe International, Inc. “Even if a generic equivalent isn’t available, your pharmacist can recommend a similar generic drug in the same therapeutic class as the prescribed drug, and work with your physician to make the change.”

The price difference between generic and brand name drugs often causes customers to question generics’ effectiveness. In reality, a generic drug is just as safe and effective as its brand name counterpart. To help eliminate confusion around generics, Medicine Shoppe Pharmacists are providing answers to common questions:

What is the difference between brand name drugs and their generic alternatives?

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations require that prescription and OTC generic drugs have the same active ingredients, strength and dosage form -pill, liquid or injection-as the brand name equivalent, making them equally effective. Brand name and generic drugs do differ in the fillers or additives used, which are inactive ingredients.

Why are generic drugs less expensive?

Generic drugs are less expensive because their manufacturers do not incur costs for initial research or marketing that brand name drugs incur and pass along to the consumer.

Is it safe to switch from a brand name to a generic drug?

Yes. Because generic and brand name drugs have the same makeup, it is safe to switch to a generic.

How do I find out about available generics?

Your pharmacist is a valuable resource for information regarding generic drugs, especially if you are unsure of what generic alternatives are available or have concerns about switching. Even if your doctor prescribes a brand name drug, your pharmacist can advise you of available generic alternatives and work with your doctor to make the switch.

Sedatives are drugs that depress the central Nervous System, aka the (CNS). Their are several different things which are caused by sedatives:

Calmness, Relaxation, Reduction of anxiety, Sleepiness, Slowed breathing, Sleepiness, Slurred speech, Staggering gait, Slowed breathing, Poor judgment and Slow and uncertain reflexes.

Often times Sedatives are referred to as other names other than just ‘sedatives’. Other names include the popular: Tranquilizers, sleeping pills, downers, depressants, anxiolytics, soporifics, or sedative-hypnotics.

The most common sedative that we see all the time is the common sleeping pill. Often times in the news and media we will hear of people who attempt, or accomplish committing suicide by taking an over-dose of a sedative. This is due to the fact then when high doses are taken, and the drug is abused it can cause unconsciousness and death.

It isn’t abnormal for doctors and nurses to prescribe a sedation to their patients to calm their anxiety in relation to painful or anxiety intensive practices. Sedatives in no way relieve pain, which is why in often cases they are used in association with analgesics in surgery preperation of a patient. Use of a sedative in a one time case like this will rarely lead to dependence. It is when sedatives are used consistantly over a length of time, when physical and psychological dependence can occur.

As with any drug, be careful with sedatives. Keep them out out of reach of children, and always follow the guidelines set out by your doctor, or those otherwise prescribed on the package.