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Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors
Conditions & Treatments

Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Alcohol and drug addiction is a growing problem for seniors, and it’s extremely dangerous. As we get older, our metabolisms change, and it becomes more difficult to process things. This can lead to higher intoxication levels and health complications. Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors
One of the biggest challenges with senior addiction is that its symptoms mimic those of many other conditions associated with aging, such as diabetes, dementia, and vertigo.
There’s also a commonly-held belief that fuels the fires. Many people believe that addiction is a disease for the young; seniors have long since passed the age for addiction. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors

Reasons for Senior Addiction

Each person is different, but many seniors become addicted for similar reasons. When you’ve reached senior status, loss and grief are inevitable. It can be a very lonely and isolating experience that leads some people to self-medicate.
We all know the aches and pains that seem to come naturally with aging. Whether it’s arthritis or injuries, the pain can be unbearable. When it really becomes too much to bear, many seniors turn to prescription medications. These are a completely legal and acceptable way to handle pain, but it can lead to prescription drug addiction.

How to Prevent Addiction for Seniors

Addiction can be dangerous and even deadly for seniors, so it’s important not to walk that path. And although many seniors use addiction as a way to deal with loneliness, it will only isolate you further. Here are a few tips for preventing addiction in your senior years.

  1. Keep track of your medications – It’s easy to lose track of the pills you’ve taken, even if your memory is sharp as a tack. One day blends with another, and you can’t remember whether you took your last pill this morning or yesterday morning. It happens. But if you’re taking addictive substances, this can lead you down the path of addiction. Keep your pills in a daily pill dispenser or task someone else to keep track of them for you.
  2. Take painkillers only when you really need them – If you’ve been prescribed a prescription painkiller, use it only when your pain is exceptionally high. If your pain is always exceptionally high, talk to your doctor about other pain relief options. Injections or surgery may be a better option for you.
  3. Drink alcohol sparingly – If you do drink alcohol, try to keep it as a social thing. When you drink alone, it’s easy to drink more than you should. It can also become a habit that leads to alcoholism.
  4. Learn about senior addiction – Read more about senior addiction. You can start with this article from the National Council for Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s important to get help right away. Senior addiction can be very dangerous, and every day that goes by, the problem gets worse. The conversations may not be the most comfortable, but they are extremely necessary. Start talking about addiction to everyone you think needs to hear. Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors
Trevor McDonald is a freelance writer and recovering addict & alcoholic who’s been clean and sober for over 5 years. Since his recovery began, he has enjoyed using his talent for words to help spread treatment resources, addiction awareness, and general health knowledge.

Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors

Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors
 

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Helping Seniors Avoid Medication Mistakes
Health Tips

Helping Seniors Avoid Medication Mistakes

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

Medications are a crucial part of life for most seniors, helping them stay healthy and manage chronic conditions. But for all the good they do, medications also represent a risk for older adults. Making mistakes when taking medications can lead to serious — even fatal — consequences. So, it’s important that seniors and family caregivers alike do all that they can to avoid medication mistakes. Helping Seniors Avoid Medication Mistakes
As America’s choice in non-medical home care, the team at Visiting Angels knows how important it is for seniors and their families to avoid medication mistakes. To help, we’ve listed some of the most common medication mistakes made by seniors, plus strategies that seniors and family caregivers can use to prevent these mistakes from occurring.

Common Medication Mistakes by Seniors

Medication mistakes by the elderly may be more common than you think. According to at least one study, conducted by Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the University of Massachusetts Medical School, there is one serious, life-threatening, or fatal prescription drug event each year for every 50 seniors taking medications. Of those serious drug events, over 40% are preventable.
Here are some of the most common ways those mistakes can occur:

  • One of the most common — and most serious — medication mistakes among seniors is overdosing. Overdoses are the number one cause of medication-related fatalities. They can be caused by seniors taking too much medication all at once, or build up over time because seniors take their medications too often.
  • Drug Interaction. Certain medications are dangerous when taken together, when combined with alcohol, or when combined with certain foods such as grapefruit. Seniors may forget about interactions they need to avoid. In other cases, a lack of communication between doctors/pharmacists can mean seniors aren’t aware of dangers.
  • Forgotten Doses. Forgetful seniors may fail to take their medications regularly. If medications are important — such as medications that help regulate healthy blood flow — failure to take them on schedule can be dangerous.
  • Medication Mix-Ups. Some medications look similar or carry similar names to one another, making it possible for seniors to mix up one of their medications for another. This can lead to overdose, missed dosages, or dangerous drug interactions.
  • Misread Labels. Poor eyesight can make it tough for many seniors to properly read their medication labels. As with medication mix-ups, this can easily lead to an overdose or dangerous drug interaction.

Tips for Preventing Medication Mistakes

As a caregiver for a parent or grandparent, you can play a big role in helping your loved one avoid medication errors. Here are some of the ways you can help your loved one stay safe when it comes to taking their medications:

  • Use a Pill Organizer. A pill organizer is one of the best ways to prevent medication mistakes by seniors. Family caregivers can help seniors fill their pill organizers once a week or once a month.
  • Double-Check Labels. Avoid mistakes caused by poor eyesight or reading errors by double-checking your loved one’s medication labels for proper usage.
  • Offer Helpful Reminders. Family caregivers can help seniors take their medications at the right times by offering reminders. Even if you can’t be there in person, you can give your loved one a call for a quick daily chat and medication prompt.
  • Speak with Medical Professionals. If you are able to, speak with your loved one’s doctor and/or pharmacist about any medications your loved one is taking. If you have concerns, make sure to ask detailed questions to get the answers you need.

While our professional caregivers provide only non-medical care assistance and cannot dispense medication to seniors, they can help in a variety of other ways to help keep seniors safe and secure. If you’re considering hiring an in-home caregiver for your loved one, we encourage you to contact your local Visiting Angels agency today.

Helping Seniors Avoid Medication Mistakes

Helping Seniors Avoid Medication Mistakes Helping Seniors Avoid Medication Mistakes Helping Seniors Avoid Medication Mistakes Helping Seniors Avoid Medication Mistakes Helping Seniors Avoid Medication Mistakes

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Health Insurance

How To Select A Medicare Supplement Company

by Kylie Johnson
written by Kylie Johnson

Plan Availability

Medicare supplement insurance plans are standardized by law and are named with letters. The standardization means that every company’s Plan A offers the same coverage, but not all companies sell every plan. And sometimes companies offer different plans in different states.

  • Plans by company: If you want to purchase coverage from a specific company, start by looking at the plans that company sells in your area.
  • Plans by type: If you are more concerned with the coverage provided than the company selling it, start by looking at plans and then determine which companies offer those plans in your area.
  • Plans by geography: Medigap policies are standardized in a different way in the so-called waiver states of Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Price

Maximum out-of-pocket expenses and deductibles are standardized between companies. However, the monthly price may vary greatly between companies depending on your age, where you live, discounts and medical underwriting. To make sure a plan is financially beneficial, multiply the monthly premium by 12 and add any out-of-pocket cost you may need to spend. Weigh that cost against the chance you’ll spend more than that amount on healthcare if you do not have supplement insurance.

  • Monthly premium: Monthly premiums for the same policies are not standardized the way coverage is, so consumers should get multiple quotes before enrolling in any policy.
  • Discounts: Some companies offer discounts for paying your premium in full annually, for enrolling when you’re 64 or 65 and/or for having multiple policies with the same company. Consider getting quotes from companies you already have policies with, and ask the agent if discounts exist for current customers.

Customer service

Because coverage is the same regardless of which provider you select, a company’s customer service is an important factor to consider when selecting a new Medigap provider.

  • Available hours: Look at the hours when you can reach customer service representatives by phone. Make sure the contact information and hours for customer service representatives or agents, not just sales representatives, are listed.
  • In-person availability: If you would prefer to work with someone in person, ask about local agents. Some companies let you place a request for a local agent to contact you, so you only have to submit your information and then wait to be called.
  • Existing relationships: If you already have a policy with a company you like, you may wish to talk to the agent who manages your current insurance. They may be able to tell you about special discounts.

Reputation

A company’s reputation may help you choose between insurers with similarly priced plans.

  • Financial strength: Working with a financially stable company ensures that it will be able to pay for services long into the future , even if costs rise substantially or a disaster requires the company to pay for care for hundreds or thousands of policyholders. A.M. Best, Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s are independent agencies that rate insurance companies’ financial stability. You can visit these agencies’ websites to see how they rate the financial stability of a specific company. Although many companies list a rating on their website, you can see the most reliable and recent rating on the independent agencies’ websites.
  • Years in business: The amount of time a company has been in business can indicate that they have reliable business practices and good customer service. You may also wish to compare how long a company has offered Medicare supplement insurance.
  • Recommendations: Ask friends and family members to tell you about their experiences with different insurance companies. Read online reviews to determine how the company deals with customers.

Extra features

Some companies offer additional features and benefits for policyholders. Be aware, these extra features are not a part of the insurance so they could be changed or eliminated at any time during the policy term.

  • Informational seminars: Some companies offer regular meetings and seminars to help customers understand insurance options and/or Medicare more generally. These seminars can help consumers make the best choice for their situation.
  • Informational guides: Some companies send customers free pamphlets and other informational materials. These guides give consumers some guidance so they can ask agents specific questions.
  • Healthcare perks: Some companies give customers free access to some healthcare services, like medical hotlines or preventative care discounts.

Other insurance offerings

Because companies may offer discounts for individuals who already own multiple policies with them, you may want to choose a company that sells several types of policies that interest you. A company’s other offerings may indicate how experienced they are in dealing with Medicare-related plans and/or people in your age group.

  • Auto/home insurance: Companies that have an extensive number of products for protecting your home or automobile will likely offer multiple policies that meet your needs, so a multiple-policy discount would be easy to qualify for.
  • Life insurance: Many companies that sell Medicare supplement insurance also offer life insurance policies. These companies might offer multiple policy discounts or might be accustomed to working with recent retirees.
  • Health insurance: Companies that offer health insurance may be better at helping individuals choose Medigap policies that meet their needs.

Buying periods

When is the best time to buy?

The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during the Medigap open enrollment period. The period begins on the first day of the month in which you turn 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. Buying within the enrollment window means:

  • Guaranteed issue: Insurance companies must sell you a policy.
  • Pre-Existing Coverage: Pre-existing health conditions are covered.
  • Can’t Be Charged More: Buying within the six-month window means people suffering from medical conditions can buy coverage for the same price as people without health issues.
  • Switching Medigap: You can switch Medigap policies, but you risk a penalty if you don’t switch during the open enrollment window. People switch because they want to cheaper Medigap policy, or because they need more benefits.

What if you buy outside of the enrollment period?

If you apply for Medigap coverage after your open enrollment period, there’s no guarantee that an insurance company will sell you a Medigap policy if you don’t meet the medical underwriting requirements, unless you’re eligible due to one of the situations below:

  • Disability: You’re under 65 and eligible for Medicare because of a disability or end-stage renal disease.
  • Pre-existing conditions: Coverage for the pre-existing condition can be excluded if the condition was treated or diagnosed within six months before the coverage starts under the Medigap policy. After the six-month period, the Medigap policy will cover the condition that was excluded.
  • Other insurance: If you have group health insurance through an employer or union, your Medigap open enrollment period will start when you sign up for Medicare Part B.
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MedicarePrescription Programs

6 Ways Seniors can Save on Prescription Drugs

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Prescription drug use is increasing across all groups of people. But seniors are the most like to use multiple medications at once. This phenomenon, called polypharmacy, sees some seniors saddled with ten or more prescriptions. As age increases, so does the number of pills consumed each day.

Whether or not polypharmacy is the best option medically, the financial burden is undeniable. Even with a Medicare Part D plan, prescription drugs costs stifle many seniors. This is especially true in the coverage gap, where patients are responsible for a larger percentage of drug costs. If you’re overwhelmed by the cost of medication or caring for a senior on a tight budget, try these 6 ways to save on prescription drugs.

  1. Try Generics

The average price difference between generic and brand-name drugs is between 80% and 85%. This represents a huge opportunity for cost savings, especially for people who take multiple medications.

Brand loyalty might be keeping you on a more expensive drug. But generic equivalents are subject to the same quality standards and contain the same active ingredients as brand-name medication. Unless your doctor has a specific medical reason for you a brand-name drug, ask for the generic.

  1. Switch to a Different Brand

Generic equivalents aren’t always available. But there are many different medications to treat common conditions. When your doctor prescribes something new or expensive, ask if a more economical option exists.

If you have Part D coverage, what you pay for a drug will depend on the plan’s formulary. This list puts medication in different categories and often changes from year to year. Request a copy of the formulary to help your doctor find the lowest price option for your condition.

  1. Preferred Pharmacies

If your Part D plan has preferred pharmacies, you should be using them whenever possible. They offer benefits like co-pay discounts, bulk ordering, or home delivery.

It’s especially important to shop around if you aren’t enrolled in prescription drug coverage. Prices can vary significantly between pharmacies. Call different retail chains and smaller independent stores to make sure you’re paying the lowest possible price.

 

  1. Change Medicare Plans

Enrolling in prescription drug coverage with Medicare can be overwhelming. Once you’ve selected a plan, it’s easy to stick with the status quo. But the plan that’s best for you will change as you age and your prescriptions increase.

Ask friends and family for advice or help researching new plans. You can also take advantage of resources like State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, where counselors are available to help find the right Medicare plan for you.

  1. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs

Medicare is a federal government program, but some states offer extra assistance to residents with a specific health condition or below a certain income. Check the Medicare website to see if you qualify for one of these programs.

  1. RxConnected Online Pharmacy

What if you take an expensive drug that isn’t covered by your Part D plan, or pay high out-of-pocket costs in the coverage gap? RxConnected.comis a Canadian prescription referral service that helps patients in the U.S. purchase lower-priced maintenance medications from licensed pharmacies in Canada and around the world. All you need is a valid prescription from your doctor. Placing an order online or over the phone is easy, and medication is delivered right to your door.

Ready to spend less money on prescriptions and less time at the pharmacy? Visit RxConnected.comto compare prices and find out just how much you could be saving.

Author Bio:

Katharine is a creative content writer who loves to tell stories. When she’s not busy writing, Katharine spends time hiking, cycling, and exploring beautiful British Columbia.

 

 

 

 

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Comparing Retail and Mail Order Pharmacies
Prescription Programs

Comparing Retail and Mail Order Pharmacies

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Wondering whether to make a switch to mail order for your elder’s medications? Wishing you knew if there was really a difference? Do you like ordering things online? Or, do you prefer the personal touch? Comparing Retail and Mail Order Pharmacies
Well, here are some basic tidbits that can help you evaluate which system works best for you and your elders. Sometimes it works best to use both! Comparing Retail and Mail Order Pharmacies

Retail Pharmacies

Pros –

  • Local store, usually convenient to you and/or your elders
  • Fast turnaround
  • Consultations with pharmacists are easy
  • Many offer compounding (custom Rx blending/preparation)
  • You can pick up over-the-counter (OTC) items at the same time (such as aspirin, bandages, pain relievers, vitamins, etc.)
  • Can get refill reminders via text or phone
  • Established relationships with known contacts
  • Flexibility to change orders and pick up times
  • Can purchase durable medical equipment at many retail pharmacies

Cons –

  • Provide only 30-day supply, usually
  • Can be more expensive
  • Refills and orders are not usually automatic
  • Requires a personal visit to pick up medications

Mail Order Pharmacies

Pros –

  • Provide a 90-day supply, usually
  • Can usually get a 90-day Rx for the same price or less than a 30-day Rx from a retail pharmacy
  • Often are much less expensive on a pill-to-pill comparison
  • Convenient online refills/reorders
  • Can get refill reminders via email or phone

Cons –

  • Orders are processed online or via call centers
  • Often more difficult or impossible to get compounded Rx orders filled
  • Much less flexible. Once order is made, that’s it.
  • Long wait time, usually 7-10 days to ship
  • Can get shipping errors, sometimes frequently. Especially if billing and shipping addresses are different.
  • Can’t usually order OTC items
  • Consultations with pharmacists are much more difficult to get than with retail pharmacies
  • Not local

Both options have their advantages. I personally like to use the retail pharmacies for short-term or specialty prescriptions and mail order for maintenance meds. As with almost everything, it pays to do your homework. Check out pricing for your elder’s medications at both types of pharmacies and compare timing of orders as well. The right answer for your family will be at the corner where right price meets good fit.
Author Suzanne Blankenship
Comparing Retail and Mail Order Pharmacies Comparing Retail and Mail Order Pharmacies Comparing Retail and Mail Order Pharmacies Comparing Retail and Mail Order Pharmacies Comparing Retail and Mail Order Pharmacies

Comparing Retail and Mail Order Pharmacies

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Prescription Drugs and Seniors
Prescription Programs

Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug Problems

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, there are over 33 million people in the U.S. who care for an aging relative or friend. Caregivers need to be aware that drug errors can happen and may be serious, but often are preventable. Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug Problems
The problem stems largely from the multiple drugs seniors are prescribed and the complex network of physicians and pharmacists caring for them. According to Medco Health Solutions, Inc., the average senior takes nine prescription medications a year. One in four seniors sees four or more different physicians and uses three or more different pharmacies.
To help prevent errors:

  • Make and take a medication list including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, any vitamins or herbal supplements and present it to the doctor and pharmacist.
  • Understand how medications should be administered, possible side effects and how to recognize if they occur. Changes such as poor eyesight, hearing trouble or decreased endurance may indicate an adverse reaction to a medication.
  • Ask any specialist the patient sees to send a full medical report, including drugs prescribed, to the patient’s primary care doctor.
  • Consider pre-packing your medications together to avoid errors

Seniors now also have to decide about the new Medicare Part D prescription drug program. It provides much-needed relief for many seniors with little or no drug coverage but may require research to determine which plan is best.
Consider the following:

  • Weighing Medication Costs: Seniors currently on medications should determine if the plan covers their drugs and at what cost. They should also consider the cost of generics since they may be substantially lower. In addition, under some plans the deductible is waived for generic drugs.
  • Access to Pharmacies: Each plan has its own pharmacy network. If several months of the year are spent in another state, a national plan may be best. Some plans include a mail-order prescription service.
  • Patient Safety: A plan that includes a drug utilization review (DUR) program that identifies potential errors provides an important safety net.

Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug Problems Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug Problems Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug Problems Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug Problems Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug Problems Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug Problems Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug Problems Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug Problems

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Prescription Programs

Are Pills The Best Way To Take Medication

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Are Pills The Best Way To Take Medication

Are Pills The Best Way To Take MedicationPeople take medications expecting fast pain relief. If you’re swallowing pills, however, you might have to endure a longer wait.
Medications designed to work immediately don’t come in pill form. Take the epipen. Epipens are meant to stem severe allergic reactions, which can progress rapidly. The medication comes in the form of an injection, so someone entering anaphylactic shock can shoot the drug epinephrine directly into their bloodstream, leading to the fastest possible relief.
On the other hand, when you take a pill, the medication has to go through your esophagus and stomach, dissolve somewhere in your intestines, move through your intestinal wall into the bloodstream, get processed by the liver, and them move to the area where it’s needed. The process can take up to 20 minutes – and then you have to wait for the medication to actually start working.
It’s not an easy trip. The pill’s active ingredients have to survive the hostile conditions of the gastrointestinal tract before they can enter the bloodstream and get to work. In addition, organs like the liver and kidneys may filter some of the medication out of your body. The liver may also break down or change some of the compounds in the pill in a process called “first pass metabolism.”
Injections skip all those steps, but not everyone wants to give themselves shots. This is where sublingual medications, which are delivered under the tongue, come in. The membranes under the tongue readily absorb medications, which then enter the bloodstream without traveling through the gastrointestinal tract.
For example, Lipigesic M, an all-natural, nonprescription migraine medication, uses a sublingual delivery system to speed its active ingredient into the bloodstream, so it can quickly reduce the inflammation that causes migraine pain.
Feverfew has been used to treat migraines for centuries, but most people take it as a daily supplement. In that form, it’s not always effective, because the digestion process leaves less feverfew to be absorbed. In using a sublingual system, Lipigesic M uses a smaller amount of the active ingredient more effectively, allowing migraine sufferers to get back to their lives as soon as possible.

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Prescription Drugs
Health Tips

Buying Drugs Online Safely

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Buying Drugs Online Safely

Prescription DrugsConsumers have lots of choices for buying prescription drugs these days. But beware – counterfeit drugs are on the rise. You might throw your money away on ineffective drugs, or even worse, you could be harmed by taking drugs that aren’t what they pretend to be. Buying Drugs Online Safely

  • Don’t buy from an online seller that doesn’t require a prescription. It’s against the law to sell prescription drugs to people who don’t have prescriptions for them. Reputable online drug sellers verify each prescription they receive before filling the order. Always talk to your doctor before taking any prescription drugs.
  • If you don’t already have a prescription, don’t deal with a Web site that will provide one based on an online questionnaire, without an in-person physical exam. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Medical Association, if you get a prescription without a physical exam, you could receive a drug that is inappropriate, or even dangerous because of a condition that you might not realize you have. Your doctor will also have a record of any other drugs you are taking and can make sure any new drug you take will not dangerously interact with the drugs you are already taking.
  • Don’t buy from a site that advertises “miracle drugs” for a new cure for a serious disease. These drugs are not usually approved by the FDA and could be dangerous or not effective. Other danger signs include claims for a “new cure” for a serious disease, or use of impressive sounding terminology to disguise a lack of good science.
  • Make sure a licensed pharmacist is available to answer your questions. Whether you’re buying prescription drugs online, through the mail, by telephone, or in person, reputable sellers should have pharmacists available to answer questions.
  • Beware of online pharmacies that don’t list an address or toll-free phone number to contact in case of a problem. They may be deliberately attempting to make it harder to track them down.
  • Avoid Web sites that only sell a limited number of medications, especially “lifestyle” medications that treat obesity, impotence, herpes, pain and acne. Such Websites are designed to attract consumers who have privacy concerns and wish to avoid an in-person doctor’s visit. The Websites are more likely to sell prescription drugs without legitimate prescriptions.
  • When you buy medications online, make sure the seller is properly licensed.Check with your state board of pharmacy or the National Association of Boards Pharmacy at www.nabp.net or call 847-391-4406. These sources can tell you if the online seller is licensed. You should check the state board of pharmacy where the online seller is located, and your own state board of pharmacy. Some sites display a seal, such as the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s VIPPS seal, as proof that the site has met state and federal requirements. Dealing with pharmacies that display the VIPPS seal, or other similar certification seals, gives you more confidence that they and the products they sell are legitimate. See a list of VIPPS-accredited pharmacies.
  • If you suspect you have bought a counterfeit drug online, report it. Notify the online drug seller. You should also report your suspicions about counterfeit drugs bought online to the FDA. Use the online reporting form or call the FDA’s Medwatch program at 1-800-332-1088. In addition, ask your doctor for medical advice if you believe you have taken a counterfeit drug.
  • If you believe an online drug seller is selling prescription drugs without a license, without prescriptions, or in violation of other laws, report it. Use the FDA’s online reporting form or call the FDA’s Medwatch program at 1-800-332-1088. You should also report a suspicious site to your local state board of pharmacy, or the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy using their Report a Suspicious Internet Pharmacy Site form.
  • Be a well-informed consumer. The FDA has tips about buying drugs online. There is also information from the FDA about counterfeit drugs.
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Prescription Programs

More Americans Choosing Generic Drugs

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

shutterstock_167991929 (2)More Americans Choosing Generic Drugs
Have you ever gone to fill a prescription and the pharmacist asks if you’d like the generic version of the medication, perhaps reminding you that it is at a considerable cost savings over the brand-named drug? Or you’re told that your insurance will only cover the generic equivalent of what your doctor has prescribed?More Americans Choosing Generic Drugs
The first time this happens, you undoubtedly have many questions: Is there a difference between branded and generic medicines? Will the generic be just as safe and effective? Do insurance companies prefer generics? If you have, you’re not alone in asking these questions.
-It’s no secret that the rising costs of health care services and medications have been affecting millions of Americans – indeed, our economy – and will undoubtedly continue to do so in the future. However, generic alternatives have proven to be a critical factor in slowing down national health care spending. In fact, generic drug use has saved America’s health care system approximately $1.07 trillion over the past decade, with $192.8 billion in savings achieved in 2011 alone, according to a 2012 study by the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics.
However, while consumers recognize the cost advantage of generic drugs, they are reminded, from time to time, of the question of quality and efficacy of generic medications versus name-brand equivalents. Consumers should know that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the federal agency responsible for protecting and promoting public health, requires that generic drugs must be identical or “bioequivalent” to brand name drugs in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use.
“The U.S. FDA tests generic medicines just as rigorously as their branded counterparts,” explains Venkat Krishnan, senior vice president and regional director at Ranbaxy Inc. “Generic drugs must meet rigid qualifying criteria before they can be made available to the general public. At Ranbaxy, we have stringent protocols in place to ensure that our products are both safe and effective, and we stand behind that, focused on our philosophy of ‘Quality and Patients First.'”
People are choosing generics in increasing numbers, out of economic necessity and because they are increasingly better informed.Of the 4 billion prescriptions written in 2011, nearly 80 percent were dispensed using generic versions of their brand name counterpart. With generics, consumers have the option of paying a price that is as much as 85 percent lower than name-brand drugs.

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