Everybody wants to save money, particularly me. I’ve been known to squeeze a dollar so tight the eagle grins. Some folks are particularly good at saving at the grocery store through coupons. Legendary are the stories of people who have bought $100 worth of groceries with $30 and a fist full of coupons collected from the store, newspapers and online.
Well, one of the secrets in the pharmacy business is that you can save money for medicine through coupons. In order to lure more customers, some pharmaceutical companies, almost exclusively brand names, pass out coupons that will drive down the cost of your co-pay.
Some brands that immediately come to mind are Cialis for male erection, Advair for asthma and Acithex for acid reflux.
You can get these money-saving coupons at three places. First, you can sometimes pick them up at your doctor’s office. Be sure to ask on your next visit. Second, they can be found at your local pharmacy. Again, ask, and we’ll be happy to help. Finally, you can find coupons online. Either way, with the cost of drugs, you should look for every economic advantage you can find.
Q: I recently contracted a yeast infection. How likely is it that my boyfriend gave it to me?
A: It’s possible, but not necessarily the answer. While yeast infections can be sexually transmitted, they are most commonly caused by an imbalance in good and bad bacteria in your vagina. They can be caused by some medications, such as antibiotics. Yeast infections can occur at any age. It is most common during the childbearing years. Women who are pregnant or diabetic, taking antibiotics, birth control pill or steroids or who have a weakened immune system are more likely to get repeated yeast infections. Take an over-the-counter vaginal antifungal, such as Monostat or Gyne-lotrimin.
Q: Do I need to get two separate shots for the flu this year like last year?
A: No. This year’s flu shot includes vaccination against the seasonal flu and H1N1, sometimes referred to as Swine Flu. Be sure to get your shot early.
Q: My friend says she got Tamiflu online at a much cheaper price. I need to save money, but I am concerned about buying drugs over the Internet.
A: First off, Tamiflu is available by prescription only. So, a little bell should go off immediately in your head at the idea of buying a prescription drug without a prescription. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration warns that what is being presented as “generic Tamiflu” is a potentially harmful product. Tests showed the product did not contain oseltamivir, the active ingredient in Tamiflu. Instead it contains another drug that can be harmful. Stay away!
Q: I will leaving the country to visit my son in Barcelona, Spain, soon. I am concerned about traveling with my diabetes medicine. I need to carry the medicine with me, but I am afraid the syringes could be a problem?
A: As long as the medication and syringes are in their original containers, preferably with the prescription label, there shouldn’t be a problem. You may want to check with the airline to be on the safe side, but it shouldn’t be difficult. You will also want to find a way to keep your insulin refrigerated during the trip.
Q: I often hear about drugs used for one thing but also working for something else, like antacids for heartburn also being effective against itching. Is this safe to use the same drug for two different things?
A: There are many drugs that serve dual purposes, such as Benadryl, which is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for allergy relief and as a sleep aid. However, note, I said FDA approved. Drugs serving more than one purpose are constantly being studied. However, until they are approved by the FDA, they should not be used for anything other than their prescribed use. For instance, the FDA has warned about the unapproved use of quinine, an anti-malaria drug, to treat leg cramps. This unapproved use has resulted in reported blood clots.
Dr. Daphne Bernard, Pharm,D.,is a registered pharmacist in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. She is currently assistant dean at the Howard University School of Pharmacy and a member of numerous boards and associations, including the Association of Boards of Pharmacy, the District of Columbia Board of Pharmacy, the Nonprescription Medicines Academy, Rho Chi Honor Society, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, American Pharmaceutical Association and the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, Please email her at questions@askyourpharmacistrx.com.
