Comments on: An Expert Tip for Saving on Prescription Drugs http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/ personal finance that makes cents Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:12:18 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Carrie Valentin http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-143892 Carrie Valentin Mon, 11 Aug 2008 06:16:13 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-143892 i just left a post asking if it was legal to oder from foreign sources...I guess it is but I looked at the FDA.gov website and ran across the following. "FDA Test Results of Prescription Drugs from Bogus Canadian Website Show All Products Are Fake and Substandard" here is the address for this article: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2004/NEW01087.html "Caveat Imptor" is the phrase of the day I guess..."Buyer Beware" i just left a post asking if it was legal to oder from foreign sources…I guess it is but I looked at the FDA.gov website and ran across the following. “FDA Test Results of Prescription Drugs from Bogus Canadian Website Show All Products Are Fake and Substandard” here is the address for this article: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2004/NEW01087.html
“Caveat Imptor” is the phrase of the day I guess…”Buyer Beware”

]]> By: Carrie Valentin http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-143891 Carrie Valentin Mon, 11 Aug 2008 06:02:45 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-143891 I thought it was illegal for Americans to buy pharmaceuticals from Canada?...Can't the post office seize the packages? I thought it was illegal for Americans to buy pharmaceuticals from Canada?…Can’t the post office seize the packages?

]]> By: Lily http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99780 Lily Tue, 09 Oct 2007 19:36:28 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99780 I found a discount card that has GREAT savings on older drugs. It's at www.rxdrugcard.com. You can check drug prices on the website before you sign up. The monthly membership fee for a family is only $4.95. Check it out! I found a discount card that has GREAT savings on older drugs. It’s at http://www.rxdrugcard.com. You can check drug prices on the website before you sign up. The monthly membership fee for a family is only $4.95. Check it out!

]]> By: Lisa Braithwaite http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99667 Lisa Braithwaite Mon, 08 Oct 2007 16:30:12 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99667 One of my doctors suggested I check the prescription prices on Canadian Pharmacy Online: http://www.rxnorth.com/, because many of them are lower than a typical co-pay. And for meds that aren't covered by my insurance, the savings can be quite large. I haven't used it yet, but once hubby and I are both self-employed, this might be another good option to add to the ones mentioned above. One of my doctors suggested I check the prescription prices on Canadian Pharmacy Online: http://www.rxnorth.com/, because many of them are lower than a typical co-pay. And for meds that aren’t covered by my insurance, the savings can be quite large. I haven’t used it yet, but once hubby and I are both self-employed, this might be another good option to add to the ones mentioned above.

]]> By: Prasanth http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99493 Prasanth Sat, 06 Oct 2007 13:42:01 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99493 As a general internist, during my residency, we often would work in the clinic where patients had little or no insurance. One way I was able to save patients money is actually to give patients prescriptions for half tablets. For example, Lisinopril, which is a common anti-hypertensive medication, costs 31.99 for 90 tablets for both 20 mg and 10 mg doses(prices from drugstore.com). If you can work with your doctor to figure out which of your medications can be cut then it can cut your costs by half on some of the meds. One caveat is that the medication can't be a long acting medication(these sometimes end in XL or SR) since these medications are formulated and designed to release slowly into your bloodstream. That's why it is important for you to go through the list with your doctor or pharmacist. As a general internist, during my residency, we often would work in the clinic where patients had little or no insurance. One way I was able to save patients money is actually to give patients prescriptions for half tablets. For example, Lisinopril, which is a common anti-hypertensive medication, costs 31.99 for 90 tablets for both 20 mg and 10 mg doses(prices from drugstore.com). If you can work with your doctor to figure out which of your medications can be cut then it can cut your costs by half on some of the meds. One caveat is that the medication can’t be a long acting medication(these sometimes end in XL or SR) since these medications are formulated and designed to release slowly into your bloodstream. That’s why it is important for you to go through the list with your doctor or pharmacist.

]]> By: Mrs. Micah http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99350 Mrs. Micah Fri, 05 Oct 2007 10:53:52 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99350 I would, Ed, but people seem very skittish about changing one's antidepressants. I think they're afraid that if they do, I'll suddenly kill myself. I would, Ed, but people seem very skittish about changing one’s antidepressants. I think they’re afraid that if they do, I’ll suddenly kill myself.

]]> By: Rob in Madrid http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99344 Rob in Madrid Fri, 05 Oct 2007 10:08:34 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99344 As an interesting aside, in Canada socialist healthcare (in this case correct use of term as Canada is the only major country to ban private healthcare completely proper term is single payer system or universal healthcare) doesn't pay for drugs so most prescriptions are paid as part of work benefits so most people don't really care "what they cost" as 85% of the price is covered. For those without benefits most doctors will give away free samples or recommend the generic brand to save money. In Germany prescriptions are paid for your health care provider and recently subject to a small deductible. Those that have private health care (about 5% of the population) generally get 100% coverage. I don't know about Spain I went straight to private health care instead of public because I didn't speak the language. They don't cover prescription drugs unless hospitalized. My general impression is drug prices are pretty reasonable. As an interesting aside, in Canada socialist healthcare (in this case correct use of term as Canada is the only major country to ban private healthcare completely proper term is single payer system or universal healthcare) doesn’t pay for drugs so most prescriptions are paid as part of work benefits so most people don’t really care “what they cost” as 85% of the price is covered. For those without benefits most doctors will give away free samples or recommend the generic brand to save money.

In Germany prescriptions are paid for your health care provider and recently subject to a small deductible. Those that have private health care (about 5% of the population) generally get 100% coverage.

I don’t know about Spain I went straight to private health care instead of public because I didn’t speak the language. They don’t cover prescription drugs unless hospitalized. My general impression is drug prices are pretty reasonable.

]]> By: mark http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99340 mark Fri, 05 Oct 2007 07:44:50 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99340 For most of my ailments I use herbs, that I pick on my own in the local hills. It's surprising how affective they can be. Even for emotional/mental issues like depression (St. John's Wort) or anxiety (Valerian, Lemon Balm). Then again this is Europe and even big pharma (Sandoz for instance) usually have a number of herbal remedies in their selling repertoire. For most of my ailments I use herbs, that I pick on my own in the local hills. It’s surprising how affective they can be. Even for emotional/mental issues like depression (St. John’s Wort) or anxiety (Valerian, Lemon Balm). Then again this is Europe and even big pharma (Sandoz for instance) usually have a number of herbal remedies in their selling repertoire.

]]> By: Siena http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99325 Siena Fri, 05 Oct 2007 05:19:48 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99325 It's clear the pharmaceutical industry has made a fortune on drugs. They are in it for the profits--their employees may not be, but the company's bottom line is making money. That being said, I have saved switching to Target or Walmart's (both offer it) $4 prescription plan. Two of my prescriptions (I paid $20 for one and $30 for the other) are on that list. I save $42 a month or $504 a year--and I already had my presciptions at Target so I didn't have to do anything to get the lower price. I've made everyone I know switch. Between my two parents, they are on 9 drugs and 7 of them are on the list. Their copay would've been $10 each, so they also are saving $42 a month or $504 a year. They didn't switch drugs to save, these were drugs their doctors had already prescribed them but now they can say even more. The $4 is whether one has insurance or not. It’s clear the pharmaceutical industry has made a fortune on drugs. They are in it for the profits–their employees may not be, but the company’s bottom line is making money.

That being said, I have saved switching to Target or Walmart’s (both offer it) $4 prescription plan. Two of my prescriptions (I paid $20 for one and $30 for the other) are on that list. I save $42 a month or $504 a year–and I already had my presciptions at Target so I didn’t have to do anything to get the lower price.

I’ve made everyone I know switch. Between my two parents, they are on 9 drugs and 7 of them are on the list. Their copay would’ve been $10 each, so they also are saving $42 a month or $504 a year. They didn’t switch drugs to save, these were drugs their doctors had already prescribed them but now they can say even more. The $4 is whether one has insurance or not.

]]> By: Ed http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99318 Ed Fri, 05 Oct 2007 03:41:55 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99318 Talk to your pharmacist. That is it. S/he can give you alternatives to the brand names that you are taking. You can then ask your Dr. if S/he will authorize the change. The brand name can also vary in active ingredient between batches. The brand name companies have subsidiaries that make generics of their own branded products. Check it out. Talk to your pharmacist. That is it. S/he can give you alternatives to the brand names that you are taking. You can then ask your Dr. if S/he will authorize the change.
The brand name can also vary in active ingredient between batches.
The brand name companies have subsidiaries that make generics of their own branded products. Check it out.

]]> By: Mrs. Micah http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99302 Mrs. Micah Thu, 04 Oct 2007 23:36:54 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99302 I'm trying to get on a generic anti-depressant like Don is. I've considered threatening my doctor with not being able to buy drugs, therefore not taking drugs. However, since I have no insurance I don't have a doctor to threaten. I'm thinking of going to a clinic and seeing what they'll do. I’m trying to get on a generic anti-depressant like Don is. I’ve considered threatening my doctor with not being able to buy drugs, therefore not taking drugs. However, since I have no insurance I don’t have a doctor to threaten. I’m thinking of going to a clinic and seeing what they’ll do.

]]> By: Will http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99296 Will Thu, 04 Oct 2007 22:32:54 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99296 I agree that cutting marketing costs would make alot of sense - especially as a rep I get 8-10 boxes a week of useless materials. I have heard it put a good way though - do you really think they would drop the cost of the drug - or would the CEO just get a bigger raise? I also agree with the above - pharmacy shop! I have seen some pharmacies have as much as a $40 difference on a $200 / mo product. Also, I forgot to mention the patient assistance programs. Virtually every pharma company has free or reduced meds for low income families. I agree that cutting marketing costs would make alot of sense - especially as a rep I get 8-10 boxes a week of useless materials. I have heard it put a good way though - do you really think they would drop the cost of the drug - or would the CEO just get a bigger raise?

I also agree with the above - pharmacy shop! I have seen some pharmacies have as much as a $40 difference on a $200 / mo product. Also, I forgot to mention the patient assistance programs. Virtually every pharma company has free or reduced meds for low income families.

]]> By: Mariette http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99285 Mariette Thu, 04 Oct 2007 20:54:12 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99285 Good post. Yes, the best thing is to try to stay healthy, eat well, exercise, take good care of yourself and use alternative medicine for most common ailments. For the major stuff, you do need the doctors - like for cancer, or if you have a heart attack. Education on your options is key. With healthcare you need to be your own advocate unfortunately you can't count on your doctor for this. So educate yourself about all treatment options, medicines, alternative practices, everything - and then take that info into your doctor and discuss it. Also important is to be strong, stand up for what you want, set boundaries and ask the doctor to work within those wherever possible. Most doctors will listen if you are firm enough and if they don't, get a doctor who will. Oftentimes when doctors are resistant to doing things a different way they're covering their asses. They are taught certain protocols for treatment and the malpractice ramifications if they deviate from these casually are huge. So when you push at them, they push back, hard, in order to make certain that you understand what you are asking and that you understand the risks potentially involved in what you are doing. When you explain that you understand and you still want to deviate from protocol then often they will bend. I had a battle with cancer recently so I know of which I speak. I was fortunate in that my team of doctors were responsive, but it took me being very insistent and clear with them for that to happen. Good post. Yes, the best thing is to try to stay healthy, eat well, exercise, take good care of yourself and use alternative medicine for most common ailments. For the major stuff, you do need the doctors - like for cancer, or if you have a heart attack.

Education on your options is key. With healthcare you need to be your own advocate unfortunately you can’t count on your doctor for this. So educate yourself about all treatment options, medicines, alternative practices, everything - and then take that info into your doctor and discuss it. Also important is to be strong, stand up for what you want, set boundaries and ask the doctor to work within those wherever possible. Most doctors will listen if you are firm enough and if they don’t, get a doctor who will.

Oftentimes when doctors are resistant to doing things a different way they’re covering their asses. They are taught certain protocols for treatment and the malpractice ramifications if they deviate from these casually are huge. So when you push at them, they push back, hard, in order to make certain that you understand what you are asking and that you understand the risks potentially involved in what you are doing. When you explain that you understand and you still want to deviate from protocol then often they will bend.

I had a battle with cancer recently so I know of which I speak. I was fortunate in that my team of doctors were responsive, but it took me being very insistent and clear with them for that to happen.

]]> By: Jane http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99277 Jane Thu, 04 Oct 2007 19:24:36 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99277 What gets me is the commercials that make it seem like if you care about getting better, you'd be taking X drug - case in point, one I take: Humira. The Humira commercials make it sound like this wonderful drug can "fix" your rheumatoid arthritis, shows people dancing, knitting, doing all sorts of active things. In real life, though, this class of TNF blockers is not living up to the hype for very many of the users. The sad thing is, I'm afraid to stop taking it (although I also take an older less expensive drug with a track record) just in case. And this is costing us $1300 a month, for two shots a month. I have a high deductible insurance with prescriptions included, so it actually runs us about $5000 a year, but that's a LOT. Stop running so many darn commercials and cut the cost! What gets me is the commercials that make it seem like if you care about getting better, you’d be taking X drug - case in point, one I take: Humira. The Humira commercials make it sound like this wonderful drug can “fix” your rheumatoid arthritis, shows people dancing, knitting, doing all sorts of active things. In real life, though, this class of TNF blockers is not living up to the hype for very many of the users. The sad thing is, I’m afraid to stop taking it (although I also take an older less expensive drug with a track record) just in case. And this is costing us $1300 a month, for two shots a month. I have a high deductible insurance with prescriptions included, so it actually runs us about $5000 a year, but that’s a LOT. Stop running so many darn commercials and cut the cost!

]]> By: Don http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99274 Don Thu, 04 Oct 2007 18:32:39 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99274 It's worth staying on top of your costs even if you are on generics. I take the generic for prozac, fluoxetine, and if I don't tell them explicitly "no insurance" when I request the renewal they run it as an insurance submission. The problem with that is, I have my doctor write it for me in 90 day supplies. Costco's cash price for 90 pills was $18 the last time I filled it. My insurance, however, will only do 1 month supplies at a time and my co-pay is $10. By staying on top of the situation and cutting the number of trips I have to make to the pharmacy by 2/3 I get to save $12. I notice now looking at the Costco web page (you can check online their prescription prices) that they have dropped the price of those pills to $10 for 100, meaning I'd be losing $20 if I followed my insurance company's system! It’s worth staying on top of your costs even if you are on generics. I take the generic for prozac, fluoxetine, and if I don’t tell them explicitly “no insurance” when I request the renewal they run it as an insurance submission.

The problem with that is, I have my doctor write it for me in 90 day supplies. Costco’s cash price for 90 pills was $18 the last time I filled it. My insurance, however, will only do 1 month supplies at a time and my co-pay is $10.

By staying on top of the situation and cutting the number of trips I have to make to the pharmacy by 2/3 I get to save $12. I notice now looking at the Costco web page (you can check online their prescription prices) that they have dropped the price of those pills to $10 for 100, meaning I’d be losing $20 if I followed my insurance company’s system!

]]> By: David http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99273 David Thu, 04 Oct 2007 18:25:53 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99273 Please use your pharmacist as a resource as well. We dispense the same medications hundreds of times a month and can tell you, the patient, what we have seen working and what isn't working. Your pharmacist is more accessible than the average doctor and would love to talk about savings and what drugs will work best in certain situations. Please note that retail pharmacies push generics because they are huge moneymakers and secondarily because they can save you money. The drug rep who commented above is correct in saying that generics can vary by up to 20% efficacy and still be approved by the FDA. Please use your pharmacist as a resource as well. We dispense the same medications hundreds of times a month and can tell you, the patient, what we have seen working and what isn’t working. Your pharmacist is more accessible than the average doctor and would love to talk about savings and what drugs will work best in certain situations. Please note that retail pharmacies push generics because they are huge moneymakers and secondarily because they can save you money. The drug rep who commented above is correct in saying that generics can vary by up to 20% efficacy and still be approved by the FDA.

]]> By: Cat http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99267 Cat Thu, 04 Oct 2007 17:13:40 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99267 A suggestion for self-pay folks -- Shop around. When I had to pay for my own Zoloft, I found that my monthly prescription could vary by $50 a month from pharmacy to pharmacy. Also, some pills are designed to be split - and having your doc prescribe a half pill of a 100 mg instead of a whole 50mg can be cheaper. Again, when I paid for Zoloft, 30 100mg pills ($105) were only $10 more than 30 50mg ($95) pills. Since I could split the 100mg, I got 60 days for a little more than the price of 30 day. (Of course, this is ONLY recommended for pills that are scored and designed to be split). A suggestion for self-pay folks –
Shop around. When I had to pay for my own Zoloft, I found that my monthly prescription could vary by $50 a month from pharmacy to pharmacy. Also, some pills are designed to be split - and having your doc prescribe a half pill of a 100 mg instead of a whole 50mg can be cheaper. Again, when I paid for Zoloft, 30 100mg pills ($105) were only $10 more than 30 50mg ($95) pills. Since I could split the 100mg, I got 60 days for a little more than the price of 30 day. (Of course, this is ONLY recommended for pills that are scored and designed to be split).

]]> By: Xias http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99264 Xias Thu, 04 Oct 2007 16:27:24 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99264 Great article! I haven't had to take any prescription medications in well over a year *knocks on wood* Thank you for the websites, they appear to be a great starting point for further research. Great article! I haven’t had to take any prescription medications in well over a year *knocks on wood*

Thank you for the websites, they appear to be a great starting point for further research.

]]> By: 60 in 3 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99263 60 in 3 Thu, 04 Oct 2007 16:20:18 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99263 I work in the pharma industry and I strongly agree with Debi. The formulary is what determines what your insurance covers and what it does not. You can have the next miracle drug but if it's not on your formulary you won't be covered for it and may not even get a prescription for it. There's a reason the big pharma manufacturers pay a lot of money to get on formularies, it's because this sells more drugs. So look at the formulary before you go to the doctor and before you pick a health plan. I work in the pharma industry and I strongly agree with Debi. The formulary is what determines what your insurance covers and what it does not. You can have the next miracle drug but if it’s not on your formulary you won’t be covered for it and may not even get a prescription for it. There’s a reason the big pharma manufacturers pay a lot of money to get on formularies, it’s because this sells more drugs. So look at the formulary before you go to the doctor and before you pick a health plan.

]]> By: Will http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99261 Will Thu, 04 Oct 2007 16:09:12 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99261 I love how everyone takes the attitude that the Pharmaceutical industry is evil. I am a rep, and I hope you don't throw out my comments with that statement. I also agree that many times generics can do the job, but there are people out there that can only benefit from newer meds. I have seen it a hundred times. As for generics - the 80 / 20 rule applies. As much of 20% of any generic drug can be different from its brand name - these are mostly binders, but can effect the efficacy of the drug - elimination Cmax rates, etc. As for the expensive lunches - i am maxed out at $100 per doc and all of his staff. A typical doc has between 3 and 5 staff to handle the insurance company! The staff and doc demand the best - nothing less - high end meals for lunch! The whole healthcare industry is screwed up - but please dont just blame the pharma companies - I would look to the insurance companies. As for saving money - look to your PBM (pharmacy benefit manager) and their PDL (preferred drug list). By the way - we drug reps are trained to tell the docs where we stand and often provide this info - docs dont care. Also, go to the website of the drug you are taking, many have free trials that you can do over and over. PDLs can change quarterly so make sure you keep an eye on it. And finally, 3 month mail order scripts are usually the best bang for your buck if you are on a drug for chronic conditions. Best of luck! I love how everyone takes the attitude that the Pharmaceutical industry is evil. I am a rep, and I hope you don’t throw out my comments with that statement. I also agree that many times generics can do the job, but there are people out there that can only benefit from newer meds. I have seen it a hundred times. As for generics - the 80 / 20 rule applies. As much of 20% of any generic drug can be different from its brand name - these are mostly binders, but can effect the efficacy of the drug - elimination Cmax rates, etc. As for the expensive lunches - i am maxed out at $100 per doc and all of his staff. A typical doc has between 3 and 5 staff to handle the insurance company! The staff and doc demand the best - nothing less - high end meals for lunch! The whole healthcare industry is screwed up - but please dont just blame the pharma companies - I would look to the insurance companies.

As for saving money - look to your PBM (pharmacy benefit manager) and their PDL (preferred drug list). By the way - we drug reps are trained to tell the docs where we stand and often provide this info - docs dont care. Also, go to the website of the drug you are taking, many have free trials that you can do over and over. PDLs can change quarterly so make sure you keep an eye on it. And finally, 3 month mail order scripts are usually the best bang for your buck if you are on a drug for chronic conditions. Best of luck!

]]> By: Shadox http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99260 Shadox Thu, 04 Oct 2007 15:48:48 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99260 Direct to consumer marketing of prescription drugs should be banned. In addition, doctors should be prohibited from accepting gifts, incentives, give aways and travel from the pharmaceutical companies. Lastly: generic, generic, generic. It's the same chemical formula with a less fancy name and less flashy packaging, and it's just as carefully regulated. Direct to consumer marketing of prescription drugs should be banned.

In addition, doctors should be prohibited from accepting gifts, incentives, give aways and travel from the pharmaceutical companies.

Lastly: generic, generic, generic. It’s the same chemical formula with a less fancy name and less flashy packaging, and it’s just as carefully regulated.

]]> By: Frugal Goose http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99259 Frugal Goose Thu, 04 Oct 2007 15:21:30 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99259 Old world remedies almost always work better for common ailments, listen to your grandma's advice! Also stick to drug store brands for things like asperin and ibuprofen. These are really some of the best drugs of our time and have been perfected for the end user. Old world remedies almost always work better for common ailments, listen to your grandma’s advice! Also stick to drug store brands for things like asperin and ibuprofen. These are really some of the best drugs of our time and have been perfected for the end user.

]]> By: jtimberman http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99254 jtimberman Thu, 04 Oct 2007 14:14:42 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99254 Or better yet, have a healthy lifestyle that leads to not having to see the doctor in the first place. I see a chiropractor regularly and am making progress toward eating "raw", instead of processed foods (its harder than you might think if you aren't used to it). I have seen a medical doctor once in the last four years as a result. The one time was for an emergency room visit after a motorcycle crash. Oops. :-) Or better yet, have a healthy lifestyle that leads to not having to see the doctor in the first place.

I see a chiropractor regularly and am making progress toward eating “raw”, instead of processed foods (its harder than you might think if you aren’t used to it).

I have seen a medical doctor once in the last four years as a result. The one time was for an emergency room visit after a motorcycle crash. Oops. :-)

]]> By: Debi http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99251 Debi Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:56:09 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99251 Every patient should go to their doctor's office with a copy of their formulary, the list of medications that are covered by your health plan, or a list of reduced-price medications available at Walmart/Target/wherever. While a doctor's first instinct may be to prescribe the drug that the pharm rep just told him about over an expensive lunch, the doctor will also take a look at your list and prescribe something that will be covered for you, or at least be able to explain why (s)he is recommending something different. Most doctors are willing to work with you by trying things that are less expensive, but with so many different health plans and coverages, it's a rare one who can keep up with what will be covered for you. The easier you make it for them to pick something affordable, the more likely you'll be able to get what you want. In meager defense of physicians, they are also being bombarded by patients demanding the new drugs that they are seeing advertised on TV and in magazines. Many of these folks assume that newer is better and pay little respect to their doctors' recommendations. So between the drug reps and these eager patients, doctors are more likely to have the newer drugs at the top of the list. Every patient should go to their doctor’s office with a copy of their formulary, the list of medications that are covered by your health plan, or a list of reduced-price medications available at Walmart/Target/wherever.

While a doctor’s first instinct may be to prescribe the drug that the pharm rep just told him about over an expensive lunch, the doctor will also take a look at your list and prescribe something that will be covered for you, or at least be able to explain why (s)he is recommending something different.

Most doctors are willing to work with you by trying things that are less expensive, but with so many different health plans and coverages, it’s a rare one who can keep up with what will be covered for you. The easier you make it for them to pick something affordable, the more likely you’ll be able to get what you want.

In meager defense of physicians, they are also being bombarded by patients demanding the new drugs that they are seeing advertised on TV and in magazines. Many of these folks assume that newer is better and pay little respect to their doctors’ recommendations. So between the drug reps and these eager patients, doctors are more likely to have the newer drugs at the top of the list.

]]> By: Alya http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99247 Alya Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:22:07 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/04/an-expert-tip-for-saving-on-prescription-drugs/#comment-99247 This is why I try alternative medicine. I have some recipes and alternatives I had obtained from my mother and grandmother to curb any common cold, flu or fever. Anything bigger than that, I have no choice but be a mercy of the big industry that takes advantage of me. I guess a blog on educating people in medicine is required....anyone fancy doing that? This is why I try alternative medicine. I have some recipes and alternatives I had obtained from my mother and grandmother to curb any common cold, flu or fever.

Anything bigger than that, I have no choice but be a mercy of the big industry that takes advantage of me. I guess a blog on educating people in medicine is required….anyone fancy doing that?

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