Tag Archives: prescription medication

Five Ways to Save Money on Prescription Medication

Even with insurance that covers prescriptions, medication can be expensive. Here are some tips to help you save a little money on your prescriptions! Money saving tip number one: Go generic! Many name brand medications are now available in a generic form. Generic medications are tested for safety and ability to treat diseases the same way name brand medications are. They work the same… for a LOT less. For example: my name brand Zoloft used to cost around $90 per month (without insurance). The generic version cost less than half that when I first made the switch. If you do … Continue reading →

Antibiotics: One Size Doesn’t Fit All

I’m currently taking two different types of antibiotics to treat an infected cat bite (ah the joys of working with animals). Here’s a fun fact: the doctor told me that eighty percent of cat bites end up infected. I guess I’ve been lucky so far — I’ve only had two bites get bad. Antibiotics come from two basic places: molds and bacteria. They work in one of two ways: by killing bacteria outright or by stopping their ability to reproduce (so they die out). Different antibiotics work against different types of bacteria — so taking one type of antibiotics for … Continue reading →

In the Last Thirty Years of Prescription Medications…

I have to admit — I’m spoiled by modern technology and comforts. It’s hard to imagine what life was like without prescription medications… but just three decades ago, they were far less advanced than they are now. According to the National Institutes of Health, just thirty years ago very little was known about predicting drug interactions and/or serious side effects. Doctors, researchers, and pharmacists had no way to anticipate these problems until drugs started clinical studies — or were widely used by consumers in some cases. Potential toxicity was determined by the effects of a medication on animals — if … Continue reading →

Take Generics Safely

Not all medicines are created equal. Although generics are equivalent to name brand medications in most ways, you may find that your generic medication doesn’t work exactly the same way your name brand prescription does. I experienced this when I switched from a name brand antidepressant to a generic. On the generic, I find that some of the side effects are milder. I’m very happy with my switch! However, some people find that switching to a generic is less effective for their health issues. Here are some things you can do to make sure your generics are working right for … Continue reading →

Adult Drugs in Childrens’ Bodies

Medicines that work well for adults may not be safe or effective for children or teens. It may not be safe to assume that your doctor is prescribing a drug that has been tested and declared safe for your child. Here are some questions you can ask to help make sure your child is getting the right medications. Why are you prescribing this drug? Some doctors think parents expect to go home with drugs every time. Studies have shown that sometimes drugs just aren’t needed. Ear infections, for example, often go away just as quickly without antibiotics! Will a “wait … Continue reading →

The Right Foods Can Counteract Drug Side Effects

At some point in your life, you’ll most likely be taking a prescription medicine. Maybe it’ll be short term; maybe it’ll be long term. Some long term prescriptions can deplete essential nutrients from your body, but a few small dietary changes can help. Statins — drugs that can help lower cholesterol — can deplete levels of coenzyme Q10. This can leave you with sore muscles, elevated liver enzymes, and feelings of fatigue. Adding more lean meat, chicken, and fish to your diet can help boost levels of coenzyme Q10. Medications for high blood pressure, like vasodilators or beta-blockers can deplete … Continue reading →