Prescription Drugs: How and Why to Buy

The Why

It is common for pharmacist to hear the public complain about the cost of medication. There are a lot of ways to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, but first take a look at the WHY.

• When you’re at your doctor’s office you should be prepared. Think of what you want to ask and write it down. Bring the questions with you and make sure you don’t get off-track.
• The shiny box and cute plastic bag full of samples should spark questions:
  • Why, Dr., are you prescribing this medication?
  • Can the problem be overcome by lifestyle changes? If you are overweight, could losing weight keep you off the medication? Would an exercise program be beneficial?
  • Is there another drug that is available generically that will accomplish the same goals?
• Ask the prescriber if the new medication will interact with what you are currently taking (a list of which you keep in your wallet, naturally)
• When you are convinced that the new medication is necessary and no samples are available, ask for a prescription for a months supply. This should be sufficient time to determine if there are any ADRs (Adverse Drug Reactions), and if the medication is working.

The Buy

Most people select their pharmacy on order of convenience. Don’t let that be your sole reason. Find a pharmacy you are comfortable with: don’t be afraid to ask questions – it’s your health.

• Ask the pharmacist, or technician, if the crew that is there is there consistently, or if they utilize a lot of substitute pharmacist
• Ask how they detect drug-drug, drug-food, and drug-OTC (Over The Counter) medication interactions
• Ask if they find themselves constantly swamped, or is the pace they work at is reasonable to them
• Ask if they are willing to help you reduce your medication bill:
  • If you present a new prescription to them, will they automatically dispense the generic
  • If no generic is available, are they willing to call/fax the prescriber with recommendations for a less expensive medication
  • Will they notify you if a generic becomes available
  • Will they be willing to price out a three month supply versus a one month supply to help determine the best way for you to purchase your medication
  • Will they automatically contact the prescriber if you present them a refill prescription that has expired
  • Will they try to resolve problems with your insurance company and if the problem can’t be resolved, will they contact the prescriber and inform them
  • If they change manufacturer, will they notify you?

It is best if you drop off or call in your prescription at least a day in advance. This accomplishes many things:

• If the pharmacy is out of stock, or in short supply, it will allow time for them to order the medication
• If there is an issue with your insurance company, it will give them time to resolve it
• If the prescriber needs to be contacted, it will allow them the time to do so

A word about personal responsibility. You’re given one body and it is up to you to maintain it in proper working order. If you’re overweight, ask for help. If your depressed, don’t hide it – talk it over with your prescriber. Don’t allow a small problem to become a large problem: a prescriber, pharmacist, or other health professional would rather have you call on what you may believe to be a minor problem then have you wait until treatment is more extensive and costly.

Your pharmacist is a wealth of knowledge, utilize that to your advantage. Stick with one main pharmacy and get to know the people. They will take an interest in your health more if they sense that you take your health seriously.

Ask questions, read the handouts. Know why you are taking what you are, and for how long it is expected you will take it. Ask:

• When should this be taken?
• Can it be taken with food?
• Can it be taken with my other medications?
• Can this medication be split or crushed?
• If no symptoms are felt, are you allowed to stop taking the medication without informing the prescriber?
• What should be expected for potential side effects?

As with most products, the cheapest isn’t always the best, and the most expensive isn’t always the best either. Know your WHYs and BUYs and reduce your prescription cost.