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Scrimping on Prescription Drugs Now May Cost You in the Long-run

Stephanie Antonazzo, PharmD Candidate Class of 2009

Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy, Shenandoah University Prepared during
Consumer Health Information Corporation Clerkship

McLean, VA

Have you tried to cut corners on your prescription medicines due to the bad economy?  The Washington Post recently reported that, in the past year, 23% of people in the US did not get a prescription filled because of the cost. (Oct 16, 2008)  You may think that you are saving money by not getting your prescriptions filled, or by not getting the flu shot this year.  But this could cost you much more in the long run. 

 What can happen if you do not take your medicines each day even if it is for a minor illness?

  • You may become sicker.
  • This could lead to the need for more doctor visits, more medicines and possible hospital stays.  This adds up to a lot of money.

Ways to NOT Save Money

Here are some examples of things you should NOT do in order to save money on your prescription medicines: 

  • DO NOT cut your pills in half until you talk with your pharmacist.  Some pills have a special coating or long-acting ingredient and must never be cut in half.  They will not work properly if cut in half.  Some may even cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting if they are cut in half.
  • DO NOT cut your dose in half.  Your doctor prescribed your dose in order to best treat your condition.  Cutting the dose in half may mean that you are not getting enough medicine.  You may be putting your health at risk by cutting your dose in half. 

  • DO NOT skip any doses of your medicine.  Many drugs need to be taken more than once a day in order to work.  It could be dangerous to your health if you decide to take less of your medicine in order to try to make it last longer. 
  • DO NOT stop taking your medicines all of a sudden.  Some medicines must not be stopped all of a sudden.  You may have bad side effects if you stop taking your medicine.  Talk with your doctor if you are thinking about stopping a medicine.

You may save money NOW by cutting your pills, skipping doses, or stopping your medicines. You will NOT save money in the long run.  

Ways to Save Money

Even those who work in healthcare know and understand the difficult economic times we face.  You should know that there are some things that you CAN do in order to save money on your prescription medicines. 

  • DO take all of your medicines exactly as your doctor has prescribed.  This means getting your prescriptions filled, and picking up all of your refills at the pharmacy.  This also means taking your medicine each time of day that it is prescribed, and not cutting the pills in half.  Research shows that this is the best way to prevent future costs of more expensive medicines and possible hospital stays.
  • DO keep track of your refills and make sure you get them before you run out of the medicine.  Medicines can only work if you keep a steady level of the drug in your body.  For example, if you have high blood pressure, your blood pressure will go up if you do not take your medicine because you have forgotten to pick up your refills at the pharmacy.  Always get your prescriptions refilled a few days before you run out.
  • DO know how to take your medicine before you start taking it.  Ask your pharmacist any questions when you are receiving the medicine.
  • DO know how to recognize the early signs of side effects.  You may want to stop taking your medicine because it can cause side effects.  Do not stop taking your medicine.  Tell your pharmacist about any side effects you have.  Your pharmacist can help you manage them safely so that you can keep taking your medicine. 
  • DO tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are having any problems taking your medicines.  They care about your health and want you to be able to take your medicine so that it works well for you.  They can provide you with helpful advice on how to take your medicine.
  • DO tell your doctor if you have missed doses of your medicine.  It is important that you tell your doctor if you forget to take your medicine.  Your doctor may want to change your medicine to something new if it seems as though the medicine is not working.  The problem is not that the medicine is not working.  The problem is that you have forgotten to take the medicine and did not tell your doctor.  Being honest about missing doses may save you from having to spend money on new medicine.
  • DO get vaccinated.  Getting a simple flu shot may save you from spending money on medical bills by preventing you from getting sick.  Other vaccines that prevent you from future costs include shots that protect you from pneumonia, shingles, and hepatitis.  A simple shot now may end up saving you a lot of money down the road

Take your medicine exactly as your doctor prescribed and get a flu shot every year.  This can save you money.  

Saving Money is Easy

In this economy, saving money is on everyone’s mind.  The easiest and best way to save money on your prescription medicines is to take your medicine exactly as your doctor prescribed.  Pick up all of your refills and never miss a dose.  Never cut pills in half or stop taking your medicine.  Get vaccinated against the flu and other illnesses that may make you sick in the future.  This can save you money.

 

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