FirstGov for Seniors - Prescription and Generic Drugs

Prescription Drugs
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Together Rx - a prescription savings program
March 24, 2003 - Together Rx provides savings to eligible Medicare enrollees on more than 150 widely prescribed medicines�right at the pharmacy counter. Multiple pharmaceutical companies participate in Together Rx, each with its individual savings program. There were recent reports in the news that this program is widely underused by the nation's seniors citizens.

FDA, Arkansas Warn Company That Obtained Unapproved Canadian Drugs
March 25, 2003 - FDA has sent a warning letter to Rx Depot Inc., notifying the company that its "storefront" operation, which causes prescription drugs to be shipped from Canada into the United States, is illegal and a risk to public health. The agency is especially concerned because Rx Depot has made misleading assurances to consumers about the safety of the drugs. FDA is acting in cooperation with the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy.

National Council on the Aging Announces BenefitsCheckUpRx
January 22, 2003 - The National Council on the Aging is proud to announce the launch of BenefitsCheckUpRx, a free confidential screening tool that provides seniors with a comprehensive and personalized listing of their eligibility for over 240 prescription drug savings programs covering nearly 800 medications. The service is fast, free, and completely confidential.

Federal Web Sites

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Prescription Drug Assistance Programs
Provides information on public and private programs that offer discounted or free medication, as well as Medicare health plans that include prescription coverage.

Food and Drug Administration

	Center for Drug Evaluation and Research The Food and Drug Administration runs this web site on prescription and generic drugs.
	Q&A on Generic Drugs. A good site for an understanding of generic drugs, their availability and appropriate use.
	Thinking of buying prescription or over-the-counter drugs online? Is it safe? How can you tell if a website that sells medical products is legitimate? What should you do before you buy medical products online? See what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is doing to stop sites that are breaking the law.

NCCAM Web Site
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) houses an array of information on complementary and alternative medicine

Other Resources

Buying prescription drugs can be frustrating. The costs are skyrocketing and there is little being done by insurance companies or the government to cover these expenses. In making the best decision about purchasing the drugs you need, think about the following:

	Are there generic equivalents?
	Is double strength a better buy?
	How about larger quantities?
	Are there discount cards or programs?
	Is there an over-the-counter equivalent?

After considering these factors check for the best prices. On the web there�s DestinationRx which compares prices at 12 online drugstores

At Your Doctor�s Office
Give your doctor your list of drugs/supplements.

	Ask if all are necessary.
	Ask if there are generic or cheaper substitutes.
	Maybe there�s an over-the-counter substitute.
	If you are taking two tablets, maybe one double-strength is cheaper.
	Sometimes larger quantities are cheaper per tablet.

And ask for samples when available.

On the Internet

BenefitsCheckUpRx
A free confidential screening tool that provides seniors with a comprehensive and personalized listing of their eligibility for over 240 prescription drug savings programs covering nearly 800 medications. The service is free and completely confidential. It does have a screening tool that takes a few minutes to fill out.

Disability Resources on the Net
This non-profit resource for the disabled was awarded our first Senior Site of the Month award. Here you will find an exhaustive trove of information on State programs, specific disabilities, on-line guides and a free monthly newsletter. Recommended

disABILITY FreeMedicine Page
Links to hundreds of organizations. Requires a bit of sleuthing, but there�s a lot of information here.

FamiliesUSA
An excellent source of news on the continuing debate over the availability of prescription drugs in the United States.

MedlinePlus
Web site of the National Institutes of Health. This is the best compilation of information about prescription drugs that you will find. Nothing here about rebates or discounts though.

Needymeds
Possibly the best source of information on patient assistance programs and other programs that help people obtain health supplies and equipment. Recommended

PhRMA Patient Assistance Programs
A Directory of Patient Assistance Programs that PhRMA member companies offer to ensure that their medicines are made available to those who can't afford to purchase them. A number of companies have pledged that no patients in need of their medicines will do without them. Use the member company listing to find information on particular programs.

RxAssist
Very simple and quick tool to find the company that produces your prescription drug. No registration required. Recommended

RxHope
Similar to other services offered but it requires registration.

State of Maine - Drug Pricing Guide
The State of Maine produces a handy guide for its citizens on pricing for a selected list of heavily prescribed drugs. Prices are compared against those of nearby Canada where drug costs tend to be lower.