Iodine, a new online database of both prescription and non-prescription drug information, launched today. Users can look up a drug and read about its efficacy, side effects, warnings, and costs. Also included is a consumer-friendly version of the drug’s package insert. In addition, the site provides data from other consumers about their experiences with the drug. It’s an ambitious project, … Continue reading Iodine: Just what the doctor ordered?
Got a great tip on this evening’s news about prescription drug prices. Try GoodRx.com (or their mobile app) to compare prescription prices in your area. I’d never heard of the site, which apparently has been in business about a year, and immediately went there to check some of my drug prices. I could save only a … Continue reading GoodRx: Walgreen’s drugs overpriced in Denver?
I just saw a commercial for a “new” prescription drug. Only it isn’t. Not really. Intermezzo is “for the treatment of insomnia when a middle-of-the-night awakening is followed by difficulty returning to sleep.” There is nothing new about this drug except its name. It is zolpidem — generic Ambien. But because you dissolve it under your … Continue reading Intermezzo, another ‘new’ drug that isn’t
(Updated May 19, 2013)Talk about shocked and surprised. I was at the pharmacy today to pick up a couple of prescriptions and was told that the generic form of Dyazide (a diuretic or so-called “water pill”) was on back order. It seems there’s a shortage of its two active ingredients, triamterene and hydrocholorothiazide. A shortage? … Continue reading Would you believe … a triamterene shortage
I am extremely fortunate to be as healthy as I am at my age, considering I’m a champion couch potato and computer addict. My health care consists primarily of semi-annual doctor check-ups, some routine annual tests, and a fistful of prescriptions (knock wood). It’s that last part that really has me po’d right now. Medicare … Continue reading Medicare: It’s better than nothing
My son called me when the story broke. “Hey, Mom, have you heard? There’s a new pill that can cut your risk of heart disease and stroke by 80%! It’s a combination of drugs … ” If only it were that simple. I shudder to think how many people out there, far less educated than … Continue reading Polypill no panacea
