Tag Archives: prescription drugs

Upcoming Changes to Medicare

People who are using Medicare are about to see some changes being made. The good news is that the changes will result in better coverage for the Medicare prescription drug plans. The bad news is that these new changes will also result in an increase in the cost of premiums. The average monthly premium that a person who is using the Medicare drug plan will pay in 2011 is about to increase. The average cost increase might be $30.00 a month. In some cases, it could be even higher. More specific details about this increase will become available on Medicare’s … Continue reading →

The Over/Under on Medication

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We’ve all heard the stories and read the statistics on how children today are being over medicated. Personally, I’m not sure which is sadder and more infuriating: a doctor willing to prescribe Ritalin to a toddler or a parent who is willing to give it to them. Thankfully, our child’s doctor would never do such a thing, and today was just another reminder why my wife and I love Lily’s pediatrician. We took Lily in for her eighteenth month check-up today. We informed the doctor that she had been a little congested and had felt a little feverish when she … Continue reading →

Protect Yourself Against Drug Interactions

With all the drugs (both prescription and over the counter) people take these days, it can be hard to keep track of what you’re taking and what you shouldn’t be taking. The following tips can help you protect yourself against potentially dangerous drug interactions. Be sure to tell your doctor EVERY medication you are taking. That includes prescription medicine, over the counter medicine, vitamins, herbal remedies, and other supplements. Ask your doctor if your new prescription is safe with all the medications you already take. Don’t just assume that it is! Doctors are humans, and humans make mistakes. Try to … 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 →

Wal-Mart Slashes Drug Prices

Last month, Wal-Mart made a pretty amazement announcement: nearly three hundred generic medications will be available for as little as four dollars for a month’s supply. The program is only in operation in Tampa, Florida at the moment, but will hopefully spread across the country over the next year. The plan is expected to go state-wide in Florida in January of 2007. Fans of the price-cut plan hope that Wal-Mart’s move will encourage other pharmacies to make their prices more competitive. So far it seems to be working — Target immediately moved to match Wal-Mart prescription prices in the Tampa, … Continue reading →

What’s In Your Medicine Cabinet?

When was the last time you cleaned out your medicine cabinet? Do you even know what’s in there? I hadn’t done an inventory of ours since I stuck some bandages in there the day we moved into our current home. That was mistake number one. Mistake number two occurred about two weeks ago when my husband severely injured his arm. I panicked and scrambled like a mad woman looking for something, anything, to treat his wound. The problem is my 2-year-old daughter loves to play “doctor” and she uses all my band-aids on her stuffed “patients,” so when it was … Continue reading →