FDA Approves Hyrimoz, the Third Biosimilar for Humira

The FDA just approved Hyrimoz, manufacturer Sandoz’s new biosimilar for the blockbuster rheumatoid arthritis drug, Humira. This is the third Humira biosimilar to be approved by the FDA. Back in 2016, the FDA approved Amjevita, followed by Cyltezo in 2017. Unfortunately, none of these biosimilars are available in pharmacies yet, and may not be for…

Merck Drops Price for Hepatitis C Drug by 60%: GoodRx Monthly Report

Finally, some good news. This past October, amid efforts by the Trump administration aimed at improving drug price transparency, prices for some popular drugs dropped drastically. According to the GoodRx Index, drug manufacturer Merck reduced the list price for Zepatier by 60% and six other drugs by around 10% each. The GoodRx Index also showed…

Treating Menopause Symptoms: Which Non-Hormonal Therapies Really Work?

While hormone treatments are the most effective medications for menopausal symptom relief, the thought of them potentially causing breast cancer, stroke or heart disease gives many patients pause. As it turns out, there are many well-studied alternatives to hormones for menopause symptoms. Whether you have insomnia, irritability or vaginal dryness, let’s take a look at…

FDA Recalls Yet Another Blood Pressure Drug Due to Contamination Concerns

The FDA is alerting patients of a recent recall of irbesartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat heart disease. Tests showed that the recalled lots, manufactured by SciGen Pharmaceuticals, contain a possible human carcinogen. This is the second recall this year where a cancer-causing agent was found in an ARB heart medication….

GoodRx Helps Cali Take Control of Her Life Despite Having Fibromyalgia

Anyone who has fibromyalgia knows that it’s absolutely no joke. It’s a chronic condition with symptoms like muscle pain, fatigue, migraines and headaches—all of which can lead to sleep problems, anxiety and depression. Stress can also exacerbate these symptoms… like, say, the stress of not knowing if you’ll be able to afford your next prescription…

The ACA Health Insurance Marketplace and Open Enrollment for 2019

Now’s the time to enroll in health insurance for 2019 through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). With open enrollment for healthcare coverage in 2019, we’ll have more plans to choose from on the ACA’s insurance marketplaces compared to previous years. We’ll also see broad shifts in insurance availability and pricing as a result of important…

Here’s How To Get Discounted – Or Even Free – Flu Shots This Year

Flu season is officially underway, which means it’s time to get vaccinated. Flu shots can range from $0 (yes, free) to $50 or more, depending on where you get your shot and what kind of vaccine you receive. Whether you’re insured or not, there are ways to make your vaccines affordable. Here are some things…

Valsartan Too Expensive? Here Are 6 Tricks To Save

A generic drug is affordable, right? Unfortunately, not always. In the case of generic valsartan, a medication that treats high blood pressure, a 30-day supply can cost over $100 without insurance. Plus, since valsartan is a generic, there’s little to no chance that a cheaper equivalent will come to the market. So, how can you…

Alcohol and Antibiotics: Is Mixing Them Really That Dangerous?

Have you ever called a pharmacist to confirm whether it’s really a bad idea to have a drink while taking antibiotics? You wouldn’t be the first person. Here’s the bottom line: it’s best not to drink alcohol while you’re sick, since alcohol affects the way we heal from infections. But there are specific antibiotics you…