High-deductible health plans (HDHPs), those that require members to spend a large amount before they see any help from their insurance, are becoming the norm. In 2009, about 7% of large employers in the US offered only high-deductible plans. That percentage has more than quadrupled to 39% today. But just because HDHPs are becoming the…
Award-Winning Dobermans Get Their Lifesaving Medications with GoodRx
Jay, an Indianapolis native, is the proud and loving owner of five dobermans. His two oldest, siblings Lacy Ann and Lex, both have health issues that require medication management, which Jay wouldn’t be able to afford without GoodRx. Along with his other dogs Jasmine, Lilly, and Star, Lacy Ann and Lex are all show dogs….
Here are 5 Real Ways to Save on Invokana, the Diabetes Drug
Let’s start with the bad news. Invokana, a tablet taken to treat type 2 diabetes, is really expensive. A 30-day supply of Invokana can cost around $550, and we may have to wait another six years to see a generic. But there is good news — there are ways to save. Here’s all the information…
Taking a Daily Aspirin to Prevent a Heart Attack or Stroke? Think twice.
People often recommend an aspirin a day as an easy way to prevent heart attacks and strokes, but as it turns out, daily aspirin might not be good for everyone. A study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reports that at least 12% of people taking aspirin once a day don’t need…
Why Can’t I Have Grapefruit with My Statin?
Has your doctor ever warned you about taking statins with grapefruits? It may seem like a strange association, but certain statins like Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Zocor (simvastatin) that are used to lower cholesterol levels can interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice and cause harmful side effects. How do statins interact with grapefruit? Statins are broken…
Can Levaquin cause nerve damage? — Side Effects of Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics
Fluoroquinolones are a class of antibiotics that include levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and moxifloxacin, and all carry a small risk of nerve damage. You may have seen the warning — the FDA requires that all fluoroquinolone antibiotics come with a label that alerts patients to the risk of permanent peripheral neuropathy. Too often, anti-bacterial medications like…
Prices for Smoking Cessation Drug Chantix Increase by 106% in Just Five Years
Prices for Chantix, the prescription drug used to help people quit smoking, have increased by 106% over the past five years. According to an analysis of GoodRx data, a 30-day supply of Chantix now costs around $485, whereas in 2013, people would have been able get that same prescription for around $236. The cash price…
These 7 Medications Can Prevent You From Donating Blood
Blood transfusions can be a risky business. The goal of transfusion medicine is to minimize any risks to a patient receiving outside blood — blood types have to match and there can’t be any substances in the blood that would cause the patient to have a dangerous reaction. It surprises many folks to hear that…
Which Allergy Nasal Sprays are Safe to Use During Pregnancy?
Nasal allergy sprays treat stuffy noses and itchy eyes related to allergies. If you’re pregnant though, you may wonder if they’re safe to use. Recent studies have shown us that nasal steroid sprays are safe to use during pregnancy for mild to moderate allergy symptoms. However, not all nasal sprays are safe during pregnancy. Here’s what you need…
Prescription Quantity Limits: What to Do When Insurance Plans Limit Your Coverage
As with other forms of coverage restrictions, insurance plans use quantity limits to ensure patient safety and control healthcare costs. Quantity limits define how much of a drug you can fill during a specific time period, but they can be a hassle. Here’s how to navigate your plan’s policies, so you can still get the…