Byetta and Bydureon are both used for type 2 diabetes, but with similar names and active ingredients, it’s hard to know which one is better. Here are the advantages and disadvantages, for both. What are Byetta and Bydureon for? Byetta and Bydureon are injectable medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. Even though they are injectibles, they are…
Shingrix Shortage May Last Until 2019. Here’s How to Get it Now
If you’re having trouble getting the new shingles vaccine, Shingrix, you’re not alone. Since it was approved in October 2017, Shingrix has been in short supply and some say this shortage could last well until 2019. According to the manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, the demand for Shingrix has been “unprecedented,” and has resulted in a country-wide shortage….
How To Save on Insulin — With or Without Insurance Coverage
Cutting down or rationing insulin has dire consequences for all type 1 as well as type 2 diabetics dependent on insulin. Working in a busy practice alongside an endocrinologist with predominantly type 1 diabetic patients, I’ve seen the team behind our doctors working hard to keep insulin affordable for patients. Here is what I’ve learned…
FDA is Currently Reviewing the First Oral Medication for Type 1 Diabetes
After decades of little innovation in treatments for type 1 diabetes, the FDA is on track to approve Zynquista, the first oral antidiabetic drug in the US for adults with type 1 diabetes, by March 2019. Current type 1 diabetes medications At present, those with type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes,…
Are You Waiting for a Chantix Generic? Here’s How To Save on the Popular Smoking Cessation Drug
Emerging in 2006, Chantix quickly became known as one of the best ways to quit smoking. But, as a brand-only drug, Chantix is pricey—a month’s supply can cost $500. Luckily, there are ways to save. What is Chantix? Chantix is a popular, but expensive, prescription drug used for smoking cessation. Research shows that the medication…
Why Are My Prescription Eye Drops So Expensive? – Here’s How To Save
Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed eye surgery in the United States. After the procedure, your doctor will prescribe several eye drops for you with the goal of minimizing inflammation and improving pain. Well, those drops may come at a hefty price. Here are tips on how to save. 1) Antibiotic eye drops Besivance,…
Study cites over 200 medications that may cause depression as a side effect
More than one-third of US adults may be using a prescription medication associated with depression and/or suicidal symptoms as a possible side effect, a recent study finds. Over 200 medications, including birth control pills, blood pressure medications, antacids, and painkillers, were cited with these concerns. The study, carried out by researchers at the University of…
Can I Cut Medication Patches in Half? — In Most Cases, No
Scopolamine, nicotine, and buprenorphine—these are some of the many medications that are available in patch form. Known for being convenient and comfortable, transdermal patches are used in cases where patients need a slow release of medication over time. Whether to save money or to lower the dose, patients often ask if they can cut them….
2 Years After The EpiPen Price Hike—Here’s What’s Changed
In the two years since a national controversy erupted over the price of Epipen injectors, the market for epinephrine auto-injectors has changed dramatically, according to a GoodRx analysis of US prescription fill data. Where two years ago, EpiPen, manufactured by Mylan pharmaceuticals, had nearly 90% of the market for the medication, today the Epipen brand…
Sudafed vs. Sudafed PE: What’s the Difference?
With a difference of only two letters in their names, Sudafed and Sudafed PE look nearly identical and can be extremely confusing to the unsuspecting patient. Both are used to treat nasal congestion—but they are available in different strengths, have different active ingredients, and are kept in different locations in your pharmacy. What is nasal…