For almost a decade, pharmacy chains nationwide have offered discount generics through membership programs. When the first generic program was created by Kmart, pharmacy chains like CVS and Kroger followed suit, offering a large number of medications at a discounted rate, or even for free. The programs were classic “loss leaders,” designed to bring foot…

The US is currently in the middle of an opioid overdose epidemic. People are not only abusing and overdosing on street drugs like heroin, but also prescription opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone. Here’s an alarming statistic. Around 65% of people abusing prescription opioids obtained the medication from a friend or relative for free. Prescription opioids…

If you do happen to get sick this flu season, you now have the option to take the less expensive generic alternative Tamiflu. Are you ready? In the United States, flu cases spike in the fall and winter months (although you can get the flu year round). Flu infections peak during December and March but it can linger into May….

“Doc, I’m leaving on my trip, what prescriptions do I need to get?” First, a few general tips. Of course, bring your routine prescription medications, as well as over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, Tylenol, Benadryl, and maybe Immodium. Then, check the CDC Travelers’ Health website to ensure you don’t need any immunizations. Next, here are ten…

Opioid abuse is a serious public health issue that affects almost every community in some way. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 600,000 people have died from an opioid drug overdose since 2000. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 52 million people have used prescription drugs for…

Thirty children have died so far this flu season, according to the latest CDC report released last week. It bears repeating: the best way to protect your kids from the flu is to have everyone 6 months or older in your household vaccinated. It can be scary if your child starts showing signs of the…

Manufacturer International Laboratories LLC has issued a voluntary recall of one lot of clopidogrel, the generic for Plavix. This is a class II recall, the most common type of recall, which means that there is a situation where the use of the recalled medication may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, but the likelihood of serious adverse…

HIV medications have made some key advancements in recent years, including the use of fewer pills for infected patients and less unwanted side effects. Many newer combination HIV medications can carry a hefty price tag as they often contain two or three medications in the convenience of one pill. One way patients have been able to…

Snoring is extremely common and 70% of folks with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) snore. On the other hand, those who suffer from snoring do not necessarily have OSA. Snoring is caused by the vibration of soft tissues obstructing the throat during sleep. Patients and their partners often seek help from their doctor with the primary…

We have some great news if you have a Publix pharmacy near you. Publix has launched a new savings program offering 29 common medications at a discounted rate—$7.50 for a 90 day supply. Popular medications on this list include simvastatin, omeprazole, gabapentin, and alendronate. This program is available for both insured and uninsured patients, and…