As of Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, two generic versions of Viagra (sildenafil) will be available in pharmacies: one by generic manufacturer Teva, and the other by the original manufacturer, Pfizer. Prices for generic sildenafil should be about half what they are for the brand version, according to the AP. Current prices for Viagra are around $70,…
FDA Approves New Device to Help With Opioid Withdrawal
The opioid epidemic in the United States has become a serious public health problem, causing many pharmaceutical companies to focus their efforts on creating new and innovative treatment options. The newest device aimed at increasing treatment options for opioid addiction was just approved by the FDA. The NSS-2 Bridge device is an electric stimulation device…
The Best Medication for Insomnia: Ambien, Sonata, or Lunesta?
These days, insomnia is pretty much part of the national condition. Every evening, millions of Americans use a prescription drug to help them get to sleep and stay asleep – usually a generic version of Ambien (sold under the generic name zolpidem), Sonata (zaleplon), or Lunesta (eszopiclone). These three medications are all so-called “z-drugs”: Non-benzodiazepines that…
Xarelto Generic Is Three Years Away: Here’s How to Save While You Wait
Xarelto is a commonly prescribed drug that helps prevent blood clots, stroke, and atrial fibrillation (a so-called anticoagulant). The bad news? It’s really expensive, and Xarelto isn’t expected to be available as a generic for some time. If your doctor thinks Xarelto right for you, how can you make it affordable? Here’s some information about…
Doctor’s Agree: GoodRx Is the Best Way to Save
Most Americans don’t need to read the headlines to know that prescription medicines cost too much. They feel it every day in their wallets, and in the struggle to pay for expensive drugs, month after month. Since GoodRx started seven years ago, more and more Americans have learned that drug prices can vary widely, and…
Medications That Can Change The Color Of Your Urine
Abnormal urine color can be distressing to patients and their physicians. But did you know that discolored urine is usually harmless and is often due to medications? If your urine comes out as an odd color, don’t panic until you’ve reviewed this list. Medications that cause orange urine Isoniazid is an antibiotic used for the…
New Vaccine For Shingles Now Available
Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles is more common in adults and can cause a painful rash and blisters. In 2006, the FDA approved the 1st shingles vaccine, Zostavax, a single shot vaccine approved for use in those 50 years of age and older. Zostavax reduces…
The National Shortage in Progesterone in Oil: What You Can Do
For women having trouble getting pregnant, the decision to try in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a big deal. It requires 4 to 6 weeks of almost daily office visits, monitoring, and medication – and after everything’s said and done, the average cost of one IVF cycle is $23,000. Those who can afford it or whose insurance…
Generic Viagra: On the Way, But Not Cheap
The next few months will mark the launch of generic alternatives for Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil), the two most popular erectile dysfunction (ED) medications. Viagra, approved to treat Erectile dysfunction in men, could see a generic as soon as December 11th, 2017. Generic Cialis will arrive in pharmacies soon after, with an anticipated generic…
Is Your Prescription Making You Tired?
More than one in ten visits to a primary care doctor is for fatigue. Fatigue is composed of three major components: generalized weakness (difficulty in initiating activities), easy fatigability (difficulty in completing activities), and mental fatigue (difficulty with concentration and memory). While certainly not the only answer, medications may cause fatigue. Here are some of…