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Popular Topics
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Answers to Your Questions |
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To find answers to your most frequently asked questions, select a health topic or click on a question below to see the answer.
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I am on a fixed income. Can cheaper generic drugs be substituted for most brand-name drugs? |
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| In many cases, yes. Hundreds of popular brand-name drugs are now available in generic forms. Currently, about 42 percent of prescriptions are filled with generic drugs, and almost invariably, the generics are cheaper. | | | | In most cases, generics cost 30 to 60 percent less than the brand-name version. | |
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I am on a new medication and worried about how it will interact with my other prescriptions. What do I need to know? |
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| Drugs can interact not only with other drugs, but foods and beverages as well. Interactions can lessen or magnify the desired therapeutic effect of a drug, or may cause unwanted or unexpected side effects. There are thousands of possible drug-to-drug and drug-to-food interactions, and many medications and supplements are contraindicated (not recommended) under certain conditions or in patients with specific diseases and disorders. | | | | It is imperative that patients always keep their pharmacist and physician fully informed about all drugs and dietary supplements (including herbal remedies) they are taking. One way to ensure that all of your prescriptions are checked for interactions is to have them all filled at the same pharmacy. This ensures they'll be checked anytime new medications are entered into the pharmacy computer system. | |
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I am having trouble sticking to my medication regimen. What steps can I take to make sure I take my prescriptions on time? |
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Answer |
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| With the right approach, you can make sure you get the most out of your medicines. Your medicines, in turn, will help you get the most out of life. | | | | Here are more tips to help you take your medicine properly: | | | - Take the medicine at the same time every day. As a reminder, you can combine taking your pills with another daily routine such as eating lunch or brushing your teeth.
- If your medication regimen is especially complicated, ask your doctor or pharmacist to help you simplify things.
- Consider using a pillbox with a compartment for every day of the week. Some boxes even have compartments for specific times of the day.
- Keep a medicine calendar and note every time you take a medicine.
- Consider asking your spouse or someone else to remind you to take your medicines.
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Editorial Note: This information is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a health care provider. Like any printed material, it may become out-of-date over time. Read About our Health Content for more information.
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