Practical Health Insights

  Health educator Stacey Kendrick recently interviewed Rima Arora, PharmD, RPh, Director of Pharmacy at DiRx , to discuss the challenges people face in obtaining the prescription medicines they need. With over 20 years of experience in the pharmacy industry, Rima provides valuable insights into how DiRx is making it easier for patients to access affordable medications. Rising Costs of Health Insurance and Prescriptions Employer Health Benefits Survey Insights The Kaiser Family Foundation’s 2021 Employer Health Benefits Survey highlights the increasing difficulty Americans face in affording their medications. The survey found that the average annual premium for employer-sponsored family health insurance coverage has increased by 22% over the past five years and 47% over the past ten years. Additionally, healthcare costs rose faster than wages in 2021, forcing many to choose between essentials like food, shelter, and medicine. Limited Health Insurance Coverage The survey also reveale...

  The rising cost of prescription medicines is a significant concern for many Americans. Health educator Stacey Kendrick recently interviewed Satish Srinivasan, CEO of DiRx, to discuss the factors contributing to these high costs and how DiRx is working to make medications more affordable . The Impact of Rising Prescription Costs Personal and Systemic Effects Satish explains that the high cost of medicines leads many people to skip their prescribed medications, which can worsen their health and increase overall healthcare expenses. Nearly 30% of Americans do not adhere to their prescription regimen due to cost , often having to choose between medication and essentials like food or rent. Why Are Medicine Prices Rising? Distribution Layers and Reimbursement Systems While global increases in material and logistics costs play a role, one of the largest contributors to high prices is the distribution system. Manufacturers sell drugs to wholesalers, who then sell them to retail pharmacie...

  Prostate cancer screening is a crucial topic for many men, especially as they age. The goal of screening is to detect cancer early, potentially improving treatment outcomes. However, the effectiveness and necessity of screening are still debated among medical professionals. Purpose of Screening The primary aim of prostate cancer screening is early detection . By identifying cancer at an early stage, treatment can be more effective, potentially saving lives. However, it's important to weigh the benefits against the risks and uncertainties associated with screening. Types of Screening Tests PSA Blood Test The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test measures the level of PSA in the blood. Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer, but they can also be caused by other conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) During a DRE, a healthcare provider physically examines the prostate for abnormalit...

  Your prescription medicines are part of your private health information. Knowing who has access to this information, understanding how it is used, and taking steps to keep it secure can help ensure your privacy is maintained. This blog will guide you through the key aspects of protecting your prescription information online . The Role of Your Pharmacist Information Gathering When you need a new prescription, your pharmacist receives your request from your healthcare provider, previous pharmacy, or from the documentation you provide. To ensure you receive the best possible care, your pharmacist may need additional information about other medicines or supplements you are taking and any relevant health conditions. Secure Database Entry A reputable pharmacy enters your prescription and health information into a secure database, as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This law protects your health information from being shared without your knowl...

  Selecting an online pharmacy for your medication needs can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s essential to choose one that you can depend on for safety, reliability, and quality. Here are five key factors to consider when choosing an online pharmacy. The Pharmacy Sells Only FDA-Approved Medicines Importance of FDA Approval The FDA approval process ensures that medicines sold in the United States are safe and effective. This includes testing both brand and generic drugs in laboratories to verify their safety, effectiveness, and quality. Prescription drugs that have not been approved by the FDA pose significant risks because they have not been reviewed for these critical factors. The Pharmacy is Licensed and Accredited Ensuring Trust and Support A trustworthy pharmacy should be licensed and accredited. Look for a pharmacy that offers customer care support to help with questions about medication availability, cost, shipping, and ways to save on medicines. Acce...

  Many people are discovering the benefits of choosing an online pharmacy for their prescription drug needs. If you’ve always gotten your medicines from a local pharmacy, you might be hesitant to switch. However, the convenience, cost savings, and safety of online pharmacies are worth considering. Here are five benefits of ordering prescriptions online . The Convenience of Having Your Medicine Delivered Right to Your Door For those who are disabled, homebound, or living in rural areas without nearby pharmacies, having medication delivered can be a game-changer. It eliminates the need for transportation assistance or spending time and money driving to the pharmacy. Cost-Savings on Medicines You Need Lower Overhead Costs Online pharmacies don’t have the same overhead costs as local pharmacies, allowing them to pass the savings on to you. This means you can get the same quality, FDA-approved medicine for much less. Additionally, you save on travel time and transportation costs. No Mo...

  Winter brings a unique set of health challenges, from the common cold to dry skin. Here are ten tips to help you stay healthy and enjoy the winter season to the fullest. 1. Boost Your Immune System Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help strengthen your immune system. Consider adding foods high in vitamin C, such as oranges and strawberries, and zinc, like nuts and seeds, to your diet. 2. Stay Hydrated It's easy to forget to drink water when it's cold outside, but staying hydrated is crucial. Water helps maintain your body's fluid balance, supports digestion, and keeps your skin healthy. 3. Get Enough Sleep Adequate sleep is essential for overall health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to help your body recover and stay resilient against illnesses. 4. Wash Your Hands Regularly Frequent handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs. Use soap and water, and wash for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in...

  Tessalon, known generically as benzonatate , is a prescription medication used to relieve coughing. It belongs to the class of drugs known as antitussives. This blog post will cover everything you need to know about Tessalon, including its dosage, administration, side effects, warnings, and considerations for use during pregnancy and lactation. Dosage and Administration Dosage : The usual dose for adults and children over 10 years is one 100 mg capsule three times a day as needed for cough. The maximum daily dose is 600 mg, divided into three doses. Administration : Tessalon capsules should be swallowed whole. They should not be broken, chewed, dissolved, cut, or crushed. This is crucial to avoid serious side effects. Drug Class Tessalon is classified as an antitussive, which means it is used to suppress coughing. It works by numbing the throat and lungs, making the cough reflex less active. Side Effects Like all medications, Tessalon can cause...

  The Importance of Proper Storage for Levothyroxine Levothyroxine, a crucial medication for treating hypothyroidism , requires careful storage to maintain its potency. Factors like light, oxygen, and moisture can degrade the medication , making it less effective. Ensuring consistent potency is vital for effective treatment. The Benefits of Blister Packaging EUTHYROX ® stands out by using blister packaging, which protects the medication from external factors. This is in contrast to generic levothyroxine, which is often stored in traditional bottles and can lose effectiveness within 30 days. Blister packaging ensures that each dose remains potent until it’s taken. Accessibility and Affordability Through a partnership with Provell Pharmaceuticals, EUTHYROX® is available at a competitive price. This partnership helps reduce costs by eliminating intermediaries, making the medication more affordable for patients. Additional Benefits of EUTHYROX® EUTHYROX® is designed with ...

Benzonatate, also known by its brand names Tessalon Perles, Tessalon, and Zonatuss, is a prescription medication designed to relieve and suppress cough. Approved by the FDA in 1958, it stands out as the only non-narcotic antitussive available. This blog post will cover  everything you need to know about Benzonatate , from its uses and precautions to dosage and side effects. What is Benzonatate Used For? Benzonatate  is primarily used to relieve coughing, particularly those caused by the common cold or upper respiratory infections. It works by desensitizing the lung and pleura tissues involved in the cough reflex, providing relief without the use of narcotics. Precautions Before Taking Benzonatate Before starting Benzonatate, it’s crucial to inform your doctor about any allergies you have, including those to drugs, foods, or other substances. Additionally, ensure your healthcare provider is aware of all the medications and supplements you are currently taking to avoid potential...