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Tools for Consumers: Prescription Drugs
You could save hundreds of dollars a year on your prescription
drug costs by choosing generic drugs that are just as safe and work just as well as the drugs with the
catchy names. (Those are the "brand name" drugs you see advertised on TV.) Health insurance copays for brand-name drugs are, on average, two to three times more than those for generic drugs (Kaiser/Health Research and Educational Trust, Employer Health Benefits, 2006). So when you fill a prescription, it pays to know your options.
Here are some of the best tools available to help you learn more about your prescription drug choices.
Basic Information: Generic Drugs, Antibiotics, Prescription Drugs
Generic Drugs
Generic Drugs: Questions and Answers
Answers to common questions about generics, including how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) helps make sure generic drugs are safe and work well.
(Source: FDA)
The FDA also has brochures with information on generics that you can print out:
Facts About Generic Drugs
You know the questions that go through your mind when you take your generic drug? Here are the answers.
The Electronic Orange Book
The “Orange Book” allows you to search by the name of a drug to find out if a generic form of that drug has been approved by the FDA. (Source: FDA)
• Tip: “Proprietary Name” means brand name. You can also search by generic names and ingredients.
Antibiotics
Do I Really Need an Antibiotic?
This is information about when antibiotics work and what you can do about common infections that can't be treated with antibiotics. (Source: Washington State Department of Health)
What can I do to fight a cold, cough or sore throat? (PDF)
This brochure suggests options you'll find at home or in the store to help ease your symptoms when antibiotics won't.
(Source: Washington State Department of Health)
Prescription Drugs
Ask Your Doctor (PDF)
This checklist, put together by the Alliance, is to help you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about prescriptions. It also includes tips for saving on drug costs.
(Source: Puget Sound Health Alliance)
Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs
On this website, Consumers Union, the group that publishes Consumer Reports, picks the best drugs to treat certain conditions. Their choices are based on how well the drugs work, safety, side effects and cost. (Source: Consumer Reports)
• Tips: Note the option in the lower left corner to show the text in larger or smaller sizes. Also available in Spanish.
WebMD Drugs A-Z
This website has facts on hundreds of drugs, including warnings, side effects, uses, and potential interactions with other drugs. There are also side-by-side photos of brand name and generic forms of the same drug. You can search by drug or health condition.
(Source: WebMD)
• Tips: Look for the Drugs A-Z link at the bottom of the WebMD homepage. Includes information on over-the-counter as well as prescription drugs.
Note: Linking to any WebMD page other than the home page from your website requires permission from WebMD.
Treatment and Medication Ratings
This website shows drug ratings by consumers. You can view the ratings and add your own.
(Source: Revolution Health)
• Tip: Keep in mind that these are the opinions of non-medical professionals.
Managing Your Medicines
My Medication List (PDF)
Print and fill out this list to keep track of your medicines or the medicines of someone you take care of. This information can also help prevent medication mistakes.
(Source: Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations)
Medication Wallet Card (PDF)
Print, fill out and keep this list of medicines for you and or your family members.
(Source: Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations)
Electronic Medication Record
Search for or type in the name of your medications, allergic reactions, etc. to add them to a secure electronic record that you can print out and / or send to your doctor.
(Source:
MyMediList, MediModules, Inc.)
Saving on Drug Costs
Calculate Your Savings
This calculator allows you to find out how much you can save if you use a generic drug.
(Source: Premera Blue Cross)
• Tip: These are estimates; cost may vary by pharmacy, and your health plan may cover all or part of the cost.
Tips for Saving
This tip sheet helps show you how to save money on prescriptions. (Source: Puget Sound Health Alliance)
Compare Drug Prices
Website helps you research prices for prescription drugs by mail order and at your local pharmacies.
(Source: Destination Rx)
Rx Help for WA
This is a list of programs that can help you get free or low-cost prescription drugs in Washington state.
(Source: Rx Help for WA)
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
This site links to programs around the country that help patients, caregivers and prescribers access free or low-cost prescription drugs. (Source: Partnership for Prescription Assistance)
Rx Assist
This is a resource center to help low-income and uninsured people apply for prescription drug assistance programs.
(Source: Volunteers in Health Care)
Benefits Check Up RX
This service helps people 55 and over connect to private or government programs that help them pay for prescription drugs. (Source: National Council on Aging)
Prescription Drug Discount Card Programs:
RX Washington Card—A discount program open to Washington State residents who do not have insurance coverage for prescriptions. (Source: Washington Health Care Authority)
Express Scripts Through RX Outreach—A prescription assistance program for people with lower incomes. Tip: click on RX Outreach in the lower right corner.
(Source: Express Scripts Specialty Distribution Services, Inc.)
Together RX Access Card—A prescription assistance program for people with lower incomes who do not have insurance coverage for prescriptions and are not eligible for Medicare.
(Source: Together RX Access Card)
If you are employed or have health coverage through the government, you can find out about other assistance or coverage that might be available by contacting your health plan or employer.
Many groups focused on certain health conditions (e.g., HIV/AIDS, diabetes, epilepsy, to name a few) have funds to help with drug costs. You can contact those groups or call the Consumer Advocacy team in the Washington State Insurance Commissioner's office (1-800-562-6900).
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