CONTROLLING DRUG COSTS
The Soaring cost of pharmaceuticals remains one of the hottest social issues in Australia and New Zealand. In both countries the governments subsidise many of the commonly prescribed medications for the more commonly occurring medical conditions. In Australia that is controlled by the Pharmaceutical Benefits, Scheme and in New Zealand by Pharmac. If a drug is subsidised, the cost to you is usually about $20 for a generic brand, more for other brands. If you have a health-care concession card it will cost you only a few dollars.
In Australia people who are eligible for Veteran Affairs benefits will have their medications subsidised under the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. There also exists a safety net for people who need to spend a lot on prescription medication. Once you spend a threshold amount in one year you are then eligible for further subsidy or free medications for the rest of that year.
While such schemes mean that medication is much more affordable than in many other countries, the ever-increasing cost to the government is threatening the viability of subsidised medication. Here are some things you can do to reduce costs:
The Soaring cost of pharmaceuticals remains one of the hottest social issues in Australia and New Zealand. In both countries the governments subsidise many of the commonly prescribed medications for the more commonly occurring medical conditions. In Australia that is controlled by the Pharmaceutical Benefits, Scheme and in New Zealand by Pharmac. If a drug is subsidised, the cost to you is usually about $20 for a generic brand, more for other brands. If you have a health-care concession card it will cost you only a few dollars.
In Australia people who are eligible for Veteran Affairs benefits will have their medications subsidised under the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. There also exists a safety net for people who need to spend a lot on prescription medication. Once you spend a threshold amount in one year you are then eligible for further subsidy or free medications for the rest of that year.
While such schemes mean that medication is much more affordable than in many other countries, the ever-increasing cost to the government is threatening the viability of subsidised medication. Here are some things you can do to reduce costs:
- Use generic equivalents. Many brand-name drugs (both over-the counter and prescription) have cheaper, generic by law are identical in content to brand name versions. Occasionally your doctor will not allow the brand to be substituted by a cheaper generic. Make sure your doctor explains the reason for this.
- Ensure your doctor is aware of all your medications (nonprescription and prescription). This will avoid any doubling up of treatments any potential interactions.
- Split your tablets. Drug costs are based more on the number of pills you get than on the dosage they contain. So if you take 10o mg of a medication, consider buying 200 mg pills and then splitting them to save money. This words only on non-coated pills, to check the out with the pharmacist first.
- Review your medications regularly. From time to time it is worthwhile checking whether each of the drugs you are taking is still necessary.
- Ask about special programs. Your doctor might suggest you could benefit from a new treatment that is extremely expensive. Ask about special programs or clinical trials which might enable you to access this treatment without the expense.
- Shop around. Just like any retail product, every shop sets its own price on medicine. While it seems odd to price-shop among pharmacies, the effort is more than worth it, especially for medications that are not subsidised by the government. Or you can order on line--there are a number of pharmacies that offer services on the Internet.
decision-making process. Ask questions about the medicines you are being told to take. Here are several tips to help you along:
Get the facts. When the doctor hands you a prescription, first ask about its history. when did it hit the market and have there been any surprises ? Is it controversial? How widely is it used? Why this drug and not another drug? Then ask about what it does, if it has notable side effects and what to do if one develops. Also find out what to do if you miss a dose.
Speak up. As Many as 19 percent of prescriptions in Australia and New Zealand remain unfilled. why? It could be cost, fear, laziness or doubts about the drug's appropriateness or efficacy. Don't let it come to that. If you doubt what the doctor is prescribing, you need to say so. If you fear the drug itself, you need to say so. If you can't afford it, you need to say so.?
Report back. Your doctor will want to know if the medicine is working. If you're troubled by side effects or if you've grown reluctant to take the drug. If you're unhappy for some reason, there may well be an alternative.
Work with one pharmacist. These professionals can be a fantastic source of information on new or alternate drugs; they can also keep track of all the medicines you use and alert you to harmful combinations.
Watch for interactions. Medications land dietary supplements sometimes don't mix well or may even counteract each other. Drugs can also cause symptoms that mimic other diseases. Always let your doctor know about everything
ABOUT CLINICAL TRIALS
Format research studies known as clinical trials test new medications, treatments, and medical devices. Thousands of them take place every year all around the world. The gold-standard trial is called the "double-blind" test, in it, test subjects are split into two groups. One section gets the new medicine or treatment while the other gets a placebo, or dummy pill. Neither patient nor doctor is told who has which; this way, no-one can be biased (consciously or unconsciously) as the test progresses.
From the patient's standpoint, clinical trials are a mixed bag. On the negative side, you might be in the placebo group and thus go for weeks or months without receiving optimal treatment. Or the new treatment you're testing might have side effects or other problems. But the positives can be compelling. You'll have access to promising drugs or procedures you otherwise might not have. Your coverall health gets intensively monitored, and you'll probably get excellent--and most likely free--medical care.
If you are considering participating in a clinical trial for your ailment. Check out the credentials and experience of the key researchers who are involved (your doctor may have thoughts about this). Also look into the quality of the facility you'll be visiting. And remember, you always have right to withdraw from a clinical trial at any time, for any reason--that's the law.
Get the facts. When the doctor hands you a prescription, first ask about its history. when did it hit the market and have there been any surprises ? Is it controversial? How widely is it used? Why this drug and not another drug? Then ask about what it does, if it has notable side effects and what to do if one develops. Also find out what to do if you miss a dose.
Speak up. As Many as 19 percent of prescriptions in Australia and New Zealand remain unfilled. why? It could be cost, fear, laziness or doubts about the drug's appropriateness or efficacy. Don't let it come to that. If you doubt what the doctor is prescribing, you need to say so. If you fear the drug itself, you need to say so. If you can't afford it, you need to say so.?
Report back. Your doctor will want to know if the medicine is working. If you're troubled by side effects or if you've grown reluctant to take the drug. If you're unhappy for some reason, there may well be an alternative.
Work with one pharmacist. These professionals can be a fantastic source of information on new or alternate drugs; they can also keep track of all the medicines you use and alert you to harmful combinations.
Watch for interactions. Medications land dietary supplements sometimes don't mix well or may even counteract each other. Drugs can also cause symptoms that mimic other diseases. Always let your doctor know about everything
ABOUT CLINICAL TRIALS
Format research studies known as clinical trials test new medications, treatments, and medical devices. Thousands of them take place every year all around the world. The gold-standard trial is called the "double-blind" test, in it, test subjects are split into two groups. One section gets the new medicine or treatment while the other gets a placebo, or dummy pill. Neither patient nor doctor is told who has which; this way, no-one can be biased (consciously or unconsciously) as the test progresses.
From the patient's standpoint, clinical trials are a mixed bag. On the negative side, you might be in the placebo group and thus go for weeks or months without receiving optimal treatment. Or the new treatment you're testing might have side effects or other problems. But the positives can be compelling. You'll have access to promising drugs or procedures you otherwise might not have. Your coverall health gets intensively monitored, and you'll probably get excellent--and most likely free--medical care.
If you are considering participating in a clinical trial for your ailment. Check out the credentials and experience of the key researchers who are involved (your doctor may have thoughts about this). Also look into the quality of the facility you'll be visiting. And remember, you always have right to withdraw from a clinical trial at any time, for any reason--that's the law.
Ask the researchers ...
- What's the trial trying to work out?
- What are its potential benefits--or risks-to me?
- Who is sponsoring the trial?
- What is the primary investigator's track record?
- Do I have to pay? What about for travel to a distant facility? or for housing?
- What if severe side effects develop or I'm hurt by something that happens in the trial?
- Is there a 24-hour contact person?
- Can the treatment continue after the trial?
Ask yourself
- Are my expectations realistic?
- Am I comfortable dealing with the many researchers and other professionals running the study and having to (most likely) switch doctors?
- Will I like the intense monitoring and attention?
- Am I clear on what I'm being asked to do?
you're taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
Take your medicine. Many People use how they feel as a barometer for whether to take a pill. But that ignores the non-symptomatic things going on in your body. Prescription drugs have been tested thoroughly for optimal duration and effect so when a doctor says take your medications for 10 days, take them for 10 days. If the dosage schedule is complex, try sorting your pills into a monthly, weekly or daily pillbox. Even an alarm clock can help you to keep track.
It's about life
Sandra Cabot, Deepak Chopra. Rosie King. Have you heard of these people? They are the new voices of health, the popular doctor-authors who are selling thousands of books by showing people how to live good health every day. While each has a unique message and voice, certain themes run through all their books:
Good health is not merely the absence of bad health. It is a positive attitude about life, a feeling of energy and happiness, an active engagement with your mind and body and yes, a fulfilled spirit.
Take your medicine. Many People use how they feel as a barometer for whether to take a pill. But that ignores the non-symptomatic things going on in your body. Prescription drugs have been tested thoroughly for optimal duration and effect so when a doctor says take your medications for 10 days, take them for 10 days. If the dosage schedule is complex, try sorting your pills into a monthly, weekly or daily pillbox. Even an alarm clock can help you to keep track.
It's about life
Sandra Cabot, Deepak Chopra. Rosie King. Have you heard of these people? They are the new voices of health, the popular doctor-authors who are selling thousands of books by showing people how to live good health every day. While each has a unique message and voice, certain themes run through all their books:
Good health is not merely the absence of bad health. It is a positive attitude about life, a feeling of energy and happiness, an active engagement with your mind and body and yes, a fulfilled spirit.
At the heart of good health is a healthy lifestyle. Eating well. Losing weight. Being active. Knowing how to relax. Having fun. Having a purpose.
Only you can create good health for yourself. You control all the things that matter most to your health.
These are powerful motions. And in fact, they are all true--unfold clinical trials confirm them.
Five key lifestyle choices
Know your Medical Options, you will find, embraces the belief that lifestyle adjustments can play a big role not only in being healthy but in improving most health problems. In particular, you should:
Quit smoking. This remains just about the best thing you can do for your health. For a few decades now, the government, the health industry, educators and even social policymakers have been saying this loudly with a wealth of research to support it. Slowly the message is sinking in. Yet, millions continue to smoke.
Only you can create good health for yourself. You control all the things that matter most to your health.
These are powerful motions. And in fact, they are all true--unfold clinical trials confirm them.
Five key lifestyle choices
Know your Medical Options, you will find, embraces the belief that lifestyle adjustments can play a big role not only in being healthy but in improving most health problems. In particular, you should:
Quit smoking. This remains just about the best thing you can do for your health. For a few decades now, the government, the health industry, educators and even social policymakers have been saying this loudly with a wealth of research to support it. Slowly the message is sinking in. Yet, millions continue to smoke.
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