While there are many drugs and formulations available that can help diabetic patients keep their blood sugar levels within a healthy range, what makes Victoza different from most of them is the fact that it is not insulin.

The medicine is generally prescribed after other diabetes medicines have been tried without much success and is generally directed to be used along with exercise and a healthy diet. According to the manufacturer’s claims, it can also help lower the risks of heart attack and stroke associated with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

How Does Victoza Help With Diabetes?

Liraglutide, the active ingredient in Victoza, is similar to the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone and works the same way to keep blood sugar levels in control.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 belongs to the class of hormones – called incretins – that increase the secretion of insulin in the body. Produced by L-cells found in the inner lining of small intestines and, in small quantities, by the pancreas and the CNS, the hormone is released in the body in response to food. Here’s what it does in the body[1]:

• It promotes the feeling of fullness by keeping food in the stomach for longer (it slows down the process of food leaving stomach), as well as by having an impact on appetite centers in the brain.
• Increases the volume of beta cells; the pancreatic cells that produce insulin.
• Signals the pancreas to start releasing insulin.
• Prevents the release of glucagon.

Limitations of Use

Victoza is not meant to be used for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. The medicine has only recently been approved by the FDA for pediatric use, in children 10 years or older, and is the first non-insulin drug approved for pediatric patients of type 2 diabetes[2]. It should not be used in children under 10 years of age.

Also, do not use Victoza if you have or have had a history of any of the following health conditions:

• Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 – tumors in your glands
• Medullary thyroid cancer (Victoza may not be suitable for you if you have a family history of this type of cancer)
• Insulin-dependent diabetes
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Thyroid tumor. Immediately inform your doctor if you develop symptoms of thyroid tumor while using Victoza. Some common signs of thyroid tumor include a hoarse voice, shortness of breath, difficulty in swallowing, swelling and/or lump in the neck.

What to Tell Your Doctor Before Using Victoza?

Before you begin your treatment with Victoza, make sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following health conditions:

• Any stomach problem that is slowing down your digestive system
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Heart issues
• High levels of triglycerides
• Any problem (or history of issues) with the gallbladder and/or pancreas
• Do tell your doctor if you are suffering from or have had a history of depression and/or suicidal thoughts.

While it is not known if Victoza has any effects on the fetus or if it passes into breast milk, it is recommended to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or a nursing mother.

Recommended Dosage of Victoza

The dosage may vary from person to person (consult your doctor to determine the right dosage for yourself). But, the treatment for Victoza is generally initiated with a 0.6 mg dose, once a day. While most children respond well to this dosage and hence, are kept on it for as long as needed, adults do not experience any noticeable results.

In adults, the initial 0.6 mg dose is meant to reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms most people experience during the titration phase.

For those who do not know, titration or drug titration is the process of determining the right dose of a drug, for each patient, to get the maximum benefits.

When treated with Victoza, adult patients are generally kept on the minimum dosage i.e., 0.6 mg per day, for a week. After one week, the dosage is typically increased to 1.2 mg once a day and the effects are monitored. If the dosage fails to provide adequate glycemic control, it is increased to 1.8 mg, once a day, after another week.

How is Victoza Supplied?

The non-insulin diabetes medication comes in a multi-dose pen injection in 18 mg/3 ml strength. The pre-filled injection can deliver 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg doses.

Storage Directions for Victoza

Here are a few storage instructions for Victoza that you should follow to make sure the medicine remains safe and effective:

• Store new (unopened) Victoza injections in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit (2-8 degrees centigrade).
• Never store Victoza in the freezer.
• Do not use the medicine if it has been frozen.
• After opening, the Victoza pen can be used for 30 days.
• Opened injections can be stored either in the refrigerator (between 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit) or at controlled room temperature between 59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (15-30 degrees centigrade).
• Protect the injections from excessive sunlight and heat.
• Do not store the Vicotza pen with the needle attached as this could increase the potential risks for leakage, which then can reduce dosage accuracy, contamination, and infections.
• Always keep the cap on when the Victoza pen is not in use.

How to Use Victoza?

Inject the medicine under the skin once a day, at any time, with or without food.

Important Instructions for Safe Use of Victoza

In addition to sticking to the prescribed dose, here are a few things that you should remember to ensure the safe use of the drug:

• Inspect the injection every time and do not use it if the solution is cloudy, has particles, or has changed color.
• Do not use the injection at the same site two times in a row.
• Do not use Victoza with Saxenda. Both the medicines contain the same active ingredient, which means using them together can significantly increase the effects as well as the risks for adverse reactions. Never use these two medicines together.
• While Victoza can be used with long-acting insulin and both the drugs can be injected at the same time, do not administer them at the same site or right next to each other. Use both the injections at different places on your body.

Possible Side Effects of Victoza

Here are some of the potential side effects you can experience with Victoza use:

• Nausea, particularly during the first few days of starting your Victoza treatment
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Lack of energy or feeling tired for no apparent reason
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in lower back or sides
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Chills
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Muscle pain

Serious Side Effects of Victoza

While the chances are very less, some patients may experience serious side effects with Victoza. Immediately consult your doctor if you experience any of the following conditions while using the drug:

• An allergic reaction with any of the ingredients present in the medicine – symptoms include swelling of lips, the tongue, the throat, and/or face, fast heartbeat, trouble in swallowing and/or breathing, dizziness, hives.
• Severe and persistent diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
• Sudden and drastic mood and/or behavioral changes.
• Suicidal thoughts.
• Gallbladder problems – signs include pain in the upper stomach, dark or clay-colored stool, fever, jaundice.
• Kidney issues – symptoms include difficult or painful urination, swelling in the ankles or feet, shortness of breath, feeling tried, reduced or no urination.
• Symptoms of pancreatitis – increased heart rate, nausea with or without vomiting, severe pain in the upper stomach that spreads to the back.
• Symptoms of a thyroid tumor – shortness of breath, hoarse voice, difficulty in swallowing, swelling and/or lump in the neck.

Note

All diabetic patients are at the risk of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia and it may increase with the use of diabetes medications. Therefore, it is highly recommended not to change the prescribed dosage on your own and notice the signs and symptoms you are experiencing.

Common symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) include extreme weakness, increased breathing and/or heart rate, excessive sweating, hunger, confusion, irritability, feeling anxious, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fainting, tremors, and seizures.

If you are at a high risk of hypoglycemia, your doctor may prescribe you a glucagon emergency injection kit to treat severe cases of hypoglycemia when you are unable to eat or drink. Make sure to keep the kit handy all the time, if you have been prescribed with it, and tell your family, friends, and colleagues about it, so they can treat you in case of an emergency.

Also, watch out for the signs of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Its symptoms include increased thirst, increased urination, headache, feeling tired, blurred vision.

Prescription Assistance for Victoza

Vicotza is one of the most expensive diabetes medications – the price for a 6 ml injection is around $650.

Knowing that a large number of diabetes patients in the US are uninsured or underinsured and cannot even afford to buy this medicine, Novo Nordisk, the company that manufactures it, offers prescription assistance for the drug.

Under the Victoza Savings Card Program, eligible patients can get their supply of the non-insulin diabetes medication for as low as $25, at least for up to 2 years.

Novo Nordisk also runs a Patient Assistance Program under which diabetes medicines are provided free of cost to eligible patients. Click here to see the eligibility criteria and to learn about the application procedure.

Not eligible for any of these?

Don’t worry – visit Drugs.com to get a discount card that can help you save up to 80% on your medicines at almost all leading pharmacies of the country.

[1]https://www.yourhormones.info/hormones/glucagon-like-peptide-1/

[2]https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-treatment-pediatric-patients-type-2-diabetes

Thought (the exact cause isn’t known yet) to be caused by a combination of health, genetic, and lifestyle factors, type 2 diabetes is mainly characterized by the development of insulin resistance, severely diminishing the body’s ability to utilize insulin. At first, the body tries to fight against the elevated blood sugar by signaling the pancreas to produce more insulin. But, over time, the pancreas fails to keep up causing glucose build up in the blood.

The reduced ability or the failure of the body to convert glucose into energy not only makes cells starve for energy, but also leads to many other health complications over time.

Signs and Symptoms – How to Know If You Are Suffering From Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is often described by healthcare practitioners as silent and sneaky.  This is because it develops over time and does not cause always cause noticeable symptoms. Laurie Sandberg, a nurse, certified diabetes educator, and a member of the American Diabetes Association and American Association of Diabetes Educators, says:

“In type 2 diabetes, blood sugars increase slowly and gradually. You typically don’t wake up one day with a blood sugar level of 300.”

This means a person may be suffering from type 2 diabetes and not know about it for years. According to the American Diabetes Association, there are likely to be around 7 million undiagnosed cases of type 2 diabetes in the United States alone.[1]

Here are some signs that people often ignore as insignificant, but they may be hinting towards the developing condition, so make sure to get yourself tested for diabetes if you experience any of these:

• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Weight loss for no apparent reason
• Blurred vision
• Frequent infections
• Slow healing of wounds and sores
• Dark skin patches, usually on neck and in the armpits

Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is incurable, but it can be effectively managed with medications and lifestyle changes. While some patients only need to make lifestyle changes, such as getting physically active and eating healthy, others need medications to keep their blood glucose levels within a healthy range.

An important thing to note here is that type 2 diabetes generally gets worse with time. This means that even if you are not taking any medicine now, you may need it after some time. Also, the nature and type of medications that you use may also often change over time.

Janumet – Oral Medicine for Type 2 Diabetes

Janumet is the brand name for a combination medicine prescribed to adults with type 2 diabetes when metformin and sulfonylurea, the first and second line medications for type 2 diabetes, do not provide adequate glycemic control.

Containing metformin HCl and sitagliptin, the medicine is indicated along with exercise and a healthy diet to keep blood sugar levels under control.

How Does Janumet Help to Control Blood Sugar?

Both the active ingredients present in Janumet work in different ways to prevent blood sugar level from increasing.

Sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibitor, helps to keep insulin levels in control after eating by blocking the breakdown of incretin hormones.

Incretin hormones are produced inside the body after we eat food to stimulate pancreas for insulin production. When these hormones are not broken down and are present in the blood in higher concentrations, the pancreas produces more insulin. In addition to this, sitagliptin also decreases the level of glucagon; a hormone that prevents blood glucose levels from dropping very low, as well as the amount of glucose produced by the liver. Sitagliptin doesn’t work when the blood glucose levels are low.

Metformin HCl, on the other hand, decreases the production of glucose in the liver as well as its absorption by intestines.

Limitation of Use

Janumet is only meant to be used for people with type 2 diabetes; it should not be used for the treatment of type 1 or diabetic ketoacidosis.

The medicine is only approved for adults; do not use Janumet if you are younger than 18 years.

Available Dosage Forms and Strengths

This diabetes medicine is available in the form of oral tablets in immediate-release and extended-release varieties, called Janumet and Janumet XR respectively, in the following strengths

• 50 mg/ 500 mg – containing 50 mg sitagliptin and 500 mg metformin HCl
• 50 mg/ 1000 mg – containing 50 mg sitagliptin and 1000 mg metformin HCl

In addition to the above two strengths, Janumet XR is also available in:

• 100 mg/ 1000 mg – containing 100 mg sitagliptin and 1000 mg metformin HCl

Janumet Dosage

The dose of Janumet may vary from person to person because the right dosage for a patient is determined based on the severity of the disease, current medications, effectiveness, tolerability, and overall health of the patient. However, the maximum daily dosage should not exceed 100 mg sitagliptin and 2000 mg metformin HCl.

Janumet immediate-release is usually taken twice a day whereas the extended-release tablet is taken once daily.

The usual starting dose is kept low to determine the patient’s response and tolerability to the active ingredients and then gradually increased, if needed.

How to Take Janumet?

Janumet should be taken with food to reduce or prevent the gastrointestinal side effects metformin may cause. Janumet XR should preferably be taken in the evening.

Swallow the tablets whole; do not crush, split or chew the tablets.

Possible Side Effects of Janumet

The most common side effects of Janumet include:

• Nausea
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Indigestion
• Upset stomach or gas
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Upper respiratory infection
• Weakness

Although less common, Janumet may also cause:

• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Acute renal failure
• Hypersensitivity reaction
• Ski disorder that causes the scalp skin to exfoliate
• Angioedema
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Rhabdomyolysis

Sometimes, the tablets may not dissolve completely in the blood and pass out in the stool. While there is nothing to worry if parts of the tablet pass out from the body occasionally, consult your doctor if you see undissolved tablets in feces, repeatedly.

Janumet may rarely cause lactic acidosis. But, it is a serious health condition that requires immediate treatment, so be careful and get emergency medical aid even if you experience mild symptoms of it. Some common symptoms of lactic acidosis are:

• Cold or numb arms or legs
• Dizziness
• Nausea with vomiting
• Feeling tired or very weak
• Trouble breathing
• Stomach pain
• Slow and/or uneven heart rate

While Janumet does not cause hypoglycemia on its own, we cannot completely rule out its possibility as well because every diabetic patient is at the risk of low blood sugar. Since hypoglycemia needs to be treated immediately, it is recommended that you remain careful while taking any diabetic medicine. If you experience any signs of low blood sugar, quickly consume some fast-absorbing sugar food, such as fruit juice, regular soda, raisins, crackers, or hard candy.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

• Feeling shaky
• Sweating
• Drowsiness
• Fast heart beat
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Hunger
• Headache
• Irritability

Contact your doctor right away or get emergency medical help if you experience any of the following symptoms for no other apparent reason:

• Unusual tiredness
• Unusual and quick weight gain
• Fluid retention and/or swelling, particularly in legs, ankles, and feet
• Increasing trouble in breathing or shortness of breath, especially when lying down.

Needless to say that you shouldn’t take Janumet if you are allergic to any of the ingredients present in the medicine.

Things to Consider Before Taking Janumet

Before beginning treatment with any new medicine, it is highly important that you tell your doctor about every health condition, no matter how little or insignificant it may seem to you, you are suffering from and the medications you are taking.

In particular, inform your healthcare provider if you are or have ever suffered from:

• Liver or kidney issues
• A health condition that may negatively affects your kidneys
• Any disease that reduces the supply of oxygen to lungs and different body tissues
• Heart disease or have recently suffered a heart attack
• Precoma or ketoacidosis
• Gallstones
• Pancreatitis i.e. inflammation of the pancreas.

The safety of Janumet may also need to be determined if you are an alcoholic or consume it excessively or have had a surgery.

The dosage of Janumet needs to be adjusted for pregnant and nursing mothers, so make sure to tell your doctor f you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeed.

Janumet Prescription Assistance

Merck’s Patient Assistance Program, also known as Merck Helps, provides Janumet free of cost primarily to patients who are uninsured and cannot afford to buy this prescription medicine without any assistance. However, exceptions can be made for patients who do not meet the insurance criteria, but have demonstrated medical or financial hardships and do not earn enough to buy the medicines on their own.

With a single application, qualifying patients will get up to a year of Janumet’s supply for free with the option to reapply as many times as they would need.

Visit Merck Helps website to find out more details about the eligibility criteria, to check if you qualify for it, and to know the process of application. Alternatively, you can also call 1-800-727-5400 between 8 am to 8 pm EST from Monday to Friday.

If you know that you qualify for the Merck Helps program, click here to fill out the application form.

[1] https://www.meritushealth.com/media-center/news/2019/january/diabetes-the-silent-killer/

Vyvanse for Treatment of ADHD and Binge Eating Disorder

Vyvanse helps the patients of ADHD to increase focus, maintain alertness, and sustaining motivation, thoughts, and efforts by stimulating the release of two neurotransmitters – norepinephrine and dopamine.

The level of dopamine is also believed to play a role in binge eating disorder. According to research, a significant spike in dopamine levels has been noticed in people affected by the eating disorder whenever they see or smell their favorite foods.

By stimulating the release of dopamine, Vyvanse provides the same dopamine high and thus, eliminates the urge to eat.

Simply put, people suffering from binge eating disorder get their dopamine high from Vyvanse instead of food.

Vyvanse is the only drug that has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of binge eating disorder.

Dosage Forms and Strengths of Vyvanse

Vyvanse is available in forms of capsules and chewable tablets in the following dosage strengths:

Capsules

Vyvanse capsules are available in 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, and 70 mg dosage strengths.

Chewable Tablets

Vyvanse chewable tablets are available in 10 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, and 60 mg strengths.

The capsules can be substituted with chewable tablets of the same strength and vice-versa. However, the substitution is not recommended without taking the doctor’s advice.

Recommended Dosage of Vyvanse

30 mg per day is the recommended initial dosage of Vyvanse, on average. However, the dose may be increased by the doctor depending on the severity of the disease, the patient’s response to the drug and overall health.

Maximum Dose of Vyvanse

The maximum recommended dose of Vyvanse is 70 mg per day. However, for patients suffering from severe renal impairment, the daily dose should not exceed 50 mg.

It is extremely important to stick to the prescribed dosage and not increase it on your own because the drug has a high potential for abuse and developing dependence. Even when a patient needs a higher dosage, it needs to be increased gradually to avoid the risk of adverse effects.

Administration

Vyvanse is taken orally once daily, preferably in the morning. Healthcare experts recommend against taking the medicine in the afternoon or evening because it has the potential to cause insomnia. Morning doses give the body enough time to metabolize the drug and hence, greatly reduce the risk of sleeplessness.

General Instructions for Using Vyvanse

If using Vyvansechewable tablets, make sure to chew the tablets thoroughly before swallowing.

The capsules can either be swallowed whole or their contents can be mixed with water, orange juice, or yogurt. Make sure to mix the contents until they are completely dissolved and then consume it immediately. Do not leave or store the medicine mixture.

Do not divide a single dose; if you are prescribed to take one tablet or capsule of Vyvanse daily, take the whole tablet or capsule at the same time and not divide it into multiple doses.

Limitation of Use

The safety of Vyvanse for the treatment of obesity has not been established, so the medicine should not be used for weight loss.

Storage

Vyvanse should ideally be stored at room temperature between the range of 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 25 degrees Centigrade).

However, experts tell that the medicine can be generally kept between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 30 degrees Centigrade).

How Vyvanse Should Be Disposed of

Since Vyvanse has a high potential for abuse, every state has implemented laws to ensure its proper disposal, which then will decrease the chances of the drug’s misuse.

As responsible citizens, all patients who are using Vyvanse should dispose of the remaining or expired medicine via a medicine take-back program.

Possible Side Effects of Vyvanse

Vyvanse has the potential to cause the following negative effects:

• Increased blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Cardiovascular reactions that can often be serious
• Negative psychiatric effects
• Drug dependence
• Serotonin syndrome
• Growth suppression
• Peripheral vasculopathy
• Raynaud’s phenomenon

Adverse Effects of Vyvanse in ADHD Patients Found In Clinical Trials

Several controlled clinical trials have been conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of Vyvanse in children (aged 6 to 12 years), adolescents (13 to 17 years) and adults.

Although the risks are low, Vyvanse has been found to have the potential of producing following adverse effects in people with ADHD:

Effects in Children

• Insomnia
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Weight loss
• Pain in the upper abdominal area
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Irritability
• Rashes
• Anorexia
• Fever

Effects in Adolescents

• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth
• Palpitations
• Anorexia
• Tremors
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Irritability
• Dizziness

Effects in Adults

• Decreased appetite
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Anxiety
• Anorexia nervosa
• Feeling jittery
• Agitation
• Increase in blood pressure
• Restlessness
• Weight loss
• Shortness of breath
• Increased heart rate
• Tremors
• Palpitations
• Hyperhidrosis – a condition that causes excessive and extreme sweating, primarily in feet, hands, and underarm area.

Side Effects Experienced By ADHD Patients (In Clinical Trials) after Discontinuations of Vyvanse

In controlled clinical trials, patients of ADHD were found to experience following negative effects after discontinuation of Vyvanse:

Children

• Vomiting
• Insomnia
• Decreased appetite
• Psychomotor hyperactivity
• Rashes
• Tics – rapid, repeated, non-rhythmic, and involuntary muscle movements that are difficult (sometimes impossible) to stop.

Adolescents

• Insomnia
• Decreased appetite

Adults

• Headache
• Hypertension
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Shortness of breath
• Anxiety
• Tachycardia – a condition in which the heart rate reaches beyond 100 beats per minute.

Adverse Effects of Vyvanse in People with BED Found In Clinical Trials

While Vyvanse has been found to be generally safe for treating binge eating disorder, controlled clinical studies show that people suffering from an eating disorder may experience following adverse effects with it:

• Insomnia
• Dry mouth
• Decreased appetite
• Constipation
• Feeling jittery or anxious
• Increased heart rate
• Decreased appetite

Adverse Effects Experienced By Patients of BED (In Clinical Trials) after Discontinuation of Vyvanse

According to controlled clinical studies, people struggling with the eating disorder may experience following adverse effects after discontinuation of Vyvanse:

• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Irritability
• Rashes
• Insomnia
• Pain in upper abdominal area
• Increased heart rate
• Feeling jittery
• Anxiety

Possible Drug Interactions

Co-administering Vyvanse with certain medications increases the risk of adverse effects. Here we are listing some of the drugs that are known to have negative effects, when taken with lisdexamfetaminedimesylate, and hence, should be avoided:

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and phenelzine. Taking Vyvanse along with MAOIs can cause the hypertensive crisis; a drastic increase in blood pressure that could potentially be life-threatening. Vyvanse should also be avoided for at least 14 days after using an MAOI drug.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• John’s Wort
• Lithium
• Tramadol
• Tryptophan
• Fentanyl
• Fluoxetine
• Paroxetine
• Ritonavir
• Quinidine
• Alkalizing agents, such as acetazolamide
• Acidifying agents, like protriptylinedesipramine

Precautions

CNS stimulants can cause elevated blood pressure and heart rate, which in turn will increase the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Since Vyvanse also falls under the category of CNS stimulants, patients need to be screened for the risks of cardiac disease prior to treating them with the medication. This not only includes testing them for the presence of heart disease, but also assessing their risks for the disease by considering the family history of ventricular arrhythmia, heart attack, cardiac arrest, heart failure, and any other heart-related issue.

In view of the fact that Vyvanse has a high potential for abuse, every patient should also be assessed for the risk of abuse prior to treating with the drug.

Even when prescribed after assessing risk factors and determining safety, all patients taking Vyvanse need to be regularly monitored for signs of overdose, abuse, or dependence and re-evaluated for the need of the medicine.

Prescription Assistance for Vyvanse

A large number of people in the United States have difficulty obtaining their prescribed medicines because their insurance does not cover the medicines or they are not insured, and they cannot afford to buy them on their own either.

If you fall into any of these categories and have difficulty obtaining your prescribed medicines, don’t worry – prescription assistance programs are available in almost all states.

The prescription assistance programs offer a large number of medicines to eligible patients for free or at lower costs.

Shire Cares, a patient services program run by Shire pharmaceuticals that manufacture the medicine, provides prescription assistance for the ADHD and BED medicine Vyvanse. Call at 1-888-227-3755 or send an email to ShireCares@shire.com to find out details about the eligibility criteria and benefits of the program.

According to the Federal Drug Administration, Dulera is only meant to be used to for asthma patients whose disease is not adequately controlled by a long-term asthma controlled medication, like an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS).[1]

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the airways of the lungs. It specifically causes the narrowing of bronchioles due to tightening of the muscles around them, accumulation of mucus, and/or the inflammation of their lining. Bronchioles are the smaller airways through which air moves in and out of the lungs during the respiration process.

As a result of the narrowing of the bronchioles, the affected person experiences difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, severe cough, congestion, and wheezing.

Asthma treatment generally includes using one or a combination of medications that help to reduce inflammation and dilate the airways.

Dulera Mechanism of Action

Mometasone furoate is a synthetic corticosteroid that is similar to cortisol – a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It belongs to the category of anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, which means it helps to reduce swelling of the airways.

Formoterol, on the other hand, is a long-term bronchodilator that helps to relax the muscles around the airways. As a result, the airways are dilated and the patient gets relief from the symptoms of asthma, like cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Limitations

Dulera is not meant to be used as a rescue inhaler to get relief from an asthma exacerbation and/or acute bronchospasm.

Also, the medicine should not be used for children under 12 years of age.

Dosage of Dulera

The dosage of Dulera varies across patients. A patient’s history of asthma treatment and the severity of the disease are the two major factors that need to be considered to determine the right dose of Dulera.

Typically, doctors start with one inhalation of 200mcg/10mcg, twice a day at 12 hour distance and then may increase to two inhalations twice a day, if needed.

Maximum Dosage

The maximum dosage of Dulera is 800mcg/20mcg in a day – do not exceed this amount unless prescribed by your doctor.

Important: Dulera should strictly be administered when and as prescribed by the doctor. Do not change the dosage or discontinue the medicine on your own as it can cause negative effects.

What Should You Do In Case Of a Missed Dosage?

In case, you forget to take Dulera, skip the missed dosage and take the next regular dosage on its time. Never take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

What Should You Do In Case of Overdose?

An overdose of Dulera may cause irregular heartbeat, tremors, chest pain, and severe trouble in breathing. It may also cause you to faint. To avoid the serious effects, immediately get medical help if you have mistakenly overdosed.

If there isn’t any other option available, call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 (for the US residents only).

How to Use Dulera

Use Dulera the same way you use your regular asthma inhaler. Make sure to shake the inhaler well before use. Also, if you are to take to inhalations or if you are using another inhaler at the same time, take at least a minute’s gap after one inhalation and then take the other.

Always gargle and/or rinse your mouth with water after using Dulera to prevent oral thrush, and irritation and dryness in mouth and throat. Make sure to not swallow the water and spit out all of it.

How Long Does Dulera Take to Provide Relief?

Dulera inhaler may take about a week before a patient experiences the full benefits of the medicine. However, it may take a little longer in some cases.

Possible Side Effects of Dulera

The most common side effects of Dulera include:

• Nasopharyngitis i.e. the swelling of the back of the throat and nasal passage, also called upper respiratory infection
• Stuffy nose
• Throat irritation, dry mouth, or hoarseness
• Headache
• Sinusitis

Tell your doctor if these conditions do not go away in a week or worsen with time.

Serious Side Effects of Dulera

While the serious side effects of Dulera are rare, it is better to be cautious and immediately report to the doctor if you experience any of them. Some possible serious negative effects that a patient using Dulera may experience include:

• Serious allergic reactions, like swelling of the mouth, tongue, and face, hives, or rash.
• Oral thrush i.e. yeast infection in mouth and throat.
• Increased susceptibility to infections and the worsening of existing infections, ocular herpes, and tuberculosis. Some common signs of infection include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, body aches, and fatigue.
• Worsening of breathing problems, such as increased wheezing right after inhalation. It is recommended to always have a rescue inhaler at hand so you can treat sudden aggravation of breathing issues.
• Eye issues, like blurred vision, glaucoma, and cataracts.
• Increase in the blood sugar level.
• Decrease in the level of potassium in the blood.
• The medication may also lead to lower bone mineral density in people who are already at a higher risk of it, for example, people who are at the risk of osteoporosis.
• Patients shifting from oral corticosteroid medicines to the inhaled corticosteroids, may experience reduced adrenal function with Dulera usage.

Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the following:

• Worsening of breathing issues
• No improvement in asthma symptoms after regularly using Dulera for two weeks
• An increased need for using your rescue inhaler
• Need to use four or more inhalations of your regular rescue inhaler for at least two consecutive days
• Decreased effectiveness of your regular rescue inhaler in relieving asthma symptoms

Who Should Not Use Dulera?

Do not use Dulera if:

• Your disease is well controlled with other asthma medications
• You are allergic to any of its ingredients – do check the list of ingredients before you start using the medicine

Dulera should also be avoided if you suffer from certain diseases or health conditions or develop any of them while you are on Dulera treatment. Make sure to tell your doctor is you have or develop:

• Hypertension
• Heart problems
• Diabetes
• Seizures
• Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
• Osteoporosis
• Liver problems
• Eye issues, like changes in vision, cataracts, glaucoma, or increased pressure in the eye
• Aneurysm i.e. swelling of an artery
• A weak immune system or any disease that affects the immune system
• Tumor of the adrenal gland
• If you are suffering from or have a history of infections, like herpes and tuberculosis
• If you are using any prescription and/or non-prescription medicines and herbal products

In addition to these, make sure to tell your doctor if you are:

• Allergic to any medications
• Scheduled to have a surgery
• Pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• A nursing mother

Contraindications

Dulera can cause hypersensitivity if used with the primary treatment medications for status asthmatics, acute bronchospasm, and/or exercise induced bronchospasm.

Dulera usage should also be avoided with any medication that contains LABA due to the risk of overdose. When overdosed, LABA may cause a sudden decrease or increase in blood pressure, irregular or fast heartbeat, weakness, dizziness, nervousness, headache, tremor, seizure, and/or chest pain.

The following medications may increase the effects of formoterol (one of the active ingredients in Dulera) on blood pressure and heart and hence, should be avoided to be used with or within 14 days of their discontinuation:

• Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), for example tranylcypromine

Certain drugs can reduce the breakdown of mometasone furoate by the liver enzymes. As a result, the level of the drug increases in the body, which then will increase or worsen the negative effects of Dulera. Some of the drugs that can have this effect are:

• Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
• Atazanavir (Reyataz)
• Itraconazole (Sporanox)
• Indinavir (Crixivan)
• Telithromycin (Ketek)
• Nelfinavir (Viracept)
• Ketoconazole

Dulera can also cause negative effects if used with:

• Medications that have an immunosuppressant effect
• Anti-fungal medicines, like ketoconazole
• Anti-HIV medication, especially the ones that contain cobicistat and ritonavir. Some of the medicines that contain ritonavir are NORVIR (both oral solution and soft gelatin capsules) and KALETRA.

Precautions

As mentioned above, Dulera can increase a patient’s susceptibility to infections as well as can worsen the existing ones. Therefore, it is recommended for patients taking Dulera to avoid contact with people who are suffering from infections that can spread to others, like flu, measles, and chickenpox.

Dulera is not generally meant to be used for very long periods of time because it can affect the body’s ability to respond to physical stress. This is why doctors only prescribe it when other asthma medications do not work. Even when prescribed, Dulera is usually administered only for a limited period of time to control the symptoms of asthma. Once the disease is under control, doctors gradually move the patients to alternative medications, in most cases.

Storage[2]

Dulera should be stored at room temperature between 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 25 degrees centigrade).  Since the canister of the medicine contains drugs under pressure, it should not be stored at a high temperature or near heat and open flame. Storing Dulera above 120 degrees Fahrenheit may cause the canister to burst.

After priming, the 60 actuation inhaler should be stored with the mouthpiece sideways or down.

Where to Buy Dulera From

In view of the possibility that some uncertified sellers may be selling fake medicines, always buy all your medications from a certified pharmacy; whether retail or online.

Do not be tempted to buy from pharmacies that are selling medicines at significantly lower rates – there is a high likelihood that they are not original.

If you cannot afford to buy Dulera, or any other medicine, and do not even have the insurance, look for a prescription assistance program and apply for it to get all your prescribed medicines at low-costs or for free.

What is a Prescription Assistance?

For those who do not know, prescription assistance programs are sponsored programs that have been designed to ensure the availability of prescription medicines to people who are uninsured, underinsured, not eligible for the medical aid programs run by the government, and cannot afford to buy them on their own.

Many prescription drugs manufacturers offer such programs, so you are sure to find one that offers the medicines that you need.

Applications for prescription assistance programs are free. The only requirements to qualify for them are:

• You have to be a US permanent resident or citizen
• You should be able to demonstrate financial needs due to limited earnings
• Prove that you have limited or no prescription drug coverage from a private source or government

Prescription Assistance for Dulera

Merck Patient Assistance Program provides prescription assistance for Dulera. It is a private program that provides free of cost medicines to the eligible individuals. If you are not already registered with a prescription assistance program, visit www.merckhelps.com/DULERA to determine your eligibility for the Merck’s program.

[1] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/022518s000lbl.pdf

[2] https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/d/dulera/dulera_ppi.pdf

COPD is one of those diseases that often do not show any symptoms until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. The conditions are often diagnosed when the lungs have already been significantly damaged.

While symptoms of COPD can vary across patients, the diseases are mainly characterized by:

• Shortness of breath that continues to increase with time, if not treated. A patient can experience breathlessness while performing a physical activity
• Regular coughing, both with and without mucous
• Wheezing
• A feeling of tightness in the chest
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Swelling in the legs, feet, and/or ankles
• Chronic cough that may also produce greenish, yellow, white, or clear mucus
• Waking up with an excess of mucus in the lungs. A patient may require to clear their throat immediately after waking up
• Lack of energy
• Weight loss during the later stages of the disease
• One of the main symptoms of chronic bronchitis is daily cough with mucus production for about three months a year, for two consecutive years.

People suffering from a COPD condition often experience several day-long episodes during which their symptoms get worse than usual.

Treatment for COPD

Depending on the severity of the condition, causes, family history and the overall health of a patient, the treatment plan for COPD may include one or a combination of bronchodilators, steroids, enzyme inhibitors, and anticholinergics. The doctor may also prescribe mucolytic agents and antibiotics as well as may also suggest the patient to perform yoga or endurance exercises.

While not very common, the doctor may suggest a surgery for treatment of COPD. These surgeries include lung volume reduction, bullectomy, and in worst cases, a lung transplant.

No matter what treatment plan the doctor lays out for a patient, it almost always includes using a bronchodilator.

What Is a Bronchodilator?

A bronchodilator is a medicine, or a combination of medicines, that helps to relax the muscles surrounding the airways. As a result, the airways get enlarged or dilated, which then will make it easier for the air to flow through the respiratory passage.

Bronchodilators are available in two types: short-term and long-term.

Combivent Respimat for COPD

As mentioned earlier, Combivent Respimat is prescribed to patients suffering from narrowed airways, but do not find relief from other generally used COPD medications.

How Combivent Respimat Works

While both the drugs found in Combivent Respimat are bronchodilators, their mechanism of action is different.

Albuterol sulfate is a type of drug that falls into the category of beta-2 agonist bronchodilators.  The drugs that belong to this category specifically act on beta-2 receptors found on the muscle cells on the lining of the airways and cause them to relax. As a result, the airways get opened and the patient finds relief from breathlessness.

Ipratropium bromide, on the other hand, helps to suppress or cancel the effects of acetylcholine in the nasal passage and airways. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that the cholinergic nerves use to regulate functions like, airway smooth muscle contraction, airway tone, vasodilation, and mucus secretion.

In patients of COPD, the cholinergic nerves that go to the lungs produce excessive amount of acetylcholine, which causes increased contraction of muscle cells surrounding the airways. As a result, the patient experiences shortness of breath due to narrowing of airways.

Ipratropium bromide promotes muscle relaxation and dilation of airways by blocking out the effects of cholinergic nerves and acetylcholine.

Can Combivent Respimat Be Used as a Rescue Inhaler?

No, Combivent’s mechanism of action is not fast enough to provide immediate relief in case of flare ups. For most patients, the medicine takes around 15 minutes to provide relief.

Availability

Combivent Respimat inhalation spray is available in two varieties: 90/18 mcg and 100/ 20 mcg per actuation

Each actuation of the inhaler provides 90 or 100 mcg albuterol sulfate and 18 or 20 mcg ipratropium bromide.

Recommended Dosage

Belonging to the category of short-acting bronchodilators, Combivent Respimat only stays in the patient’s body for 4 to 6 hours. Hence, it needs to be administered multiple times in a day.

On average, one inhalation of Combivent Respimat is prescribed to be administered four times a day. Some patients may be recommended to take more inhalations, if necessary, however, the dosage should not exceed six inhalations in 24 hours.

Always consult your doctor to determine the right dosage for yourself and do not change it on your own. If you feel that the prescribed dosage is not providing enough relief, talk to your doctor and do not increase the dose of the medicine on your own.

Possible Side Effects of Combivent Respimat

While a lot of patients who use Combivent Respimat do not experience any side effects at all, there is a probability that you may experience on or more of the following effects while on this medication:

• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Cough
• Dizziness
• Nervousness
• Tremors
• Constipation
• Cold and flu like symptoms, such as sore throat, cough, sneezing, and/or stuffy nose
• It may also cause an increase in the blood pressure

Infrequent Side Effects of Combivent Respimat

Some patients may experience following effects when on Combivent Respimat[1]:

• Backache
• Severe trouble in sleeping
• Anxiety and/or depression
• Excessive sweating
• Fever
• Hyperactivity
• Indigestion
• Cramps in legs
• Ringing in the ears
• Inflammation of nose
• Water retention
• Migraine
• Uncoordinated movements

Serious Side Effects of Combivent Respimat

While not common, Combivent Respimat may also cause some serious side effects, such as:

• The worsening of breathing issues and bronchospasms.
• Urinary retention
• Irregular or fast heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Palpitation
• Ocular or visual changes

Immediately discontinue the usage, if you experience any of the serious effects and tell your doctor as soon as possible.

Possible Drug Interactions of Combivent Respimat

Combivent Respimat may interact with the medications taken for the following health conditions:

• Urinary or bladder issues
• Parkinson’s disease
• Depression
• Blood pressure
• Heart diseases
• ADHD
• Stomach ulcer
• Motion sickness
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Diet pills
• Diuretics, commonly known as water pills

The drugs found in the bronchodilator may also interact with the chemicals found in some over-the-counter allergy and cold medicines.

In view of the possibility of interaction, it is recommended to always tell your doctor about any and all the medications and supplements you are using.

While it is unknown if the drugs found in Combivent Respimat pass into breast milk or if they can have any negative effect on the baby, the medicine is not recommended to be used by nursing mothers.

Who Should Not Take Combivent Respimat?

People suffering from following diseases or health conditions should not use the bronchodilator:

• Hypertension
• Ketoacidosis
• Abnormal heart beat
• Seizures
• Reduced or inadequate blood flow through the arteries of the heart and to the heart muscles
• Urinary bladder blockage
• Closed angle glaucoma
• Enlarged prostate
• Low levels of potassium
• Excessive amount of body acid

Combivent Respimat should be used with caution in patients suffering from the following conditions:

• Hyperthyroidism
• Diabetes
• Convulsive disorders
• People who are highly sensitive or overly responsive to any of the drugs

Bottom Line

Combivent Respimat is a prescription medication that is highly effecitve for treating narrowing of the airways, called bronchospasm, caused by any of the COPD conditions. Since Combivent Respimat contains two active drugs, it is more powerful than a regular bronchodilator and hence, is only prescribed to patients who do not benefit from a regular medication and need a second or a stronger dosage.

The medicine may cause some side effects and drug interactions, so it should never be used without consultation with a doctor. Even when prescribed by a pulmonologist, watch out for any negative effects and immediately tell the doctor, if you experience any side effect. Lastly, do not change the dosage or the frequency of Combivent Respimat on your own.

Combivent Respimat Prescription Assistance

Have you been prescribed Combivent Respimat by your doctor, but you do not have insurance and cannot afford to buy it on your own?

Don’t worry – prescription assistance for Combivent Respimat is available!

Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation, INC. offers this medicine at a very low-cost, or even for free, under their patient assistance program. For details about the assistance program and how to apply,visit the website of Partnership for Prescription Assistance or click here to check out the eligibility criteria to receive assistance for Combivent Respimat.

[1] https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-161259/combivent-respimat-inhalation/details/list-sideeffects

Synthroid (levothyroxine) is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in America. 20 million people in America have a thyroid condition and according to the American Thyroid Association, more than 12 percent of Americans will develop a thyroid condition at some point in their lives.

Synthroid is a medication prescribed to treat hypothyroidism. It is a manufactured form of the thyroid hormone T4 that addresses thyroid hormone deficiency.

Levothyroxine was first formulated in 1927 and is classified as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization. This classification means that levoythroxine—and Synthroid by extension is a medicine that you cannot and should not skip doses or stop dosage altogether. This is something we at Rx Solution cannot recommend and do not think is something anyone should have to do. Having to diminish your quality of life because of not being able to afford increasingly expensive prescription medications is a circumstance we can assist you with through introducing you to prescription assistance programs. There is more information about prescription assistance programs at the bottom of this article.

Hypothyroidism Treatment Using Synthroid

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is underperforming. The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that lies below the adams apple in the throat. It is a critical component of the endocrine system in the body which is the entire system in your body that coordinates the many chemicals and hormones to perform their appropriate duties.

The thyroid gland in particular is responsible for regulating your metabolism in your body. Having a properly functioning thyroid is crucial because the thyroid gland will affect metabolic rate by stimulating a majority of tissues in the body to produce proteins as well as increasing the amount of oxygen that cells use.

T4 has a minimal effect on your metabolic rate. It is when T4 is converted into T3 (Triiodothyronine) that it becomes more of an active player in metabolic processes. Interestingly, much of the T4 and T3 in the blood are inactive, only a small portion of it is free flowing in the blood—otherwise known as free hormone.

Thus, when the body experiences a great need for metabolic stimulation, more free hormone is produced from the bound T4 and T3 in the blood. This is why proper medication and balance are important, if you do not have enough thyroid hormone available, metabolic needs will not be met.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism are:

• Depression
• Constant sinking feeling
• Excessive fatigue
• Anxiety
• Nervousness
• Muscle weakness

And more.

Why You Should Take Synthroid over Generic

The cost of levothyroxine—the generic equivalent of Synthroid is fairly cheap compared to other medications. In the United States, for less than $15 a month, you can receive a prescription for levothyroxine. However, treating thyroid issues are notoriously complex and elusive.

There are many hidden costs not associated with the medication. Because hypothyroid treatment is a highly dose dependent treatment, you will require multiple doctor’s visits and lab tests to ascertain what the appropriate dosing level will be for you. Many doctors choose to start patients off at 50 mcg which is in many cases too low of a dosage. The old standards for an appropriate TSH level (the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood) are still used by many offices. Having a high TSH that falls within range can still leave many people feeling symptomatic, and many doctors will hesitate to prescribe higher dosages.

Getting the right dose and keeping your TSH levels within a good range for you is the trick to getting rid of symptoms in many cases.

The problem?

Generic levothyroxine is one of the rare examples of a generic equivalent that performs WORSE than its brand name counterpart—Synthroid. Generic medications must have the same potency by law as brand name versions. Naturally, not all generic medicines from different manufacturers will have the same concentration—as there is an allowed margin of error on a medication.

In the case of thyroid medicine, a 5% margin of error on a 75mcg dose (a common dose) is nearly 4mcg, which can and will make a difference. Everything about the medication can be different from the release time of particular capsules to the variations in dosing due to the margin of error.

Synthroid Patient Assistance Programs

It is for this reason that we recommend you take Synthroid, so you can avoid these inconsistencies and keep your thyroid hormone levels stable and consistent.

The problem is that Synthroid is considerably more expensive than generic without insurance—a common problem in the United States. If you are underinsured or uninsured, Synthroid may cost up to 150$ depending on where you live. Another issue is that treating thyroid issues for some patients is not as simple as prescribing Levothyroxine or Synthroid.

Some patients have much more tricky issues due to having autoimmune complications from diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or some other metabolic issues. The endocrine system is a very complicated thing to mess with, and so when you start any kind of hormone therapy there is a great deal of balancing and trial and error which must occur.

Many times, simple T4 prescriptions don’t cut it. Patients may need a combination of T4 and active T3 supplementation or desiccated thyroid medications alongside Synthroid to become asymptomatic.

Because hypothyroidism must be treated for life, the cost of these medications is incredibly important. Any incremental changes in price can have a tremendous long term investment impact.

Rx Assistance Programs

Rx Solution has been helping uninsured and underinsured Americans gain access to prescription assistance programs offered by drug manufacturers. These programs will provide brand name prescription drugs for a steep discount to those who are deemed eligible.

Application requirements can vary from company to company and the application process can become unwieldy if you—like so many, require assistance with more than one drug.

Let our highly professional and experienced team guide you through the application process to ensure you have the best chance for acceptance so that you can acquire the medications you need.

Contact Rx Solution to get started today!

Vyvanse is one of the top 10 most prescribed prescription medications in the United States. Despite the fact that this medication is prescribed so frequently, there are many people who require it who cannot afford the medication and have no choice but to suffer the deleterious effects of remaining unmedicated.

Vyvanse is principally used to treat two major disorders. The first is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder—ADHD. The other is Binge Eating Disorder (BED). It is typically prescribed to adults and children age 6 and above.

A Brief History of ADHD

ADHD has historically been thought of as something that afflicted unruly children who couldn’t sit still in class. It was first observed and recorded in the early 1900s by a British pediatrician who recognized that despite the lack of control, children afflicted by this particular condition were no less intelligent than their peers.

The American Psychological Association recognized ADHD in its 2^nd DSM in 1968, but treatment for ADHD was already underway in the 50s through the use of Ritalin—a medication still in use today. Up until now, there was a lot of trouble understanding this disorder and adequately classifying it has been difficult.

As you can imagine, this also means that the general public has trouble understanding this disorder and it was for a long time discredited as simply a lack of discipline. Needless to say, this is a gross misunderstanding and has resulted in many people living with a significantly reduced quality of life, something we at Rx Solution strive to help remedy by providing access to prescription assistance programs.

The history lesson wasn’t for fun, however. Many adults have undiagnosed ADHD or know about their ADHD but cannot afford to medicate it. Because the stigma of ADHD as a childhood disorder still lingers, many people—including those who suffer from ADHD downplay the beneficial aspects of taking medication consistently can provide.

Adult ADHD symptoms may include but are not limited to:

• Impulsivity
• Having poor time management abilities
• Difficulties focusing on tasks
• Low tolerance for frustration
• Excessive restlessness
• Frequent mood swings

Those are just a few of the symptoms of ADHD. Now ask yourself, how much more difficult would it be to complete ordinary life tasks and responsibilities if these symptoms were haranguing you constantly? For many with ADHD, these symptoms are something they’ve grown to accept as an everyday experience. Without being able to afford medication, they must make due with these troubles.

How Can Vyvanse Help With ADHD?

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system. The chemicals in the brain that affect and determine hyperactivity and impulse control are altered through this medication. Vyvanse was approved by the FDA in 2007 as a once-a-day medication for the treatment of ADHD in adults and children in 2013.

Vyvanse is normally only available in an extended-release format which lasts the entire day, due to this, Vyvanse is generally regarded as having lesser risk of abuse. It is also known as a pro-drug, which means that the medication is only activated once it is metabolized in the body. It is believed that medications that function like this tend to have less serious/frequent side-effects as compared to medications that are “active” regardless of whether they are ingested or not.

Vyvanse works by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine levels. Norepinephrine acts as a stimulant in the body and when combined the heightened dopamine levels, it can aid in reducing the symptoms of ADHD. It is said that it takes a few weeks for the full effects of Vyvanse to begin working, as levels of chemicals in the brain must take time to level out in their increased state.

One of the biggest and most obvious benefits to this medication is an increased attention span. Ordinarily, when those with ADHD are unmedicated, their fractured attention spans are the first thing that pose a problem. From there, other behavioral problems such as impulsivity and restlessness occur. Those symptoms are generally comorbid with a mood detriment such as anxiety.

Vyvanse Assistance

Are you having a hard time affording your prescription medications? With the cost of prescription drugs increasing greatly over the years and showing little signs of stopping, many Americans have been left without a means to pay for the medications they so desperately require.

There are few prescription medications that can be taken intermittently without a diminished quality of life. The fact that this medication has been prescribed at some point to you means it is crucial that it is taken routinely for your optimal wellbeing. For example, blood pressure medication. You may refrain from taking it if you can’t afford it, but your blood pressure will undoubtedly rise to dangerous levels which will affect your body over time.

And yet, many Americans routinely DO go without taking their prescription medications. They skip doses, they try to ration out their supply because they simply cannot afford a refill. They are forced to choose between paying for rent or paying for medications.

With Prescription Assistance Programs, people who are living in these circumstances can qualify for access to steeply discounted brand name prescription medications by applying to the programs to see if they are eligible.

Vyvanse Prescription Assistance Programs

At the Rx Solution, we help uninsured and underinsured Americans acquire their best chances for eligibility. Our highly knowledgable team has helped thousands of people apply to these programs and receive the aid they require.

These manufacturer patient assistance programs have varying requirements depending on the medications you need. This means that if you require assistance with more than one medication (most people do) you’ll need to fill out separate applications for each one.

This is where our team truly shines, they can acquire your information, apply, and manage all of your applications for you so that you have the best chance of being accepted while also avoiding the headache of having to fill these highly tedious applications out.

Contact The Rx Solution today at (866)-461-0898 to get started today for a better tomorrow!

Are Expiration Dates on Drugs Important?

In the simplest terms, an expiration on a drug is the date by which the manufacturer cedes all responsibility for the stability and potency of the drug. After that date, the liability for anything that occurs falls on the shoulders of the person who chooses to use the medication after that date.

Many people suspect that medications last much, much longer than this—and they’d be correct. While manufacturers do sometimes create dates that are seemingly reasonable such as 12-36 months from packaging date, understand that medications are stable for longer than this. The reason for these dates is simply for legal coverage as we discussed earlier.

How Long After Date Does Medication Last?

Legal coverage seems to account for much of the dating and best by date instructions given. For example, pharmacies will also print their own recommendations for which drugs may be good and by what date. The reason for this is that the Board of Pharmacy in many states requires that pharmacies print conditional terms detailing how medication should be discarded by a certain date after the bottle has been opened—even if it was opened by you.

This is likely due to the fact that while most medications are highly stable after expiration dates, the pharmacy cannot account for how the medication will be treated after it is handed off.

Medications that must be refrigerated such as insulin are highly susceptible to losing their potency and degrading under less than optimal conditions. Some commonly known medications that DO in fact lose potency are insulin, nitroglycerin, and liquid antibiotics.

Notice how the medications that are advised for you to be cautious with are highly dose dependent. Miscalculated insulin doses can be debilitating in the short and long term. Nitroglycerin is a medication that is used to treat heart failure and blood flow issues. Needless to say, antibiotics must work in full for them to be effective—I’m sure you can recall having to take antibiotics and your doctor stressing the importance finishing the entire quantity given to you even if you feel better sooner rather than later.

How to Keep Medication Fresh?

While we’ve discussed how medication—especially things like pills and capsules, stay stable for a long time, there are things that you can do which will either degrade the medicine or keep it pristine. As you may have seen on the bottles of most medications, it is best to keep medicine away from sunlight. Ideally, medicine should be stored in a cool, dry space that is away from light. Many people mistakenly keep their medications on countertops or worse yet near windowsills in their bedrooms.

As we alluded to earlier, pharmacies know that storage conditions vary dramatically, and this matters a great deal in some cases. For this reason, discarding medicine a certain time after opening or by a certain date is fairly ingrained within the public. Because we also know that most of these medications are still potent and usable, consider just how much waste and how much of a financial burden

Is It Safe to Consume Expired Medications?

There was a rather famous report in the 60s that detailed how degraded tetracycline led to a type of kidney damage known as “Fanconi Syndrome”. It’s important to know that this was never adequately proven and that formulation of tetracycline is no longer sold in the United States.

Dosage types such as capsules and tablets are the most stable past expiration date. If you are using any type of drug that is in liquid form or requires refrigeration, it is best to strictly heed the expiration date as well as go so far as to inspect the solution to ensure it is not cloudy or has any strange particles in it.

Prescription Assistance Programs

It is a very commonly searched for question, “can I take expired medication”, or some form of that. Why? Millions of Americans in the United States are uninsured or underinsured, on top of this, they have difficulties paying for their food, utilities, rent, etc. In order to survive, many of these people cut costs where they can—and sadly this is often cutting costs for prescription medications that they are in dire need of.

As you may know firsthand, prescription medication prices have been exploding in price over the past decade and show no signs of getting cheaper. This has left many Americans without any reasonable way to acquire the medications they need at an affordable price. What many of these people do not know is that prescription drug manufacturers offer something called a prescription assistance program. These programs offer brand name prescription medications at a discounted price for those who meet their eligibility criteria.

Application to these programs can be very tedious and time-consuming as a great deal of information must be organized. Our team at Rx Solution are experts at taking you through the application process in a timely and error-free manner so that you may have the best chance of acquiring prescription assistance for medications such as Chantix, Januvia, Trulicity, and many more.

It may be tempting to try and fill these applications out yourself—and you could do that, but consider that there are many complications to the application process that could slow down or outright cause your application to be denied. Requirements for approval vary from drug manufacturer to manufacturer, if you find yourself in need of more than one medication (as many people do), it quickly becomes a full-time job of trying to gather the right documents and keep them moving along in the application process.

Trust us, we know.

Contact Rx Solution today to get your application started so that you can acquire the prescription medications you need as quickly as possible and for as little as possible.

This begs to question, just how necessary is it to purchase brand name prescription medications over generic? When it comes to health, we cannot afford to make ill-informed decisions. With this article, we hope to outline some basic facts about generic and brand name medications, and if there are any differences worth the price.

Why are Prescription Medication Prices Rising?

This is a question I wished to address first before diving into any differences. This is an incredibly complex topic tied into the legislature of healthcare and the evasiveness and drive that drug manufacturers have—like all businesses, to stay afloat and generate profits.

How Much are Prescription Drugs Really?

The interplay between insurance companies and drug manufacturers has long been a tenuous one. Without favorable copays, customers will take their business elsewhere. In the insurance game, a company cannot stay afloat without a base of people willing to pay and offset the cost of care that a small portion of customers will end up needing to utilize. If the basic experience of having insurance is not comparable to other companies, the model falls apart, like with most companies when faced with competition.

As a result, copays are a fixed amount—a selling point for insurance plans. The copay remains fixed as best as possible regardless of the cost of the medication. This has allowed many drug manufacturers to periodically raise their prices and get them to market through various tactics. Naturally, insurance companies are not willing to bear the brunt of volatile cost changes and so they must also adjust their coverage strategies to remain competitive with other insurance companies.

What does all of this amount to? The consumer paying for it somewhere along the line. In other words, it is rarely ever clear what a drug actually costs. Without this information being apparent, it’s hard to protest or stymie the rising cost of drugs until they are flat-out unaffordable. This results in many under-insured Americans to seek out patient assistance programs straight from the manufacturer, who would rather offer selective discounts to those in need rather than lose them to a competitor who is willing to do so.

The Cost of Developing Prescription Drugs

Brand name medications are expensive for various reasons, the biggest contributing factor is that for many medications, the brand name version was one of the first of its kind or paved the way for generics. What this really means is that the expensive clinical trials and research and development that goes into developing a drug, putting it out into test-markets, and verifying its safety with the FDA through research is a highly costly endeavor. This is often why many drugs are patented and do not have a generic counterpart. It is to offset the enormous time and financial investment required to produce a new and effective drug for any particular condition or illness.

Should You Purchase Generic or Brand Name Prescription Drugs?

We discussed earlier how consumers often pay the price for any changes in the chain of business for drugs. Generic medications tend to be significantly cheaper than brand name, by about 75-85% as an estimate.

According to the FDA, this is due to the simple fact companies providing generic versions do not have to foot the cost for expensive clinical trials that brand makers must. Also, by their definition, to meet FDA approval, generics must meet the following criteria:

• The active ingredient must be the same as that of the brand name version.
• The generic medicine must be the same strength
• It must be consumed the same way (oral, injectable, etc)
• It must last for the same amount of time (storage)

There are a few other requirements, but those are the pertinent ones.

That answers the question of whether generics are essentially the same product—they are. They have the same chemical makeup and effectiveness as their brand name counterparts and are equally as rigorously investigated by the FDA.

When Should You Purchase Brand Name Medications over Generic?

Still, there are some situations where brand name medications are worthwhile. If you are receiving a steep discount through a prescription assistance program, you are receiving any benefits a brand name may confer for a considerably cheaper price.

In the treatment of any illness or condition which requires precise dosing, the brand name prevails. While generics may have the same strength, that does not mean that the exact consistency of each pill will match the brand-name variety.

One such example of this is for those who suffer from thyroid-related problems. Levothyroxin is the third most prescribed medication in the US, maintaining a balance of thyroid hormones requires continual testing. The difference—even between different manufacturers of generic levothyroxine, can produce noticeable effects in those with higher doses where a mere 5% inconsistency can result in a 5mcg or greater difference day-by-day, for many months. This is also often the case with medications that require a fine-tuned dosage such as blood thinners and anti-epileptics.

Brand Name Medications Through Patient Assistance Programs

Whether you choose generic or brand name is a trivial decision in the grand scheme of things if you are unable to afford medications in the first place! Drug manufacturers know this, and they offer PAPs (prescription assistance programs) to those who are lacking coverage

Rx Solution has worked to create a space in which uninsured and underinsured Americans can come to understand that their situations are not without hope. If you cannot afford a prescription medication that is critical to your wellbeing, visit us at the Rx Solution! We have helped thousands of customers who needed assistance understanding and applying for the often labyrinthian applications that drug manufacturers expect the sick and/or elderly to fill out alone. Our experienced team will gladly walk you through all of the steps and you will stand the best chance of your application being approved as quickly as possible.

Contact us here to get started today!

What is Insulin?

Insulin a hormone and medication that is principally used in the treatment of diabetes. Type 1 diabetics are typically born, not created—meaning that people with type 1 diabetes have had it for much of their life and no amount of diet or exercise can change the fact that their pancreas refuses to produce a sufficient amount of insulin.

Type 2 diabetics are more often than not, created, not born. Many ailments of the modern lifestyle are conducive to developing type 2 diabetes. Life in America, for many, consists of sedentary living. You sit at work, you sit on your commute, you go through the drive-through instead of walking inside your favorite fast-food establishment. Fast food itself is prevalent and offer the utmost convenience. With many Americans working long hours, commuting long distances, as well as being a part of a household where both parents work, it’s no wonder that many people choose to pick up McDonald’s rather than fire up the grill at home after a long day.

All of these factors and more, contribute to weight gain and the inevitable insulin resistance that follows. Insulin resistance is what defines type 2 diabetes. Where a type 1 diabetic does not produce enough insulin, a type 2 diabetic produces enough but the cells in their body do not effectively respond to it, thus requiring more insulin to overcome this resistance.

Why Is Insulin So Expensive?

This breaking news story from the start of the year by NBC tells a preposterous story. For example, the cost of insulin that type 1 diabetics so desperately need has doubled over a mere 5 year period. The Health Care Cost Institute published a study that outlined how in 2016, the average person with type 1 diabetes spent $5,705 on insulin annually. This is a tremendous increase of $2841 per year which was the case in 2012.

Still, that doesn’t answer the question: why is insulin so expensive? You might be led to believe that due to rising rates of diabetes there is a greater need for insulin, but that simply isn’t true. While it IS true that the incidence of diabetes has grown globally in developed countries, the demand for insulin—in the US, remains flat.

Drugmakers contend that the rising prices reflect the steep rebates that must be given to the drugs in order to meet coverage demands by insurance companies. After all—if the buying price is too high off the bat, how can pharmaceutical companies make a profit if no one is purchasing the drug because it isn’t covered?

Insulin is too Expensive and that is Dangerous

Take it from us at RX Solution, we’ve seen first-hand what the skyrocketing prices of prescription medications have done in America. It is expensive with insurance, imagine if you were under-insured or simply had no insurance at all? This is a common plight and is far more common than expected. With high deductibles and expensive co-pays, many Americans feel as if the insurance they pay expensive premiums for ends up doing very little for them if it still costs them a few thousand dollars to receive benefits.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, what do you do when you have mouths to feed, bills to pay and rent to give to keep a roof over your head? Some citizens opt to take a dangerous chance and stop paying for their prescription medications. While this is never recommended, there are some medications that are less dangerous to be temporarily off of than others. Insulin medications are not one of them.

To stop taking insulin as a type-1 diabetic is tantamount to suicide. For type-2 diabetics, the outlook is not that much better if your insulin resistance is severe. While the effects won’t be as pronounced at first, if your blood sugar becomes exceedingly high, your body will inevitably begin to shut down.

Access Affordable Insulin with Prescription Assistance Programs

If you are finding yourself in this predicament of not being able to afford insulin—a drug which is necessary to manage diabetes, the good news is that there is hope.

Patient (or prescription) assistance programs are programs designed to assist those who are having difficulty affording these life-saving medications. The pharmaceuticals market is unbelievably competitive, make no mistake, if it comes down to one brand of insulin or the other, manufacturers will do whatever it takes to have you as a customer.

This has resulted in many drug manufacturers offering steep rebates on drugs for those who apply for them and gain approval on their applications. Each manufacturer has different requirements for eligibility, so the process can be confusing and tedious to apply for if you choose to complete multiple applications for different prescriptions you may have.

Rx Solution was founded on the premise of helping disadvantaged and uninsured Americans gain access to affordable medications through these prescription coupons.

Our highly experienced and knowledgeable team can complete these applications for you and give you the best chance at approval, so you can start reaping the benefits of discounted medications such as Humulin, Trulicity, NovoLog, Humalog, etc.

Contact us here if you have any questions or concerns about how the process works. We will be more than happy to answer any and all inquiries and help you get the help that you or a loved one require!