New Prescription Medication Releases
Most of us rely on the availability of prescription medications more than we realize. Whether we have a sick child, have an infection, take a daily drug or take a medication for a serious disorder our lives would be much different without them. The pharmaceutical industry is one of the largest in the nation as a result. The country is filled with millions of people who need prescription medication either occasionally or regularly. Every year these companies release new medications that continue to offer us improved health and wellness.
This year is no different and the FDA has approved new drugs during 2016 that stand to offer additional prescription alternatives to what is already on the market. Some of these drugs include the following:
Cardiology/Vascular Diseases
Byvalson: Used for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). It was approved on June 2016.
Pain Management
Troxyca ER: For the management of severe pain, Approved on August 2016.
Diabetes
Adlyxin: Used to treat type II diabetes. I was approved on July 2016.
Disorders of the Kidneys
Cabometyx: Used in the treatment of advanced cancer of the kidneys. It was approved April 2016.
Lenvima: Used in the treatment of advanced cancer of the kidneys. It was approved May 2016.
Rayaldee: Used to treat adults with stage 3 or 4 kidney disease. It was approved June 2016.
Neurological Disorders
Briviact: Used to treat seizures related to epilepsy. Was approved on February 2016.
Nuplazid: Used to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease. It was approved on April 2016.
Onzetra Xsail: Used in the treatment of migraines. Approved on January 2016.
Cancer
Sustol: For the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Was approved August 2016.
Tecentriq: For the treatment cancer of the urinary system. Was approved on May 2016.
Venclexta: For the treatment of chronic leukemia. Was approved on April 2016.
Respiratory Diseases
Bevespi Aerosphere: For the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Approved on April 2016
Cinqair: Used in the treatment of severe asthma. Was approved on March 2016.
If you are prescribed one of these new medications a challenge you may encounter is affordability. New prescription drugs are only available in brand name, not generic, so they have a reputation of being expensive. If you have mediocre or no prescription drug coverage then this can present a real problem, particularly if the drug is a must-have! One of the best ways to combat this problem is to utilize some of the fill and discount options available.
Mail Order Programs
One option is to look into whether or not you could use a mail order program to fill your prescription. These programs have a reputation of offering lower prices which is always a great help when struggling to afford an expensive name brand medication. One potential negative is the extended wait time to receive your drugs which might mean being without your medication for a short time.
Prescription Coupon Programs
Another great option is to use a prescription coupon program. The coupons subject to zip code, medication, if generic is available and dosage. Websites such as GoodRx.com offer coupons for an extensive number of prescription drugs and offer a price comparison of pharmacies in your immediate area. An added benefit is that with prescription coupon programs like Good Rx a mobile device app is available. It is important to carefully input the details of your prescription and carefully identify exactly which pharmacy will give you the best price. If you are using a coupon for a maintenance medication that you take regularly it helps to double-check your coupon every so often as prices may change. One potential negative is that not all medications have a coupon available and even if there is the discount is not always able to lower it into a budget-friendly range.
Retail Pharmacy Prescription Savings Programs
One final suggestion for reducing the cost of your medications would be Retail Pharmacy Prescription Savings Programs. Some retail pharmacies, like Walgreens, offer a prescription savings program. These can often offer a nice discount and in some cases even slash the price of a prescription drug. A negative, again, is that not all medications may qualify for the program and might not receive much of a discount if it does.
If you have any questions about Health Insurance or Medicare Part D Prescription coverage please call us today. Many times transitioning to a new plan that offers better coverage can equal a huge savings. Many times there is very little difference in transitioning to a new plan, so if you are struggling to afford your medications and would like to evaluate your coverage options please contact us today!
E. Steele
