Ask A Pharmacist

November 23, 2020

Diabetic eye disease is a collection of eye problems that occur as a complication of diabetes. Diabetic eye disease is a result of damaged blood vessels in the eyes.

November 13, 2020

Learning to use antibiotics safely and appropriately helps ensure that they will continue to be effective for years to come.

November 02, 2020

Until most of the world has been vaccinated, it will be extremely difficult to contain the spread of the virus. Understandably, many have the same question on their mind: When will a vaccine be ready?

October 28, 2020

Almost 15% of Americans report a penicillin allergy, yet 90% of these people can actually tolerate this antibiotic.

October 27, 2020

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each year, over 250,000 women in the United States get breast cancer, and nearly 20% die from this disease.

September 28, 2020

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 12% of women in their childbearing years. It is one of the most common causes of infertility in women.

September 16, 2020

As an adult, you may think that your vaccination days ended with grade school, but this is not true. In fact, certain vaccines are recommended for specific adult age groups.

September 04, 2020

Pharmacists are an important member of your healthcare team. Learn how your pharmacist can be a vital resource for your health.

July 29, 2020

Evolution in pharmacist education and changes in the legislature has shifted the roles of pharmacists.

June 17, 2020

Today’s pharmacists are trained and licensed to provide a number of services needed by many patients.

March 25, 2020

Can I drink while taking this medicine? What if I forget a dose? We answer 5 common pharmacy questions.

October 22, 2019

Do you have gastric reflux? Roughly 18 to 26% of Americans do. Learn about treatment options to get relief from you heartburn.

October 10, 2019

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports, as of September 2019 there have been 1,241 confirmed cases of measles in the United States this year, a number already higher than the previous four years combined.

September 10, 2019

Many of the signs we think about when it comes to stress are difficulty making decisions, excessive anxiety, worry, guilt, and nervousness.

July 31, 2019

Learn simple ways to create organizational systems into your daily routine to get the most benefit from your drug therapy.

July 08, 2019

Outside of prescription medication, these are 3 valuable ways to improve mental health. Incorporating these changes along with your medication can also increase their effectiveness.

June 27, 2019

Narcan nasal spray is intended for use by people who are experiencing an opioid overdose or are showing signs of opioid overdose.

June 18, 2019

If you are using one of these inhalers or have been told that your inhaler contains a steroid in it, you will need to rinse your mouth with water and spit after each use.

May 23, 2019

The More Medications, The Merrier? Have you ever heard of the term “polypharmacy” before? When you break that word down you get “poly”, which means multiple, and “pharmacy”, which means medications. Polypharmacy is defined as the use of multiple drugs, or more than are medically necessary.1 Depending […]

April 22, 2019

According to a study from the CDC, the percent of patients taking both insulin and an oral medication increased between 1997 and 2011.

April 17, 2019

A new group of generic medications are hitting the prescription drug market in 2019. At ScriptSave, we get a lot of questions about generic medications vs. brand name prescription drugs.

April 03, 2019

In 2014, approximately 4 million people in the United States were infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), acute hepatitis C infections reported in the United States increased roughly 3.5 times from 2010-2016.

April 01, 2019

When most people think of a diet that leads to poor diabetes control, they may think of a diet high in carbs and sugar. While those types of food do impact your blood sugars, consuming too many saturated fats can be an enemy against diabetes control,too.

March 21, 2019

With all of the news coverage about vaccines, it is important to equip yourself with the knowledge on what vaccines are, how they work, and why they don’t cause disease to make an informed decision on your health.

March 15, 2019

Overall, the relationship between income and prescription fill rates at the pharmacy is much more complicated than low-income patients having decreased prescription adherence.

March 14, 2019

Hypothyroidism is most commonly caused by an autoimmune disorder which is when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues rather than infections.. If you’re struggling with hypothyroidism, there are prescription and natural treatment options available.

March 07, 2019

If you take any prescription medications, you need to be aware of potential interactions. Here’s how you can protect yourself from dangerous drug interactions.

February 26, 2019

Bacteria in food might not sound like a good thing, but probiotics are good bacteria that mimic the natural bacteria you have in your gut. The bacteria that naturally occurs in the gut supports proper gastrointestinal health and digestion. Different strains of probiotics can also support other functions in the body such as reduce vaginal infections, prevent autoimmune disease, reduce urinary tract infection rate, and ease skin ailments.

February 26, 2019

In October 2017, Acting Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Eric D. Hargan issued a statement declaring a nationwide public health emergency regarding the opioid crisis. The opioid epidemic in America has become a top priority in efforts to prevent opioid overuse.

February 22, 2019

Do you wake up in the middle of the night feeling as if your lower legs are paralyzed and cramped? Do your lower leg muscles feel as if they are hard to the touch and tight? If you experience these symptoms, you may have nocturnal leg cramps.

February 12, 2019

Most patients have the misconception that Tamiflu will cure them of the flu, when in reality the medication works by reducing the number of days with flu like symptoms. There is not direct cure for the flu since it is a viral entity, like the common cold.

February 12, 2019

It’s allergy season and you can’t breathe the fresh air because your nose is congested and stuffed. You visit the pharmacy and purchase a box of Sudafed. Your pharmacist asks if you have a history of high blood pressure, and you answer “yes.” The pharmacist replies that she does not recommend Sudafed for you, but why?

February 11, 2019

The term “backorder” in terms of pharmacy simply means that the pharmacy went to place an order on a specific item and the wholesaler, or company that sells the item, cannot fulfill the order due to shortages. The manufacturer producing Shingrix is now experiencing shipping delays for their vaccine due to the high levels of demand.

February 05, 2019

With all the new diet and detoxification trends arising from celebrities and the media, it’s hard to know harmful from helpful. Activated charcoal has been portrayed as the new “magic bullet” for multiple health issues. Activated charcoal’s popularity is quickly spreading and turning up in supplements, juices, hangover remedies, face masks and even toothpastes. The media and celebrities promise it will reduce bloating, clear skin, whiten your teeth, and detox your organs for a healthier life. But does it work?

January 02, 2019

When it comes to health information on the internet, many patients are no longer sure what to believe. As important, patients often don’t know how to apply what they have read. As a healthcare provider, you have the opportunity to help patients navigate through the vast variety of  online health information.

December 31, 2018

The United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recalled over seven different products in December 2018 due to impurities, mislabeling, or performance defects. The FDA works closely with drug manufacturers to recall and remove any defective medications from the consumer market.  They also have laws that require organizations to contact patients subject to the recall.

December 27, 2018

Prescribed dosages of valsartan range from 40 mg to 320 mg daily and lower strength tablets would contain less NDMA respectively than a higher strength tablet. If you or someone you know is taking an ARB for the treatment of high blood pressure, check the FDA website regularly. A list of affected medication with their lot and expiration dates can be found for all valsartan, irbesartan, and losartan included in the recall.

December 27, 2018

In such a competitive cholesterol treatment market, manufacturers have been forced to make drastic cuts to their medication costs. Amgen lowered its product by 60%, followed by a 45-70% reduction from Regeneron. The price reductions occurred in response to the national consumer’s options to trial a multitude of more affordable options for cholesterol management, based on their clinical goals.

December 27, 2018

While the use of marijuana still remains illegal at the federal level, there are many states that have approved its medical use for qualifying individuals to treat certain conditions, and even fewer states have approved its recreational use.

December 21, 2018

With flu season upon us, make sure you pencil in a date to get your flu shot. You may wonder why this is so important, and why your healthcare providers are always asking whether you received it. Influenza (the flu) is a huge threat to public health. It has been shown that around 5 to 20 percent of the United States population get the flu during flu season.

December 20, 2018

When winter rolls around, the holidays and the festivities that accompany the season follows suit. Turkey, the new year, and family, all of these jolly terms invoke the feeling of celebration and happiness. If you find yourself getting moody when the snow starts falling every year, do not fret. You are not alone. If you feel depressed during certain seasons, this is called seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

December 06, 2018

A difficult and complicated question to ask is what should patients look for in a healthcare professional? The solution is to observe their willingness to work with all your healthcare providers.

December 05, 2018

Diabetes, Cancer, HIV, seizures, pregnancy, organ transplant… chances are high that you or someone you know have experienced or are currently suffering from one of these conditions. But what do they all have in common? They’re all diagnosed or screened for with lab tests.

December 04, 2018

Bleeding can manifest itself in a variety of different ways which, at times, may not be easy to recognize. Some bleeds are also more serious than others and may require emergency medical attention. Bleeding frequency may also vary depending on a variety of factors such as underlying bleeding disorders or the use of certain medications.

November 30, 2018

After the much anticipated release of the 2016 Gallup poll, which had Americans assign a rating of honesty and ethical standards in professions, Pharmacists found themselves in a top-three ranking for the 14th straight year.1 In last year’s poll however, it seems the general public’s opinion of pharmacists had shifted slightly. With increased news coverage and scrutiny over rising drug prices, it seemed harder for patients to be able to separate the practices of big pharmaceutical companies with the copay price that the pharmacists were asking for at the drug counter.

November 14, 2018

When you visit the dentist, you expect to answer typical questions regarding your oral health, such as how often you are brushing your teeth or the infamous question of whether or not you floss. It may surprise you when your dentist asks what medications you take at home. Why would it matter if the dentists knows what you’re taking?

November 14, 2018

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), occurs when your heart muscle doesn’t work as well as it should to pump blood. Some conditions, like narrowed arteries in your heart (coronary artery disease) or high blood pressure, gradually leave your heart too weak or stiff to pump efficiently. Most patients struggling with CHF usually present to the hospital with shortness of breath…

November 13, 2018

Roughly 415 million people across the world are affected with this disease. If you have diabetes, you should consider several things, such as lifestyle, medication adherence, and check-ups with your healthcare provider. These are important to make sure that your diabetes is controlled and doesn’t lead to a deterioration in your overall health.

October 18, 2018

Nearly 20% of Americans have self reported an allergy to a medication and roughly 4% of the nation suffers from some form of food allergy. While it would seem obvious to avoid something if you’re allergic to it, you’d first have to know you’re allergic. When it comes to medications this can be challenging. 

October 18, 2018

From prevention of drug counterfeiting to managing data loss in natural disasters, startups across the country are using blockchain technology to fix problems that have plagued the healthcare system for decades.

October 16, 2018

Insulin plays an important role in managing patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Patients with Type 1 DM have limited ability to produce endogenous insulin due to their pancreas’s inability to properly function. Patients with Type 2 DM can also have increased dependence on insulin therapy use as their disease state progresses.

September 26, 2018

Morning sickness or nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) occurs in 70-80% of pregnant women.  In the United States, roughly 4 million women are affected each year. 

September 12, 2018

With flu season right around the corner, what better time to talk about vaccines than right now?  We talk and hear about vaccines a lot, but what exactly is a vaccine, and which vaccine is right for you?

September 11, 2018

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 5 million Americans are treated with skin cancer each year. Overexposure of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun is proven to be a major cause of skin cancer.

September 06, 2018

Every year there are millions of falls occurring in the older population, aged 65 and older. About 1 out of 4 older people fall each year, with less than half reporting it to their doctor.

September 05, 2018

You may be wondering, “Why do I need iodine in my salt or other food?” Iodine is an essential element our bodies need that we cannot produce on our own, and therefore need to get it from food sources. Iodine is needed to produce the thyroid hormone, which is important for bodily functions related to metabolism…

September 04, 2018

Many patients think that only pharmacists work at pharmacies. However, there is much more that goes on behind the pharmacy counter. In fact, most pharmacies include a team of trainee technicians, registered technicians, certified technicians, student pharmacists, and pharmacists. A common question is, what are the differences between technicians and why they are important? This answer is an essential reason why pharmacies can run safely, effectively and efficiently.

August 28, 2018

Epidiolex (cannabidiol) is a new FDA-approved epilepsy medication that is derived from Cannabis Sativa plant (marijuana). Cannabidiol (CBD) does not create feelings of euphoria or intoxication, the “high” that is often experienced with Cannabis, which comes mainly from the compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is also found in marijuana.

August 07, 2018

In the United States, more than 263 million prescriptions are dispensed each year for pediatric patients. Chances are, your child may need to take their medications at school. If your child has a medication that they need to take during school hours, whether it is a long-term, short-term, or emergency medication, here are some helpful tips:

July 19, 2018

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 50% of Americans have used at least one prescription with in the last 30 days. One recent study shows that patients who were compliant with taking their statin therapy medications for at least two years had a 30% reduction in the risk of hospitalization for heart attacks.

July 02, 2018

There are currently over 250 Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) companies providing services to analyze saliva samples and create customized reports on what your genetic information says about you.

June 25, 2018

Technology users are becoming savvier about the data they produce, which companies have access to the data, and how the data is being used. There are government regulations set in place for protecting your health information.

June 12, 2018

The Medicare coverage gap, better known as the “donut hole,” is a mystery to many, however there are thousands of people that it effects every year. Simply put, it is a gap in coverage of medications after a certain amount has been contributed.

June 05, 2018

Seasonal allergies affect anywhere between 10-30% of people worldwide. Allergies to one or more common allergens are reaching upwards of 40-50% in school children. Allergies occur due to an immune response to something the body considers “foreign,” in other words, strange or unfamiliar.

May 21, 2018

Walmart issued a press release to announce the pending introduction (within 60 days) of new restrictions on how it will fill prescriptions for opioid medications. These new initiatives will apply to all Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies and pharmacists in the United States and Puerto Rico.

May 09, 2018

Nearly one-quarter of all U.S. deaths in 2016 we­­­re linked to heart disease, which refers to conditions involved in narrowing or blocking blood vessels, potentially leading to things like heart attack, chest pain, or stroke.

May 08, 2018

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex genetic disease that affects the lungs, digestive system, reproductive tract, and sweat glands. In the United States, roughly 30,000 people are living with cystic fibrosis, and another 1,000 are being diagnosed with the disease each year. Most CF patients are diagnosed by age two.

April 10, 2018

It’s likely you’ve heard about shingles, or may even know someone who has had the painful rash, but what exactly is shingles, and how can you prevent it? The varicella-zoster virus (VSV) causes two distinct forms of infection, chickenpox and shingles. It’s important to recognize how you can contract this virus and what you can do to protect against it.

March 15, 2018

It is important to know why you’re taking a certain medication, or why your doctor prescribed that medication for you.

February 28, 2018

The varying symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome can be difficult to diagnose. Early serotonin syndrome symptoms, including diarrhea, high blood pressure, anxiety and agitation, can be easily confused with less serious conditions.

February 15, 2018

During asthma attacks, the walls inside of the airway become sore, swollen, and red and produce mucus, making it harder to breathe. The airway tubes become very sensitive when they are inflamed and may react strongly to allergens. Air movement in and out of the lungs is constricted when inflammation is present, resulting in shortness of breath.

February 06, 2018

ScriptSave WellRx, a prescription savings website and mobile app, and SinfoníaRx, a subsidiary of Tabula Rasa HealthCare (NASDAQ:THRC), are making Medication Therapy Management available by phone at no cost to consumers.

February 02, 2018

Sleep is a precious commodity that everyone needs to function. Individual sleep needs are different; some people need a few extra hours while others need less. Some people are light sleepers, while others “sleep like logs.

January 05, 2018

Dull, aching pain throughout your entire body. Trouble sleeping. Irritable mood. What could possibly be going on? Is it just in your head? Does anyone else feel like this? Well, if you experience some of these symptoms, one potential cause could be fibromyalgia, which affects the lives of almost 4 million Americans.

December 19, 2017

When heading out on vacation, medications are likely the last thing on your mind. Between booking a flight, making sure you have your passport, or packing last minute luggage, medications can be easy to forget. However, if you take medications regularly, they should be one of the first things you should be thinking about.

December 05, 2017

If your doctor has prescribed a statin medication to lower your cholesterol, you may have heard or read about the potential side effects of statin drugs, and their impact on liver function.

November 21, 2017

As with most things, when it comes selecting a drug regimen for the treatment of chronic disease, one size does not fit all. If you take medications, you may have wondered why that is the case. One reason is because of pharmacogenomics.

November 13, 2017

Across the United States, the rate of antidepressant use in children is rising. It has led to prescription costs exceeding $100,000 in the four states with the highest antidepressant prescription rates for children.

October 23, 2017

For many people, dry eyes may only be a minor inconvenience. But for those who experience chronic dry eyes, it can be a major problem, causing extreme discomfort. Left untreated, dry eye can have long term effects on your vision as well as your quality of life.

October 13, 2017

Choosing the correct medication to treat epilepsy is a multifaceted process. Pharmacists can have a huge impact on the patient’s therapeutic response as a valued member of the healthcare team.

September 25, 2017

The NOACs, or novel oral anticoagulants, are a new breed of blood thinner that have arrived on the market within the last ten years.

September 08, 2017

Ready, a public service campaign designed to educate and empower citizens to prepare for emergencies such as natural and man-made disasters, proclaims September to be National Preparedness Month (NPM). In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and in anticipation of Hurricane Irma, you may be wondering how to go about preparing for such events. This is especially important to consider if you have a chronic disease or condition.

August 22, 2017

The causes of non-adherence, when a patient either accidentally or knowingly does not take medications as prescribed, can be complex. Non-adherence is often the result of cost; patients who simply can’t afford their medications. However, good habits and a good understanding of the medication can also be a big part of adherence, and can help you stick to your medication schedule.

July 24, 2017

There are a number of mental conditions that shape mood and behavior. Any condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling or mood, falls into a medical classification of Behavioral Health.  Such conditions may affect someone’s ability to relate to others, or maintain reasonable function every day. Each person may have different experiences, even if they have the same diagnosis as someone else.

May 24, 2017

Some studies have given vitamin D supplements to statin users experiencing muscle pain. While these studies were uncontrolled, they did show improvement in muscle pain in nearly 90% of patients.

March 09, 2017

According to a recent study, 43 percent of adults with health insurance report problems affording their deductible, and 29 percent say they have difficulty paying medical bills. Among those citing trouble paying their medical bills, more than 70 percent have cut back on vacations, spending on food, clothing or basic household items.

March 01, 2017

Always ask, “What’s the Ca$h Price?”
Always show your ScriptSave WellRx card
The ScriptSave® WellRx Facebook page sees a lot of interaction…and we love getting questions. By far the most common questions and comments are those related to insurance.
“Can I use ScriptSave WellRx with my insurance?”
“How does it work if it’s not insurance?”
“I have insurance, so your card isn’t for me.”
For the record, not only is that last one a misconception, it’s also a fast-track to over-paying for your meds (and it’s the starting point for this blog post).

November 15, 2016

If you struggle with arthritis pain, chances are you’ve tried a variety of anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief. While drugs falling into the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory category (NSAIDs) can help, they often come with gastrointestinal side effects. A major 10-year study has shown that Celebrex (generic name, Celecoxib) may not have the same side effects of […]