Staying Healthy

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 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.

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 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.

January 23, 2019

Prescription medications don’t work if patients don’t take them, or fail to take them correctly. Taking medications as prescribed by your physician can help improve the quality and length of your life. The latest release of the ScriptSave® WellRx app can help.

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 04, 2018

As a nation, we spend over $5 trillion a year to feed our bodies.[1] That’s the value of food sold each year in the United States through retail and food service including nearly 38,000 supermarkets, an estimated 150,000 convenience stores, and over one million restaurants. The U.S. food industry is immense, touching every person in the nation every day.

December 04, 2018

More Americans live with obesity than breast cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and HIV all together. The medical community has been aware of the rising epidemic for many years, yet its response has not been effective at addressing the problem.

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…

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. 

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.

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.

May 21, 2018

Opioids are a class of medication used to manage short-term and long-term pain. This medication class is well known to healthcare providers, but also to anyone keeping up with local and national news.

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.

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.

April 03, 2018

Health mishaps happen. Whether it’s a twisted ankle on the stairs or something as serious as chest pains, having the appropriate medical supplies on hand help you stay prepared.

April 02, 2018

ScriptSave WellRx has developed an app and web version of a service called “Personalized Wellness” that gives you grocery purchase recommendations based on what health conditions you have.

March 29, 2018

Each year, millions of Americans, who may otherwise feel fine, are diagnosed with Osteoporosis. Developing osteoporosis puts people at higher risk for fractures, especially in the hips, spine, and wrists. Women are at much higher risk, with 10 percent of women age 50 and older affected by osteoporosis, compared with just two percent of men that age.

February 07, 2018

For many women there are other factors for heart disease and stroke that you can’t control that may not even be on your radar. Your love life, a strong family history, race, and increasing age are all on the list of contributing factors.

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 16, 2018

A general consensus estimates that approximately one-third of adults experience insomnia. Characteristic symptoms include: difficulty initiating sleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, waking up too early, and/or poor quality of sleep.

January 16, 2018

With cold and flu season in full swing, there are a few ways I help prepare my family and home to prevent the spread of germs and build up our immunity as much as possible

January 16, 2018

The New Year is the perfect time to make goals and be healthier. It seems easy enough on the surface, but the cost of your new clean & active life can add up quickly. From all those tempting ads for expensive exotic foods to the attractive boutique fitness classes, that nourishing new lifestyle can certainly come with a price-tag attached.

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 01, 2017

The pharmacy assistant was typing away at her monitor when she paused and looked up at me to ask “You are aware of the cost of this medication?” with a note of apology in her voice. I sighed and responded that unfortunately, I was and that yes, I still needed the prescription filled.

November 01, 2017

Now is the time to get organized for cold and flu season. Since my husband is disabled, he has a reduced immune system. Staying healthy during cold and flu season is even more important to us because of this reason.

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 23, 2017

We price compare for everything from shoes to SUV’s. So why not for medicine? Especially for those uninsured, there are way to save thousands a year. Shrinking your pill bill may start with a few clicks.

August 15, 2017

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare disorder. It occurs in about one in every 1 million people. Normally, when we eat, our body releases a hormone called gastrin, which tells your stomach to make acid to help break down foods and liquids. For patients with ZES, this mechanism is disrupted.

August 09, 2017

VUCA Health announced today that ScriptSave, a provider of prescription savings solutions and decision support tools helping close the gaps in prescription coverage, will employ its on-demand medication video library to improve medication information and drive better care outcomes for ScriptSave WellRx members.

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.

June 21, 2017

One quarter of surveyed Americans report that they, or someone in their family, have skipped vital medical care because of the cost. The recent survey also revealed that more than half of those who responded worry about not being able to afford health insurance.

June 19, 2017

“It all started with pain radiating down my left arm. It was hard to breathe and I was short of breath. I knew something was wrong and called 911. I was rushed to the hospital. I remember the sirens, but they slowly faded away. Then I woke up. There was a man in a white […]

June 06, 2017

Pill splitting refers to breaking a pill down to obtain a smaller amount of the whole pill. Your doctor can write a prescription that is usually double the dosage of what you should take in one day. You can then cut the pill in half, making the smaller dose that should actually be taken.

April 25, 2017

Doctors often prescribe statins for people with high cholesterol levels to lower their total cholesterol and reduce their risk of a heart attack or stroke. While statins are highly effective, they have been linked to muscle pain, digestive problems and mental fuzziness in some people and may rarely cause liver damage.

March 29, 2017

Many people take aspirin occasionally to provide relief from various conditions (e.g. pain, inflammation, fever, headaches), but what about taking a low-dose aspirin every day for prevention reasons? As with all medications, aspirin poses various benefits and risks that need to be taken into consideration before you start taking it. Certain individuals would benefit the most from taking a low-dose aspirin and others shouldn’t take it at all.

March 15, 2017

Sound-Alike/Look-Alike Medications are very important to identify and help reduce medication errors. There are several medications starting with the letter “T” that have become available to treat diabetes. This may lead to confusion among patients and physicians, so it’s important YOU understand how to safely recognize and use your diabetes medication.

February 27, 2017

What a time to be a person with diabetes! These days there are more medications on the market than ever to help you control your diabetes. But how do you know which medication is right for you?
Of course you should always consult your physician or your local pharmacist for medical advice. However, here is some information about these new medications so that you don’t feel out of the loop.
Some of the current insulin medications that you are used to are Lantus, Humalog, and NovoLog. These medications deliver the hormone insulin to your blood so that insulin can tell your cells to take in more glucose. This keeps your blood sugar down.

February 21, 2017

February has been designated as American Heart Month to raise awareness about heart disease and how people can prevent it — both at home and in the community. It’s a great time to commit to a healthy lifestyle and make small changes that can lead to a lifetime of heart health.

February 16, 2017

A December 2016 analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation illustrates how prescription medications will be a large portion of overall healthcare spending, and how branded drug prices have nearly doubled. The analysis also explains that 1-in-4 people have difficulty affording their medicines, and that most Americans favor actions to keep drug prices down, (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2016).

February 14, 2017

The beginning of the New Year is often the time to set new goals and resolutions for the upcoming year. It’s an exciting time to start new resolutions that will help you succeed in the coming year. One of the most common New Year’s Resolution is to lose weight and stay healthy.

January 24, 2017

Confusion, weakness, anxiety or irritability, a general sense of confusion — these are signs of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. It often happens when diabetics take too much insulin.
Hypoglycemia happens to many people with diabetes, and it can be serious or even fatal.
Severe hypoglycemic episode, also referred to as insulin shock, can occur when the body has too much insulin that can lead to low blood sugar levels.

January 17, 2017

Adrenaclick® offers a true alternative to the high-priced EpiPen. It has been declared safe by the FDA, national pharmacies sell it, and its list price is a third less than the EpiPen’s. Both the EpiPen auto-injectors and the authorized generic of Adrenaclick are approved by the Food and Drug Administration and contain the same active ingredient as other epinephrine auto-injector devices. Additionally, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology includes generic Adrenaclick among therapeutic options in an anaphylaxis emergency action plan.

January 17, 2017

The Congressional Budget Office has analyzed the effects of healthcare repeal, and estimates 22 million Americans will lose health coverage if a repeal plan, like the one passed in 2015 by Congress, were to become law.
With the loss of insurance coverage, many patients will no longer be able to afford the prescription medicines they need to stay healthy. Medicare and Medicaid enrollees may also see the stresses of change with possible increases in premiums and deductibles. ScriptSave® WellRx can help.

December 15, 2016

The holidays are a time of good cheer and family gatherings, but they can offer plenty of reasons to be stressed out — the gifts still need wrapping, the office party invites, and maybe the biggest — the family. Don’t let the holidays become something you dread. Taking steps to prevent the stress and depression can prevent problems ahead of the holidays.

October 17, 2016

ScriptSave WellRx, a prescription savings and adherence program that provides up to an 80% discount on both generic and name brand prescription medications and an innovative “Ask a Pharmacist” feature, was recently showcased on The Balancing Act morning show airing on Lifetime®.
Shawn Ohri, Director of WellRx Product Development, and ScriptSave Vice President Jerry Parker provide valuable information and highlight the benefits, attributes, and future developments of ScriptSave WellRx.

September 28, 2016

Unlike IBD, IBS isn’t classified as a true disease. Instead it’s known as a “functional disorder.” This means that the symptoms don’t have an identifiable cause. Contrary to popular belief, IBS isn’t a psychological condition. IBS has physical symptoms, but there is no known cause.

September 26, 2016

Taking your medications as prescribed on long-term basis requires commitment and organization. Taking your medications as indicated by your doctor is extremely important for your continued health. Medications are given to you in the strength that is best suited to treat your medical condition. Here are some general medication facts to help you take your medications safely and effectively.

September 13, 2016

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in men and women in the United States. Heart disease can affect anyone, no matter your age, race or ethnicity. There are many risk factors that contribute to heart disease. Some of these factors include high blood pressure, high LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, lack of physical activity, being overweight or obese and smoking.
There are many things a person can do to improve heart health and to decrease heart disease. Some of these include following a heart healthy diet, exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive alcohol use and not smoking. Knowing your family health history and discussing blood pressure goals regularly with your doctor can help avoid risks for heart disease as well.

July 05, 2016

In the past decade MTM services have grown immensely and many patients are now qualifying and participating in these services. Patients qualify depending on the number of medications and chronic conditions that they have. When patients receive this phone call to go over their medications, some are initially wary if this is a scam but many patients do not understand that is actually a benefit provided to them on behalf of their insurance plan to ensure there are no problems with their

May 26, 2016

Now that summer is just around the corner, it is important to start thinking about extra protection from the damaging rays of the sun. Sunscreen is fundamental for everyone all year, but protection from the sun is especially important during the summer for those who enjoy summer activities such as laying out by the pool, going to the beach or attending summer picnics in the park. Although being in the sun can be enjoyable, once the sun starts to sting

April 27, 2016

Have you ever found yourself Googling your symptoms when you are sick? A few clicks later and you find yourself absorbing information that correlates with your symptoms and you have convinced yourself that you have this condition and only months to live? I have realized that Googling your symptoms when you are ill is a

April 06, 2016

Nancy went to the pharmacy to pick up her medications and was shocked when she heard her total was $211 for her medications. It has become more and more difficult to put the words “affordable” and “healthcare” in the same sentence. Prescription medications composed 16.7% of all U.S. healthcare spending in 2015.

March 25, 2016

In late 2003, the United States Government enacted the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act.1 It was not until January of 2006 that the prescription drug benefit called Medicare Part D became effective. Medicare Part D was the introduction of prescription drug coverage and one requirement of prescription drug plans was to have in place a cost-effective drug utilization management program and a medication therapy management (MTM) program.