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Date:
09/07/2008
HealthDay - SATURDAY, Sept. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Women who receive an MRIa...
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Date:
09/07/2008
HealthDay - Here are some of the latest health and medical news development...
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Frequently Asked Questions:
- Are generic drugs as safe as brand-name drugs?
- What are generic drugs?
- Are generic drugs as strong as brand-name drugs?
- Do generic drugs take longer to work in the body?
- Why are generic drugs less expensive?
- Are brand-name drugs made in more modern facilities than generic drugs?
- If brand-name drugs and generic drugs have the same active ingredients, why do they look different?
- Does every brand-name drug have a generic counterpart?
- How are generic drugs approved?
- 10 Ways to Save Money on Your Prescription Medicines.
- Do I need a prescription?
- Do any of the partner pharmacies sell prescription drugs close to the expiration date?
- What forms of payment do you accept?
- Is importing drugs legal?
- What if I cannot find the drug I am looking for?
- Where are you located?
- Can you provide me a valid prescription?
- What is the "FDA Waiver and Release of Liability"?
- Do the pharmacies ship outside the USA?
- The medication I received looks slightly different to what I used to buy, why?
- Do you provide prescription drugs?
- Can I get my prescription filled without visiting the doctor?
- What happens if customs seizes my package?
- What guarantees do I have?
- What is in my membership?
- How do I check prices for several listed drugs?
- My transactions are being rejected. Why?
- Do you offer telephone support?
- Are generic drugs as safe as brand-name drugs?
- Yes. The FDA requires that all drugs be safe and effective. Since generics use the same active ingredients and are shown to work the same way in the body, they have the same risks and benefits as their brand-name counterparts.
- What are generic drugs?
- A generic drug is a copy that is the same as a brand-name drug in dosage, safety, strength, how it is taken, quality, performance, and intended use.
- Are generic drugs as strong as brand-name drugs?
- Yes. The FDA requires generic drugs to have the same quality, strength, purity, and stability as brand-name drugs.
- Do generic drugs take longer to work in the body?
- No. Generic drugs work in the same way and in the same amount of time as brand-name drugs.
- Why are generic drugs less expensive?
- Generic drugs are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have the investment costs that the developer of a new drug has. New drugs are developed under patent protection. The patent protects the investment -- including research, development, marketing, and promotion -- by giving the company the sole right to sell the drug while it is in effect. As patents near expiration, manufacturers can apply to the FDA to sell generic versions. Because those manufacturers don't have the same development costs, they can sell their product at substantial discounts. Also, once generic drugs are approved, there is greater competition, which keeps the price down. Currently, almost half of all prescriptions are filled with generic drugs.
- Are brand-name drugs made in more modern facilities than generic drugs?
- No. Both brand-name and generic drug facilities must meet the same standards of good manufacturing practices. The FDA won't permit drugs to be made in substandard facilities. It conducts about 3,500 inspections a year to ensure standards are met. Generic firms have facilities comparable to those of brand-name firms. In fact, brand-name firms are linked to an estimated 50% of generic drug production. They frequently make copies of their own or other brand-name drugs but sell them without the brand name.
- If brand-name drugs and generic drugs have the same active ingredients, why do they look different?
- In the United States, trademark laws do not allow a generic drug to look exactly like the brand-name drug. However, a generic drug must duplicate the active ingredient. Colors, flavors, and certain other inactive ingredients may be different.
- Does every brand-name drug have a generic counterpart?
- No. Brand-name drugs are generally given patent protection for 20 years. This provides protection for the drug company that laid out the initial costs (including research, development, and marketing expenses) to develop the new drug. However, when the patent expires, other drug companies can sell competitive generic versions, but only after they have been thoroughly tested by the manufacturer and approved by the FDA.
- How are generic drugs approved?
- Drug companies must submit an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for approval to market a generic product. TheDrug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, more commonly known as the Hatch-Waxman Act, made ANDAs possible by creating a compromise in the drug industry. Generic drug companies gained greater access to the market for prescription drugs, and innovator companies gained restoration of patent life of their products lost during FDA's approval process.
- 10 Ways to Save Money on Your Prescription Medicines.
- Learn what help your state and local governments may have to offer. You may be surprised to learn that many states have programs to provide prescription assistance to people who are eligible for them — typically the elderly with low incomes and persons with disabilities. Try your particular state's website, or call your state senator or representative. Be aware that there are differences in these programs depending on your particular state – and that there can be a lot of paperwork involved! But you may find that some of the programs you contact have people available to guide you through the process.
Look for less expensive versions of brand-name medicines to treat your condition. Did you know that different brand-name medicines used to treat the same condition can vary in price? Sometimes these cost differences can be significant. This isn't always an option, but try asking your doctor if you can take a less expensive version of your medicine.
Find out if you can take a "generic" version of your brand-name medicine. If a generic (non-brand-name) version of your medicine is available for your doctor to prescribe, you can typically save 30 to 60% or more if you don't have health insurance that covers your medicines. If you do, the average saving is 50%, including a lower co-pay. If your doctor prescribes a brand-name medicine for you or someone in your family, ask if you can get a generic version. And watch for news items about brand–name medicines that are "going off-patent," which may mean generics will become available.
Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter (OTC, non-prescription) medicine. Can an OTC medicine be as effective as one that's prescribed? Sometimes the answer is yes — and if it is, chances are the OTC medicine will be considerably cheaper. Ask your doctor if you can use this way of saving on your medicines.
If you're just now starting a prescription medicine, ask your doctor if you can have a "trial prescription," so you can buy fewer tablets. This is also a good way of finding out 1) if the medicine will "work" for you and 2) if you can tolerate any side effects that may occur. If you find out you don't want to continue the medicine, you'll have saved money by not buying a full prescription at the start.
It pays to "shop around" and get the lowest price for your medicine, because the prices pharmacies charge for medicines can vary. Be cautious about buying your medicines at a number of different pharmacies on the basis of lowest price, however. It's best to buy your medicines at one pharmacy that keeps track of everything you're taking, allowing the pharmacist to warn you about potentially harmful medicine interactions. When you find a bargain price at another pharmacy, ask if your regular store will match it.
Ask for free samples of your prescription medicine if your doctor has received them from the manufacturers, who provide them for distribution to patients. If it's your first prescription for a particular medicine, this is also a good way to "try" the medicine to see how well it works for you and how well you tolerate any side effects. This is also helpful when you only need a one-time prescription — for example, to treat a bacterial infection.
Consider using mail-order pharmacy services, where you can usually order up to a 3–month supply of your prescription medicine for about 30% less than individual prescription refills would cost. Mail-order pharmacies are also more private and often more convenient. You should be aware, however, that a mail-order pharmacy can't fill prescriptions as fast as your pharmacy. So mail order is usually best for people taking medicines chronically or for long periods of time. If you use an Internet pharmacy service, be sure it carries the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practices Sites (VIPPS) seal, which identifies sites licensed to sell prescription medicines online.
Look into prescription medicine discount programs from the manufacturers. Most pharmaceutical companies have programs that provide medicines at little cost or offer discounts on their medicines for people with low to modest incomes and/or no insurance coverage. GlaxoSmithKline has two patient assistance programs for uninsured, low-income patients. The company also offers the Orange CardSM and is one of 7 manufacturers who offer discounts through the Together Rx™ program to seniors with higher incomes.
Once a year, bring all your medicines to your doctor and your pharmacist to find out if cheaper versions have become available since the last time you checked. If your insurance covers prescriptions, take your plan's formulary (list of covered medicines) with you, too, to be sure that as many of your prescriptions as possible are covered.
- Do I need a prescription?
- No but, you are required to complete an online questionaire before any medication is dispensed at the pharmacy of choice.
- Do any of the partner pharmacies sell prescription drugs close to the expiration date?
- No, all our medicines have a minimum of 2 years remaining before expiration.
- What forms of payment do you accept?
- We accept VISA, Discover, JCB, and Online Check.
- Is importing drugs legal?
- Because attempts at common sense law reform have so far been unsuccessful, many millions of dollars worth of prescription medicines purchased from foreign Internet pharmacies are entering the country each year under the FDA's current 'Mail and Personal Use Import Policy'. This policy was first introduced in1988 in response to concerns that certain potentially effective AIDS treatments were available in other countries and not in the U.S. While it was never intended to be a way for patients to bring less expensive prescription medicines into the country it has led to a dramatic increase in drug imports for personal use from foreign internet pharmacies. While it is still technically illegal to import prescription medicines into the U.S., the FDA's policy is to refrain from any action when the product is for the patient's own use, it is in quantities not exceeding a three month supply, and patient provides the name and address of their physician who is supervising their treatment. The FDA concedes that because of the huge volume of prescription medicine imports now being sent to the U.S. by foreign Internet pharmacies, it is now beyond the ability of Customs and their staff to process them. They acknowledge that with their limited resources it is extremely difficult to detain and refuse entry to mail imports of prescription medicines for personal use. If they were to act on the many million now being sent they would be required on each occasion to contact the individual importing the shipment in a timely fashion and give them the opportunity provide reasons why the drug parcel should be allowed entry. If the addressee did not respond or give an inadequate response the parcel would then be required to be returned to the exporter. The staff, time, cost and storage facilities required to do this are simply not available to FDA officials.
- What if I cannot find the drug I am looking for?
- Prior to registering, make sure the drug is listed on the drug search page. If not, you can check our unindexed pharmacies located in the members area. Most likely, someone carries your prescription medication.
- Where are you located?
- We are located in sunny South Florida.
- Can you provide me a valid prescription?
- We list a few online consultation companies within the members area that can write valid prescriptions. Remember, you must be a member to access these consultation pharmacies.
- What is the "FDA Waiver and Release of Liability"?
- This is a requirement of the FDA the states you understand that you are purchasing medication from outside their jurisdiction (I.e. The USA). This waiver is simply a requirement of the FDA so the products can pass through US customs with no problems. The waiver is included in your shipment.
- Do the pharmacies ship outside the USA?
- Yes. Currently, we list pharmacies throughout the world and chances are, we list a pharmacy in your backyard. The way we see it is a win-win deal for both you and the pharmacy.
- The medication I received looks slightly different to what I used to buy, why?
- The manufacturers market differently in each country and as an example, American 10 mg Valium from Roche is blue and has a "V" in the middle. European 10 mg Valium from Roche is round and blue and does not have a "V" in the middle.
- Do you provide prescription drugs?
- No. All selling and dispensing of prescription drugs will occur at the website you chose to deliver your drugs.
- Can I get my prescription filled without visiting the doctor?
- Yes. That is the idea behind Medication Junction. Everything can be achieved from the comfort of your home, save, secure, annonymous, discreet, and confidential.
- What happens if customs seizes my package?
- o Sometimes orders simply do not go through, due to the fact that sending to Central America and all parts of the world causes varying degrees of success. Should this be the case, please contact the pharmacy where the order was placed for reshipment.
- What guarantees do I have?
- We do not guarantee any product because of the nature of our business, state, and local government. We do however make every attempt to verify that the product is available on a regular basis. Therefore, we added a section in the Terms and Conditions stating that we cannot make any guarantees for that exact reason.
- What is in my membership?
- We are not a pharmacy nor do we sell or dispense medication. We provide access to a growing list of online pharmacies that may help you without a prior prescription in one central location assuring the lowest price on the internet. Most of the pharmacies do not advertise on the internet, so finding them is almost impossible unless you have a dedicated team scouring the internet 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
- How do I check prices for several listed drugs?
- We do not offer the ability to check prices, dosages, or quantities due to the number of online pharmacies listed and the frequency in which they change prices. What we can do is tell you if it is being offered or not.
- My transactions are being rejected. Why?
- Make sure the billing address that you entered matches the billing address on file with your credit card company as well as the matching 3 digit code on the back. Otherwise, please use a valid United States based checking account. Either method usually works…
- Do you offer telephone support?
- We do not offer direct telephone support at this time but may consider it in the coming months. Please direct all communication via email address and we will answer your questions in the order received.
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