Monthly Archives: May 2019

Blog, Patient Assistance Programs

Ventolin Manufacturer Coupon 2019

Leave a comment

Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease are two common ailments that affect the way the lungs function. Both of these diseases cause inflammation in the airways, which makes the simple task of breathing much more difficult. For a disease like asthma, the condition can be triggered by environmental factors such as allergens, dust, and pollen; asthma can also be triggered by certain types of behavior, such as exercise. For Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), the two most common diseases in this category are emphysema and chonric bronchitis. These two disorders are caused by environmental factors, such as long-term exposure to lung irritants, such as tobacco smoke, chemical fumes, chemical dust, or air pollution. Ventolin – generic name Albuterol – is a medication that helps reduce the side effects associated with COPD and asthma. Read on to find out more about Ventolin and the Ventolin Manufacturer Coupon for 2019.

What is Ventolin?

Ventolin is a prescription medication used in the treatment of COPD and asthma. Ventolin is referred to as a quick-relief, or rescue, inhaler. Asthma and COPD can create bronchospasms, which dramatically reduce the amount of air that you can take in. Ventolin works by reducing the muscle in your airways, allowing a person afflicted with a bronchospasm to breathe deeply.

child breaking a cigarette in half
Quit smoking to reduce your risk of asthma and COPD

What is a Bronchospasm?

Essentially, a bronchospasm is the sudden and immediate constriction of the muscles that make up the walls of your bronchiole. The bronchioles are all of the passageways through the nose/mouth/alveoli (air sacs of your lungs) that allow you to take in air from the outside world. When a severe bronchospasm occurs, a person may find it next to impossible to breathe. The symptoms of bronchospasm may include:

  • Feeling overly lethargic or exhausted for no reasons
  • Feeling light-headed or dizzy
  • A wheezing or whistling sound when trying to breathe
  • Pain, tightness, and a feeling of tightness (constriction) in the chest and back
  • Feeling like you are not getting ‘enough’ air. Difficulty breathing
  • A tingling sensation in the fingers/extremities (due to a lack of oxygen)

If you feel any of these symptoms, a bronchospasm may be on the way: this is when you should prepare yourself for a bronchospasm and ready your rescue inhaler.

Ventolin Side Effects

Ventolin has a number of side effects that may occur during the first few weeks of usage. The most common side effects associated with Ventolin may include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting
  • Insomnia
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Hoarseness
  • Headache
  • Heart palpitations
  • Mouth/throat dryness and/or irritation

If you experience chest pain or an irregular heartbeat, seek immediate medical help, as this may be a sign of a rare but serious reaction to Ventolin.

animation of a skeleton

Ventolin may interact with some medications, so always be sure to tell your doctor about any medication that you may be taking: prescription or over-the-counter drugs included.

How to get the Ventolin Manufacturer Coupon

Need help paying for your Ventolin prescription? Rx Assistance Programs assists thousands of Americans by expediting the enrollment process of Patient Assistance Programs: these programs help uninsured and under-insured Americans pay for their prescription medications at a much lower rate when you compare the savings to that of a Ventolin manufacturer coupon 2019. If you are interested about saving money and have questions about our program, give us a call at 1-(855)-201-0232 or click here to visit our contact page.

Prescription Assistance

Humalog Prescription Assistance

Leave a comment

Humalog is the brand name for insulin lispro – a fast-acting manufactured insulin that is used to control high blood sugar in people suffering from diabetes mellitus.

For those who do not know, insulin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps maintain the levels of glucose in the blood by initiating its utilization or storage, as per the body’s requirements. When there are higher concentrations of glucose in the blood, insulin signals the liver, fat cells, and muscles to take in glucose. If, at that time, the body is low on energy, the body starts metabolizing the glucose to release energy. But, if the body has sufficient energy, the liver converts glucose into glycogen and stores it for future use.

In people suffering from diabetes, either the pancreas stop producing insulin because of the initiation of autoimmune response within the body (Type 1 diabetes) or the body becomes less sensitive or resistant to insulin and loses its ability to respond to the hormone (Type 2 diabetes).

Humalog – The Man-Made Insulin

Humalog is a manufactured replacement insulin that performs the same function in the body as the natural hormone. However, it acts faster and lasts for a short amount of time as compared to regular insulin. The effects start appearing about 30 minutes after administration and lasts for about 5 hours.

Sold as prescription medicine, Humalog is prescribed to help manage diabetes to both adults and children and works by stimulating the process of glucose absorption by cells, so it can be metabolized and used for energy.

Available Dosage Forms and Strengths of Humalog

Humalog is available in 100 units/ml (U-100) and 200 units/ml (U-200) strengths and in the following varieties:

Humalog 100 units/ml:

  • 100 ml vials
  • 3 ml vials
  • 3 ml cartridges
  • 3 ml Humalog KiwiPen (prefilled)
  • 3 ml Humalog Junior KiwiPen (prefilled)

Humalog 200 units/ml:

  • 3 ml Humalog KiwiPen (prefilled)

Dosage

The right dosage of Humalog for a person depends on a variety of factors and hence, varies across patients. Some of the factors that play a key role in determining the right dosage are:

  • The metabolic needs of the individual
  • Route of administration
  • Blood glucose monitoring results
  • Glycemic control goal

The patient needs to be regularly monitored while taking insulin lispro and the dosage may need to be adjusted if there are changes in:

  • Meal patterns. This includes both the timings of food consumption as well as the nutrient content of the food.
  • Physical activity
  • Hepatic or renal function
  • Changes in overall health

Humalog dosage may also need to be adjusted if:

  • The patient is suffering from an acute illness.
  • It is administered along with certain other drugs.

What Should You Do In Case Of an Overdose?

Taking an excessive amount of insulin can cause hypoglycemia i.e. low blood sugar. In some cases, it may also cause hypokalemia i.e. low blood potassium.

While mild cases of hypoglycemia can be easily treated by oral administration of glucose, a drastic drop in the blood glucose level needs to be treated by intravenous administration of concentrated glucose or intramuscular glucagon.

In rare cases, severe episodes of hypoglycemia may cause neurologic impairment, coma, or seizures.

In case you mistakenly take an overdose of Humalog, continue to monitor your blood sugar levels and immediately drink fruit juice or any other sugary drink if there is a drop in glucose level. Continue to monitor and consume carbohydrate for some time, even after you have apparently recovered because hypoglycemia may recur after some time as the medicine continues to function inside your body.

Seek medical help if the glucose level doesn’t become normal by oral consumption of sugary drinks.

Administration of Humalog

The manufactured insulin can be administered by injection or by an insulin pump.

Taking Humalog via Injection

While there are two ways to administer Humalog via injection i.e. subcutaneous injection and intravenous injection, the latter method is only used by doctors, as and when needed. When a patient is prescribed to take Humalog via injection, it is always through the first method.

Subcutaneous Injection

Humalog needs to be administered about 15 minutes before a meal or immediately after it into the subcutaneous tissues of upper arms, thighs, abdominal wall, or buttocks.

When administered this way, the fast-acting insulin is generally taken along with intermediate or long-acting insulin.

Both dosage strengths of Humalog i.e. U-100 and U-200 can be taken via subcutaneous injections.

Note: It is recommended to change the injection site, within the same area, every time you administer Humalog. This is to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy – a disorder of adipose tissues that causes selective loss of body fat.

Taking Humalog via Insulin Pump

Using insulin pump is also a method for subcutaneous infusion of Humalog, but it provides a continuous supply of insulin in small doses as opposed to the quick infusion in slightly higher dosage via injection.

If you are prescribed to administer insulin lisprovia an insulin pump, remember that you should only use Humalog U-100 – Humalog U-200 should not be used via an infusion pump.

Consult your doctor to determine the right infusion rate, both at meal times and otherwise and stick to the recommendations to avoid the chances of overdose.

Note

Make sure to follow the following instructions when you are using Humalog through an insulin pump:

  • Change the infusion set and the insertion site after every 3 days.
  • Change the insulin in the pump reservoir at least after every 7 days.
  • Do not dilute or mix Humalog with any other type of insulin
  • Make sure to not expose the insulin in the pump reservoir to temperatures higher than 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Centigrade).

Important Instructions

Here are some of the things that you should know and follow while using the manufactured insulin:

  • Never share your Humalog pen, cartridge, or syringe with anyone, even after changing the needle.
  • Store unopened Humalog in the refrigerator – do not freeze.
  • Do not use the insulin if it has been frozen
  • Humalog doesn’t need to be stored in the refrigerator while in use. However, make sure to store it at temperatures below 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Centigrade) and use within 28 days of opening.
  • Discard the opened Humalog after 28 days, even if you have not used it completely.
  • Protect the manufactured insulin from direct light and heat.

How Long Does Humalog remain in the Patient’s Body?

As mentioned earlier, the effects of Humalog starts appearing after half an hour and last for about 5 hours.

Possible Side Effects of Humalog

While manufactured insulins are generally safe to use, they may cause some side effects in some cases. This section highlights the effects that you may experience with Humalog.

Common Side Effects

The most common effects that people experience, often due to overdose, are:

  • Hypoglycemia; low blood sugar
  • Hypokalemia; low blood potassium

However, patients may also experience itching, swelling, and/or redness at the site of injection. While these local allergy reactions usually disappear with a few days (they may take a few weeks in some patients), the patient may need to discontinue the use of Humalog in some cases.

Negative Effects of Humalog Observed In Clinical Trial

Humalog has shown a range of side effects during clinical trials. While the frequency of their occurrence was low, one should be always vigilant and consult a doctor if any of the effects last for a long time.

Adverse Effects of Humalog in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes

  • Bronchitis
  • Nausea
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Flu syndrome
  • Rhinitis
  • Pharyngitis
  • Different types of infections, such as urinary tract infection
  • Myalgia
  • Dysmenorrhea
  • Asthenia

Adverse Effects of Humalog in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

  • Flu syndrome
  • Rhinitis
  • Pharyngitis

Long-Term Effects of Humalog

The long-term usage of Humalog may cause:

  • Lipodystrophy, particularly in case of repeated infusions or injections at the same site
  • Sodium retention and peripheral edema, particularly in cases where intense insulin therapy is undertaken to improve poor metabolic control
  • Weight gain
  • Long-term administration of insulin may cause severe, generalized allergies in some patients that could be life-threatening. Generalized insulin allergy may cause body rash, wheezing, anaphylaxis, tachycardia, wheezing, dyspnea, hypotension, or diaphoresis.

Possible Drug Interactions of Humalog

Just like most other medications, Humalog can interact with some drugs and cause negative effects.

The use of Humalog with the following drugs may put the patients at an increased risk of hypoglycemia:

  • Antidiabetic agents
  • ACE inhibitors
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
  • Salicylates
  • Sulfonamide antibiotics
  • Fluoxetine
  • Pramlintide
  • Disopyramide
  • Fibrates
  • Pentoxifylline
  • Propoxyphene
  • Angiotensin II receptor blocking agents
  • Somatostatin analogs, for example, octreotide.

Following drugs can reduce the effectiveness of Humalog in lowering blood glucose levels:

  • Corticosteroids
  • Isoniazid
  • Niacin
  • Estrogens
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Phenothiazines
  • Danazol
  • Diuretics
  • Sympathomimetic agents, such as epinephrine, albuterol, and terbutaline
  • Somatropin
  • Atypical antipsychotics
  • Glucagon
  • Protease inhibitors
  • Thyroid hormones

Lithium salts, clonidine, beta-blockers, and alcohol can also increase or decrease the effectiveness of Humalog in reducing blood glucose levels.

Tell Your Doctor If You Are…

  • Pregnant or planning to get pregnant
  • Suffering from renal or hepatic impairments
  • Nursing mother. While it is not known that whether insulin lispro passes into breast milk or not, caution should be exercised while administering Humalog to nursing mothers.

Who Should Not Take Humalog?

Although Humalog is considered safe for use in both adults and children, its effects have not been studied in children under 3 years of age. So, it should not be used for toddlers unless prescribed by a registered physician or diabetic consultant.

Prescription Assistance for Humalog

The Lilly Cares Foundation Inc. is a non-profit organization that offers patient assistance program to help qualifying patients get prescribed medicines at no cost. The foundation has recently launched a new program to make diabetes medicines more accessible to patients who are not insured or underinsured and cannot afford to buy them either.

If you have not already been registered with a prescription assistance program, call 1-8-333-808-1234 to get in touch with the Lilly Diabetes Solution Center or visit the RX Assist website to check your eligibility for Lilly Care programs

You can also check out the list of programs that offer prescription assistance to diabetic patients at the American Diabetes Association’s website.

Prescription Assistance Programs

Viagra Manufacturer Coupon 2019

Leave a comment

The new Viagra manufacturer coupon is here for 2019! The coupon is easy to get and can help dramatically reduce the cost of your brand-name Viagra prescription. Click here to learn about our enrollment process, which helps thousands of uninsured and under-insured Americans save hundreds of dollars on brand-name prescription medications at little-to-no-cost to them! With over 270 patient assistance programs available for you, we have no doubt that we can help you save money if you meet the minimum qualifications. Read on to learn about the Viagra manufacturer coupon 2019 and important information regarding Viagra.

What is Viagra?

Viagra is used to help men with erectile dysfunction (otherwise known as male impotence). When a man is sexually stimulated, Viagra enhances the erectile response. Viagra is a PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitor. When a man is sexually stimulated, the brain releases nitric oxide (NO) which stimulates an enzyme that helps produce cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate). This enzyme helps the arteries in a penis dilate by relaxing the smooth muscle cells. It also helps the erectile tissue fill with blood. Viagra maintains a steady level of cGMP in the smooth muscle cells of the penis. A man must be turned on for the medication to work.

Studies have shown that Viagra is incredibly effective at treating erectile dysfunction when compared to a placebo.

Side Effects of Viagra

The most common side effects of Viagra include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Upset stomach
  • Flushing
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Trouble telling blue and green colors apart

Sexual activity has the chance to increase strain on the heart – this is significant if you are an older individual or have had serious heart problems in the past. If you experience fainting, jaw/chest/left arm pain, nausea, severe dizziness, or fainting while having sex, stop and get medical help immediately.

A condition called a ‘priapism’ may occur: this is when an erection becomes painful and lasts 4 hours or longer. If this occurs, seek medical attention right away. While allergic reactions to Viagra are incredibly rare, they are possible. Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following: severe dizziness, trouble breathing, swelling of the tongue, face, or throat, and a rash/itching/swelling. A condition known as NAION may occur, which may cause permanent blindness in one or both eyes. While this is incredibly rare, you may have a greater chance of developing this condition if you have a history of smoking, eye problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

The Cost of Viagra

The average brand-name cost of Viagra is around $427 without insurance. With the Viagra manufacturer coupon, we can help significantly reduce the price you pay for this medication.

How Do I Sign Up for the Viagra Coupon?

Signing up for the Viagra manufacturer coupon is easy! But first check to see if you satisfy the three following conditions:

  • Be a United States resident or legal citizen
  • Have little or no prescription insurance coverage
  • Have an income around 400% of the federal poverty level

Click here to see the enrollment page. If you meet these conditions, you may qualify for our patient assistance programs, which help hundreds of Americans pay little-to-no-money for their prescription medications. If you have any questions about our service, or would like to sign up today, click here to visit our contact page or call us at (855) 201-0232.

Prescription Assistance

Effexor Prescription Assistance

Leave a comment

Effexor is the brand name for Venlafaxine – a medication from the class of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) that is used to treat depression and dysphoric mood that interferes with a person’s daily life.

Due to the fact that Effexor typically has strong side effects, it is generally recommended only to those patients who do not benefit from SSRIs (the most commonly used antidepressants).

In order to be prescribed with Effexor, a patient should be experiencing at least four of the following symptoms and not finding relief from any SSRI medicine:

  • Changes in sleeping patterns
  • Change in appetite
  • Increased fatigue
  • Loss of interest in everyday tasks or usual activities
  • Impaired concentration and/or impaired thinking
  • Feeling worthless or guilty
  • Psychomotor agitation and/or retardation
  • Suicidal thoughts and/or suicidal attempt

How Effexor Works

The medicine helps patients suffering from depression or other psychiatric disorders, like generalized anxiety disorder, get relief from the symptoms and experience improved energy levels and mood by restoring the balance of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are naturally occurring neurotransmitters that are involved in the regulation of behavior, mood, and emotions.

Serotonin, commonly known as the happy hormone, controls the brain processes that regulate one’s emotions, mood, appetite, sleep, memory, and perception.

On the other hand, norepinephrine, also known as noradrenaline, is a stress hormone that controls parts of the brain related to attention and also plays a role in the flight or fight responses. It is also responsible for boosting the flow of blood to the muscles, releasing glucose from the reserved energy in the body, and increasing heart rate in certain situations.

Patients suffering from depression and anxiety feel down, sad, and hopeless because of the reduced levels of these regulatory hormones. According to mental health experts, the nerve cells of patients suffering from depressive disorders produce these neurotransmitters in lesser quantities.

To counter this condition, SNRI medications prevent the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin into the nerve cells. Reabsorption of the neurotransmitters is a natural process, called reuptake, in which the nerve cells take back the neurotransmitters after they have performed their work.

Effexor’s effects on these neurotransmitters mainly depend on the dosage. When taken in smaller amounts, Effexor only blocks the reuptake of serotonin. But, when a higher dose is taken, Effexor prevents the uptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine.

Availability

The antidepressant medication is available in the form of an extended release capsule.

Dosage

The dosage of Effexor varies across patients, depending on the severity of their condition and their body’s response. Usually, doctors start with a low dosage and then gradually increase it as the patient builds a tolerance.

The dosage of Effexor can range from 37.5 mg to 300 mg per day. But, on average, the extended release capsule is prescribed to be taken once a day.

An important thing to note here is that it may take you several weeks to really experience the benefits of Effexor. Many people stop taking the medicine on their own because they can’t feel improvement in their condition, which is a mistake. Make sure to continue taking the medicine as per your doctor’s recommendation to experience the effects.

What to Do If You Miss a Dose?

In case you miss a dose of Effexor, take it as soon as you remember. However, you should skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take a double dose of Effexor at the same time to make up for the missed one.

What Should You Do In Case Of an Overdose?

If you mistakenly take too much of Effexor, immediately call you doctor, seek emergency medical treatment, or call a poison control center.

How Should The Medicine Be Taken?

The medicine should be taken orally with food, at the same time every day. Do not crush, chew, divide or dissolve the medicine in water. However, if you have difficulty in swallowing the capsule, you can sprinkle its contents onto a spoonful of apple sauce and immediately swallow it without chewing. Also, drink a glass of water immediately after taking the medicine.[1]

How Long Does Effexor Remain in the Patient’s Body?

The amount of time for which the drug stays in a patient’s system depends on the dosage. Effexor has a half life of about 5 hours (+/- 2 hours), which is less than that of most antidepressants.

This means half of the taken dosage is cleared from a patient’s system within the first 5 hours of administering it. It will take the body another 5 hours to clear half of the remaining amount from the system. This process continues until the patient’s body is completely free of the drug.

In addition to the dosage, some other factors also play a role in determining how long the body takes to flush the drug out of the system. These include age, liver function, genetics, and body composition. It is due to these factors that two people taking the same dosage of the drug at the same time may require different amounts of time to fully clear the drug from the system.

Possible Side Effects of Effexor

Just like all other prescription medicines, Effexor should only be taken when and as prescribed by your doctor. While most people do not experience any major side effects when taking Effexor, sticking to the prescribed dosage is recommended to avoid misuse, overdose, or addiction. However, in some cases, the side effects may occur even when the medicine is taken as recommended.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of Effexor include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth
  • Loss of appetite
  • Constipation
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Excessive yawning
  • Nervousness
  • Blurred vision
  • Excessive sweating

Effexor may also cause an increase in the blood pressure, so it is highly important to regularly check your blood pressure while you are taking this medicine.

Serious Side Effects of Effexor

In rare cases, Effexor may cause some serious side effects. These include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Excessive bleeding or bruising
  • Chest pain
  • Muscle weakness or cramps
  • Pounding or severe headaches
  • Tremors or shaking
  • Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • Bloody or black stools
  • Swelling, redness, or pain in eyes
  • Changes in vision, such as seeing rainbow colors around lights, at night.
  • Widened pupils
  • Seizures
  • Decreased sexual desire and changes in sexual ability

Although it’s rare, Effexor may possibly cause an increase in the levels of serotonin in the body and could lead to ‘serotonin syndrome’. Therefore, it is important to be cautious of the symptoms you experience while taking venlafaxine and immediately consult your doctor if you experience any serious effects or symptoms that don’t go away within a few days of starting the medicine.

Following are some of the common symptoms of serotonin syndrome that you should watch out for when taking Effexor:

  • An irregular or fast heart beat
  • Loss of coordination
  • Twitching muscles
  • Severe dizziness
  • Unexplained fever
  • Severe nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting
  • Excessive or unusual restlessness or agitation
  • Hallucinations

Long-Term Effects of Effexor

Just like all other antidepressants, taking Effexor for a long time can create dependency.

As it has long been identified by the Federal Drug Administration, antidepressants may also increase the risks for suicidal thoughts and/or suicidal attempts among patients.

While some healthcare professionals refute this claim, some believe that long-term use of antidepressants can lead to the development of type II diabetes.

In view of all these factors, it is highly important to be careful in using Effexor or any other anti-depressant and immediately report to your doctor if you experience any negative effects.

Effexor Addiction

While this antidepressant medication is not known to cause addiction like some other drugs, patients may develop a dependency on the effects. This is more likely to happen when antidepressants are taken without a prescription or when wrongly prescribed.

According to a research study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, majority of the people who are taking antidepressants do not qualify for them. Researchers found that around 69% of the people taking antidepressant medications did not meet the criteria for clinical depression, also called major depressive disorder. Furthermore, 38% of the people did not even meet the criteria for other psychiatric disorders that may need antidepressants, such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, or social phobia.

Following are some signs and symptoms associated with Effexor misuse, so if you or a loved one is taking the medicine, it is important to be vigilant for the following signs:

  • Change in appetite
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Slurred speech
  • Changes in sleeping patterns or strange sleep habits
  • Diminished appearance
  • Difficulty in concentrating or managing things that often leads to financial difficulties

Who Should Not Take Effexor?

Effexor should be avoided during pregnancy, especially during the last three months, because it can cause harm to the fetus.

Effexor has also been found to transfer into breast milk and hence, should be avoided by nursing mothers.

It is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or a nursing mother. Since Effexor can cause developmental damage to the baby, especially in the long-run, it is only prescribed to pregnant and nursing women when severely needed, even then for shorter periods.

You should also avoid Effexor if you are suffering from uncontrolled angle-closure glaucoma or are allergic to any ingredient present in Effexor.

Possible Drug Interactions of Effexor

Since many medicines can interact with other drugs and cause negative effects, it is important to tell about all the medications you are already taking whenever you go to a doctor for any problem.

Effexor may interact with many over-the-counter and prescription medicines and hence, should be avoided to be used with them. For example, taking Effexor with blood thinners, like Aspirin, may cause bruising and bleeding.

NSAIDs, like naproxen and ibuprofen, should also be avoided while taking this antidepressant medicine.

Medicines that fall into the category of inhibitors and inducers can affect the metabolism of Effexor by interfering with the enzyme that is responsible for the task. Inhibitors reduce its functioning whereas inducers cause enhanced activation of the liver enzyme that metabolizes Effexor.

Effexor can also interact with the medications used for:

  • Anxiety
  • Pain relief
  • Seizure
  • Migraine
  • Weight loss

The medicine should also not be used with:

  • Diuretics
  • Sedatives
  • Cimetidine
  • Clozapine
  • Duloxetine
  • Haloperidol
  • Imipramine
  • Indinavir
  • Ketoconazole
  • Linezolid
  • Lithium
  • Methadone
  • Methylene Blue
  • Phentermine
  • Ritonavir
  • Sibutramine
  • Tramadol

Do not take Effexor if you are taking or have taken, within the last 14 days, any medication that falls into the category of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).  MAOIs should also not be taken within 7 days of discontinuing Effexor. Methylene blue and linezolid are some of the common MAOIs.

Prescription Assistance for Effexor

Pfizer Rx Pathways, a patient assistance program that is jointly run by the Pfizer Inc. and the Pfizer Patient Assistance Foundation, connects patients to many assistance programs that offer free medicines, co-pay help, and insurance support.

If you have not already been registered with a prescription assistance program, visit the Pfizer Rx Pathways’ website, enter the name of the desired medicine, and answer a few questions to find out the right program(s) for you.

You can also check out the eligibility for Pfizer Patient Assistance Program at RX Assist’s website.

Since Effexor is manufactured by Pfizer, Pfizer Rx Pathways provides prescription assistance for the medicine.

[1] https://www.effexorxr.com/faqs#taking-eff

Blog, Patient Assistance Programs

Dulera Prescription Assistance

Leave a comment

Dulera is a prescription medicine that is used for the treatment of asthma. It is a combination product containing mometasone furoate, a corticosteroid, and formoterol, a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA).

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.

doctor filling medications

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.

heart and stethoscope illustration

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

picture of inhaler on white backdrop

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

Asthma, Patient Assistance Programs

Symbicort Manufacturer Coupon 2019

Leave a comment

The Symbicort manufacturer coupon 2019 is here! Simply apply online and print out all the required materials to get your Symbicort prescription delivered right to your door! Read this article to learn more about Symbicort and how to save money on your Symbicort prescription.

What is Symbicort?

Symbicort was approved in July 2006 by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of asthma and contains two chemicals (budesonide and formoterol). Budesonide is a steroid that reduces inflammation, while Formoterol – a bronchodilator – improves breathing by relaxing the muscles in the throat responsible for breathing. It as approved by the FDA for the treatment and maintenance of breathing disorders, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, asthma, and chronic bronchitis. This medication is also used to prevent bronchospasm related to COPD. Symbicort improves breathing function in patients afflicted with all of the above conditions.

symbicort

Symbicort is a highly effective medication, with patients seeing improvement in their breathing in as little as 5 minutes. Symbicort is a maintenance inhaler that greatly increases lung function in patients afflicted with COPD.

What are the Side Effects of Symbicort?

Symbicort, just like most medications, comes with a risk of possible side effects. Since it is a combination long-acting bronchodilator and steroid, the combination may pose a risk of side effects in predisposed individuals. Some of the most common side effects – which should not be debilitating – of Symbicort include:

  • Voice changes
  • Muscle, joint, or back pain
  • An upset stomach with or without diarrhea
  • Irritation of the throat or nose (stuffy nose)
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Voice changes

These are the most common side effects that generally improve over time. However, there is a list of serious side effects listed below. If you experience any of the following side effects, contact your doctor immediately. A medication or dosage change may be necessary. Serious side effects of Symbicort include:

  • Muscle cramps and muscle tremors (shaking)
  • Blurred vision
  • Insomnia
  • Mood or mental changes, such as paranoia or nervousness
  • White patches that develop on the tongue or mouth, or signs of infection (fever, persistent sore throat)
  • Increased urination or thirst

Emergency medical attention is needed if you develop tunnel vision, eye pain, pneumonia, swelling of the blood vessels (numbness or tingling in your extremities), high blood sugar, and signs of low potassium.

symbicort inhaler

Serious side effects are very rare with Symbicort, but it is better to be well-informed than ill-informed. The more knowledge you have about your condition and the medication, the easier it will be for you and your doctor to develop a solution for your asthma and COPD symptoms.

What is the Cost of Symbicort?

Symbicort comes in an inhalation aerosol container (160mcg / 4.5 mcg per inhalation) and costs an average of $241 for a supply of 6 grams. For 1 inhaler – which equates to 120 doses, most people are expected to spend at least $331 (if not more) per inhaler.

As you can see, Symbicort is a relatively expensive medication; however, Symbicort is a maintenance and relief inhaler, which can cut your costs down when compared to buying multiple medications. Since there is no generic equivalent for this medication, many people use the Symbicort Manufacturer Coupon to cut their costs. The above costs are the average prices WITH a coupon for uninsured and under-insured Americans. Yet, Rx Assistance Programs can offer a solution that is much lower than the above listed price.

As a side note: Symbicort is not a rescue inhaler. A fast-acting inhaler is needed to treat severe and acute asthma attacks if you are prone to such attacks.

Symbicort Patient Assistance

What saves more money than the Symbicort Manufacturer Coupon 2019? The answer is: patient assistance programs. Rx Assistance Programs specializes in these programs, which ultimately help uninsured and under-insured American pay little-to-no-money for their prescription medications. We charge a very low monthly fee, as the patient assistance program (PAP) enrollment process is complicated and sometimes hard to qualify for; we take the burden off of your shoulders by enrolling you in the country’s best programs, often facilitated by the drug manufacturers themselves. These drug companies work with patient outreach programs, community advocacy groups, and your own doctor to help you get the best possible price for your prescription medications.

If you are an uninsured or under-insured American who is tired of over-paying for their Symbicort prescription, contact Rx Assistance Programs by calling 1-(855) 201-0232 or by clicking here.