Category Archives: Prescription Assistance Programs

Asthma, COPD, Prescription Assistance Programs

What is Symbicort?

Leave a comment

Symbicort is a drug that uses two separate compounds to create a powerful remedy for people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It should only be used for adults and children who are at least six years of age. Budesonide reduces inflammation in the body, while formoterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways to improve breathing. Traditionally, Budesonide is a steroid that is used to treat inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease. The medicine works inside the inflamed area and helps prevent certain diseases from relapsing. Budesonide is sometimes used for inflamed bowels as well as COPD. Formoterol is a long acting beta agonist that works by opening and relaxing air passages in the lungs, making it easier for the patient to breathe. When combined, these two drugs create Symbicort, a powerful ally in the battle over asthma and COPD. From their website: “Symbicort is a controller medication that helps control asthma by reducing inflammation in the lungs and keeping airways open. Remember, Symbicort will not replace a rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms.”

Side Effects of Symbicort

Symbicort has the risk of serious adverse side effects. Even though these are uncommon, contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Fungal infection of the mouth or throat
  • Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, fast heartbeat, tremors
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Headache and/or nervousness
  • Decreased immune system and increased likelihood of fever, body aches, vomiting, lethargy, pain, chills, nausea
  • Adrenal insufficiency or fatigue
  • Serious allergic reactions such as hives, face swelling, tongue/mouth swelling, breathing problems, rashes
  • Stunted growth in children
  • Blood vessel swelling
  • Increases in blood sugar and decreases in blood potassium levels

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately, as some of these conditions can become life-threatening (especially allergic reactions).

Cost of Symbicort

Asthma medication tends to be expensive without insurance. This combination of budesonide and formoterol costs an average of $300 with a coupon at most pharmacies around the country. This can add up to thousands of dollars per year and put your family in financial risk if you are living near the poverty line.

Patient Assistance Programs for Symbicort

No one should have to choose between health and wealth. At Rx Assistance Programs, we help uninsured and under-insured Americans get the medications they need for a fraction of the cost. We were founded under the belief that everyone deserves a right to prescription medication, regardless of health insurance coverage or income level. We are advocates who help facilitate the process of getting you approved for patient assistance programs around the United States. These patient assistance programs are offered directly through the drug manufacturers themselves and utilize doctors, advocacy groups and other individuals to grant you the medication you need.

Here’s the issue: it is often difficult to find out information about patient assistance programs and the process for applying to these programs can be difficult and confusing. That’s where we come in. If you need prescription assistance for Symbicort or any other asthma medication, we can help! We’ve helped thousands of Americans successfully enroll in patient assistance programs without any headaches or hiccups. If you’d like to find out more about our patient assistance programs, give us a call at 1-855-201-0232 or fill out the contact form on our website. We are open from 9-5 Eastern Standard Time. We look forward to speaking with you.

Humira Prescription Assistance, Patient Assistance Programs, Prescription Assistance Programs

Humira: Cutting Edge but Costly

Leave a comment

What Is Humira?

Humira, the popular trade name for the drug Adalimumab, is a next-generation pharmaceutical. It is indicated in the treatment of rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, chronic psoriasis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, among others. All of these conditions and diseases have one thing in common- they are autoimmune in nature. Autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system- the body’s defender against invaders- attacks itself instead. This happens for a wide range of reasons, and many of these mechanisms are still not understood.

How Does Humira Work?

Different autoimmune diseases develop based on where the immune system is focusing its unprovoked onslaught. Psoriasis results from a reaction to skin cells, while rheumatoid arthritis will develop when the site of attack includes joints and associated tissues. One of the driving components of the immune system, whether the response is warranted or not, is a signaling protein known as tumor necrosis factor alpha, or TNF-α. It is so named because a large part its function includes the inhibition of tumor growth, though it is involved in a very wide range of inflammatory processes in the human body.
TNF-α is relevant because it is the target of Humira; the cutting-edge pharmaceutical specifically focuses on targeting, binding to, and thereby inactivating TNF-α. This can have an overall effect of reducing excess inflammation, but in autoimmune diseases the reduction of active TNF-α in the system can lead to drastic relief in symptoms.

How Much Does Humira Cost?

Generally, Humira needs to be injected every other week in order to be effective. A supply of two Humira subcutaneous kits, a months’ worth, costs between $5,000 and $7,000, depending on the pharmacy. It is prohibitively expensive, especially for middle-class and low-income families or individuals. The good news is that if you cannot afford the cost of your prescription Humira, help is out there.

Humira Prescription Assistance

This new and effective drug is helping improve the quality of so many lives. People living with chronic autoimmune conditions who may benefit from it need not be discouraged by the drug’s market price, because there are prescription assistance programs to offset Humira costs. This is where Rx Assistance Programs comes in: we believe that the uninsured and under-insured should not be denied access to affordable prescription medication.
Programs known as patient assistance programs allow us to work with your doctor(s) to get the medications that work for you at a price that works for you.

Without health insurance, costs can be unaffordable for the medications you need most, especially when they are relatively new to the market, as Humira is. We work with patient assistance programs and drug manufacturers to help you obtain the medication you need.
If you have any questions about our service, or if you would like to see if you qualify, visit our ‘contact’ page or give us a call at 1-(855)-201-0232. Happy New Year from all of us at Rx Assistance Programs!

Diabetes, Pain Prescription Assistance Programs, Prescription Assistance Programs

Healthy Ways to Manage Diabetes

Leave a comment

If you are one of the millions of Americans living with diabetes, there are a few things that you can do to help your condition. If you are afflicted with Type 1 diabetes, daily insulin injections are an absolute must. With your body producing no (or very little) insulin, there is a good chance of serious complication or death without regular insulin injections. The water begins to muddy when we start talking about type 2 diabetes. Many cases of type 2 diabetes have been controlled without the use of certain medications such as insulin. Healthy lifestyle changes – which we will be going over in this article – can help reduce your dependence on insulin if you are afflicted with type 2 diabetes. This goes for other diseases as well; the healthier you are overall, the better the chance you give your body to fight chronic conditions.

Managing Diabetes Naturally

Many people can reduce their dependence on insulin-related medications if proper steps are taken to change their lifestyles.

Diet Changes: One of the biggest factors in reducing negative symptoms of diabetes is to change your diet. Out with the processed foods and in with the natural ones! Foods with high fiber content such as fruits and vegetables are steps in the right direction. They help clear your body of toxins and are often filled with lots of vitamins and minerals. If you are a regular soda drinker, making the switch to water can greatly benefit your intestinal and blood sugar health.

Lifestyle Activities: If you haven’t been regularly exercising in a while, it is a good idea to get started again. One of the biggest factors of developing diabetes is a lack of activity, so getting your body moving is the first step to help combat the negative effects of high blood sugar. Start with small walks every couple of hours and eventually see if you can start running or swimming again! Start with low-impact activities such as swimming, biking, and walking to help your diabetes diagnosis.

Get Outside: Studies show that people who spend more time outside have less instances of depression and anxiety. This gives you a chance to stay active as well! Many people lack vitamin D. Vitamin D is the only vitamin that the body can produce naturally without outside foods or substances. All you need is your body and the sun’s rays. So, get outside and go to the beach!

Diabetes Prescription Assistance Programs

Even with proper diet, sun exposure and exercise, some patients will find that these steps alone are not enough to control blood sugar levels. If this is the case, contact your doctor immediately if you are in need of external insulin. Millions of Americans find that they cannot afford their prescription drugs or medications and find themselves making hard financial decisions about their future just to pay for a medication that keeps them alive. At Rx Assistance Programs, we believe that everyone has a right to affordable, life-saving medications. No one should have to choose between a roof over their head and the medication they need. At Rx Assistance Programs, we help facilitate the approval process of prescription assistance programs and get you the medication you need delivered right to your door. If you would like to learn more about the process and see if you qualify, visit our contact page or call us at 1-(800)-201-0232.

 

Asthma, Blog, Prescription Assistance Programs

Do I Need Asthma Medication

Leave a comment

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 12 people (over 25 million) suffer from the chronic respiratory condition known as asthma. It can range from minor to severe and the differences in symptoms can be startling. It can range from a small, uncomfortable cough to a full-blown asthma attack, where breathing may become completely obstructed. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a severe asthma attack are vital if you suffer from the condition, even though fatalities are uncommon if proper medical care is sought. At Rx Assistance Programs, we work with pharmaceutical companies to provide free or discounted prescriptions for people that suffer from a multitude of conditions (including asthma).

We offer prescription assistance for many medications, such as Dulera, Symbicort, and Dulera. These medications can range from long-term steroidal treatments to rescue inhalers depending on the condition of your asthma. Visit your doctor and consult with him/her to determine exactly what drugs you need to treat the condition. If you can’t afford the medication and are uninsured or under-insured, we may be able to help.

Causes of Asthma

There are many causes of asthma; naturally, pinpointing just how a patient succumbed to the condition can be difficult. It is believed that people develop the condition due to a number of environmental and genetic factors: some of these factors can include a pre-inhalerdisposed condition during early childhood in which there was a tendency to develop allergies, having parents who suffer from asthma and contracting respiratory infections or certain viral infections during childhood. If you suffer from asthma, limiting your exposure to certain environmental triggers is your best bet. Avoid smoking/second-hand smoke, heavily polluted areas, chemical fumes, construction dust/debris, and obesity. All of these factors can increase the severity of asthma. If you’re not sure if you have asthma or not, but are suffering from certain respiratory impairments, read on.

5 Signs You Have Asthma

  1. It wakes you up. If you get jolted out of bed by asthma-like conditions more than once a week, this can be a serious form of asthma. Hormonal changes – such as rising cortisol levels during sleep – can inflame airways and cause night-time asthma flare-ups.
  2. You’re out of breath. If walking up and down the stairs leaves you gasping for air, you may have asthma. If you find yourself out of breath after taking a simple walk to the store, contact your doctor to rule out the possibility of a serious condition.
  3. Chest tightness. If you constantly feel a constricting sensation or pressure in your chest, it may be time to see a doctor. Certain allergens and environmental irritants can cause your muscles to contract and narrow your airways. This will make your chest feel tight.
  4. Blue skin. Cyanosis is a medical condition in which the skin turns a bluish tint due to inadequate oxygen delivery and poor circulation. Cyanosis can be caused by obstructed airways due to asthma.
  5. Sudden confusion. Asthma blocks a certain amount of air from getting in and out of your lungs. Many people who suffer from asthma find that they cannot get enough air to speak a full sentence before reaching for another breath. If you find yourself out of breath mid-sentence, contact a healthcare professional immediately.

Asthma Prescription Assistance

Asthma brought in a hefty price tag last year for the United States: over $57 billion to be exact. This accounts for all early deaths, hospitalizations, medical costs, and lost work/school hours. The burdens that asthma places on the health care system are mirrored by the cost of the medication itself. Many asthma medications can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars per month without insurance. If you are uninsured or under-insured and need help paying for your asthma prescriptions, pick up the phone and call Rx Assistance Programs. We are an organization that specializes in prescription assistance programs for asthma medication and other medications. We handle all the paperwork for you and your doctor’s office. Once enrolled, we mail 90-day supplies of your medication straight to your doorstep. It doesn’t matter whether you need prescription assistance for Symbicort, Dulera or Advair; we’re here to help cover the cost of rising prescription drugs. Contact us today to find out more about our prescription assistance programs!

Pain Prescription Assistance Programs, Patient Assistance Programs, Prescription Assistance, Prescription Assistance Programs

Celebrex: What is it used for? Dosage and Costs

Leave a comment

Introduction to Celebrex

The medication is a pain reliever that acts by reducing hormones which lead to inflammation and swelling. The drug belongs to nonsteroidal anti-inflammation drugs (NSAID). It is ideal for menstrual pain, arthritis joint aches, and severe pain. The drug is not suitable for children below the age of 2 years. Celebrex has fatal side effects if abused or misused. Therefore, it is advisable to seek prescription assistance before use.

The side effects of the drug range from alimentary canal bleeding, ulcers, heart attack, and tearing of the intestines. The adverse effects can be severe if the medication is administered with aspirin. It should not be taken for long to avoid side effects which can occur in the long run.

An in-depth look at some of the uses of Celebrex.

1.    Rheumatoid arthritis

The medication is a common prescription for arthritis to relieve joint pain. The capsules are administered depending on the age and weight of the patient. It is inadvisable to use the drug for patients below the age of 2 years and 10kg. The drug does not heal or regulate the progress of the disease but only eradicates pain by inhibiting COX-2.

The medication is mostly administered orally.  The drug acts gradually, and it may take up to a fortnight before any observable results. The recommended Celebrex dosage is 50-200mg for 2-3 times a day depending on the indicated variables.

2.    Menstrual pain reliever

The drug does not only relieve the pain but also gives you comfort during menstruation. When Celebrex inhibits COX-2, it reduces pain. The drug does not block the action of COX-1 which makes it a better option than others in the same class. Inhibition of the former hormone can cause severe stomach upset. The recommended dosage for treatment of menstrual cramp pains is 400mg for two days.

Expectant women should refrain from using the drug in the last months of the pregnancy because it can cause harm to the unborn.

3.    Back pain treatment

Whether it is a physiologically or physically induced back pain, Celebrex is an excellent reliever.  The dosage for back pain is 400mg for adults 2-3 times a day for a week. However, you should seek prescription assistance services because it may vary slightly depending on your health and body weight. Reduce the dosage gradually to 200mg to reduce the chances of side effects.

It is essential to note some Celebrex contraindications before using the drug. If you have any of the following conditions, you should consult a health practitioner before using the drug:

  1. High blood pressure
  2. Chronic kidney disease
  3. Asthma
  4. Blood clots
  5. Heart disease
  6. Alimentary canal disease like ulcers
  7. Liver disease
  8. Recent intestine surgery

Some of these conditions are a predisposing factor to adverse effects of the drug and damage to the body organs.

Affordable health

The government has subsidized the cost of this medication to provide affordable health services to all citizens. However, if the Celebrex generic costs are still high for your budget, you can seek assistance from your physician to have a prescription discount card.