Tag Archives: patient assistance programs

Cymbalta: Side Effects, Doses and Reviews

Introducing Cymbalta

Cymbalta is a drug used to treat depression and anxiety, and also to alleviate certain kinds of pain. Cymbalta generic medical name is Duloxetine, and it comes in delayed-release capsules.

How does Cymbalta work?

Cymbalta is made up of Duloxetine which is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Cymbalta helps balance out serotonin and norepinephrine in the patient’s brain, and most depression and anxiety patients have these chemicals out of balance.

Cymbalta is an effective drug against:

  • Major depressive disorder
  • General anxiety disorder
  • Peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients
  • Fibromyalgia (nerve-based pain)
  • Chronic pains in muscles in joints, of various nature.

 

What are the recommended Cymbalta doses?

A doctor will set the exact dosage of Cymbalta for you. Most often people take 40 mg of Cymbalta for depression treatment, that means two 20 mg pills. Other conditions may require different dosages.

Make sure not to increase or decrease the prescribed Cymbalta dosage, also do not stop taking Cymbalta abruptly. If you are experiencing side effects and want to quit Cymbalta – consult your doctor first.

Cymbalta is usually taken with food, and the capsules should be swallowed whole.

What to look out for in Cymbalta reviews

While studying Cymbalta reviews online make sure you differentiate between the brand name Cymbalta and the generic medicine Duloxetine hydrochloride. Determine what the reviewer is writing about.

Also, make sure you are paying attention to Cymbalta side effects. This medication has side effects that may not manifest in the reviewer, but you might still be in danger.

Here’s the list of possible Cymbalta side effects:

  • suicidal thoughts or behavior for people under 24 years old, paired with aggression, panic attacks, restlessness or abnormal excitement
  • weight gain
  • headaches, nausea, vomiting
  • liver damage
  • high blood pressure

 

The list is not complete, so make sure you consult a doctor rather than just relying on Cymbalta reviews you’ve read online. Cymbalta is an effective drug, but you need to make sure it’s right for you.

Cymbalta price – where to buy?

Cymbalta price will differ from the price of the generic Cymbalta equivalent (duloxetine). The brand Cymbalta is normally more expensive, but at the same time, you have more chances to find regional discounts on Cymbalta or Cymbalta coupons. The reason for that is because Cymbalta manufacturer is partnering up with pharmacies and pharmacy chains to make Cymbalta affordable.

You could find offers online selling Cymbalta 84-pack from $150 to $200 dollars.

If you find printable Cymbalta coupons make sure your nearby pharmacy will accept it – the coupon conditions will have this information.

Celebrex: What is it used for? Dosage and Costs

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.

 

Victoza: Patient Assistance Program. Side Effects, Dosage, and Reviews

Introducing Victoza

If you are suffering from type 2 diabetes, you probably heard of Victoza – a drug that improves insulin control. Victoza is a brand name for liraglutide – or glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.

The impressive thing about Victoza is that it does not only provide relief for diabetes patients but reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases also. As a result, there are few Victoza comparable drugs that are as universal and effective.

Here’s a list of conditions that Victoza is effective against:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Blood sugar spikes
  • High blood pressure
  • Stroke and heart attack, especially in patients with a history of stroke and heart attack.

Where’s the catch? Are there any Victoza side effects?

As always, good things come at a cost. Victoza has a set of side effects that need to be taken into consideration while starting Victoza treatment.

Here’s the list of possible side effects of Victoza use:

– Thyroid cancer

Possible symptoms: shortness of breath, swelling in the neck, trouble swallowing. If you experience any of these symptoms after taking Victoza for a while, contact a doctor ASAP.

– Pancreas inflammation

Possible symptoms: severe pain in the abdomen, ranging into your back.

– Kidney failure

Symptoms may include: diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, dehydration.

– Allergic reactions

The symptoms are: Rashes, itchiness, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing. Normally allergies manifest when you start medicating, so pay attention to these symptoms the first time you take Victoza.

– Gallbladder problems

Symptoms may include jaundice, pain in the upper right corner of the abdomen, nausea, loss of appetite.

If you notice these or any other suspicious symptoms after starting your Victoza treatment, please contact your doctor ASAP. Consider drugs like Victoza as substitutes (continued below).

What drugs is Victoza comparable to?

Drugs comparable to Victoza belong to the group of incretin mimetics or glucagon-like peptide agonists. Here is a list of drugs that have the same effect as Victoza (improve insulin control, promote weight loss and help tame cardiovascular disease):

  • Trulicity
  • Bydureon
  • Ozempic
  • Adlyxin
  • Byetta

Victoza comes in the form of injections, with pills being tested as well, so it’s characterized by powerful and fast action.

Can you combine other drugs with Victoza?

Doctors advise against injecting insulin simultaneously with Victoza, as well as into the same body part as Victoza. Sulfonylurea may also cause a sudden drop in blood sugar when combined with Victoza. In general, if you are taking any medication that lowers blood sugar – talk to your doctor if you want to combine it with Victoza since the effect will be amplified.

Are there any patient assistance programs for Victoza?

If you are willing to try Victoza but paying for it yourself is not an option, consider a patient assistance program. Novo Nordisk, the company manufacturing Victoza, has a program that you may qualify for, so start with them.

If you do a little research, you may also find other diabetes patient assistance programs, like the Victoza savings card program. You might also find an insurance plan that contains coverage for Victoza – and make the switch.

If you are a low-income patient, then there are multiple programs helping uninsured and underinsured patients. Run a quick search online and submit your application to several of such programs – you may qualify and try Victoza for free or with a considerable discount.

Nexium: Dosage for Esophagitis, Costs, and Interactions

Introducing Nexium

Nexium is a drug that helps treat esophagus problems. The generic name is esomeprazole magnesium, and the drug belongs to the class of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). If you are suffering from heartburn that leads to pains in the lower throat and upper chest a pharmacist will most likely recommend Nexium or a similar over-the-counter product. You could even go for Nexium generic alternative with a lower cost.

What is the correct Nexium dosage?

For most esophagitis patients Nexium is prescribed in capsules and taken once daily, usually one hour before a meal. If you think you should be taking a higher dosage of Nexium consult your doctor.

When you are taking Nexium make sure you swallow the capsules as a whole, do not crush or chew them. Following the capsule with a glass of water will also work. Some sources recommend mixing the contents of each capsule with applesauce in a spoon and swallowing that mixture. Do that only if you have serious problems swallowing the whole capsule.

If you started taking Nexium without a doctor’s prescription, do not extend your course of medication over 14 days. If you see no improvements to your condition, or you feel it has deteriorated – stop taking Nexium and consult a doctor.

Nexium is an effective drug that relieves many esophagitis symptoms like

  • Heartburn
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • A persistent and dry cough

 

As less stomach acid gets into your esophagus, it has time to heal, and after a little time, any possible erosion will be gone.

Long-term effects of Nexium are ulcer prevention and esophagus cancer prevention. These effects are achieved by protecting your esophagus from stomach acid and thus soothing the environment in it.

What are Nexium side effects?

Nexium is a potent medication, so there are side effects you need to take into account. The most frequent side effects of Nexium include, but are not limited to:

  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Flatulence
  • Decreased appetite
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth or an unusual taste in the mouth
  • abdominal pain
  • Kidney problems – pay attention to your urination and if you feel it’s been unusual stop taking Nexium and consult a doctor.

 

As almost any medication, Nexium may cause an allergic reaction. If you experience allergy symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, lightheadedness and rapid heart rate, seek urgent medical attention.

Nexium and other drugs. Nexium interactions

Nexium is normally not prescribed with other proton pump inhibitors, such as Rilpivirine, Atazanavir, Nelfinavir, Acalbrutinib, Velpatasvir, Methotrexate and so on. If you take both, they might interact and cause undesirable effects.

If you are going for the correct Nexium dosage and not taking any other drugs, then Nexium is relatively safe.

Nexium generic – price and where to buy

If you want to save consider getting the generic Nexium equivalent – anything that has esomeprazole magnesium in it. You could buy generic Nexium at online pharmacies, and you will find a multitude of offers.

Depending on the manufacturer and package size esomeprazole magnesium (generic Nexium) will be priced from $0.17 to $2.44 per pill. Naturally, the more you buy the cheaper each individual pill will become.

Do I Need Viagra?

Having a hard time with your sexual health? Initially, Viagra was designed to treat hypertension and angina pectoris (chest pain or discomfort). Somewhere down the road, it was discovered that Viagra was best suited to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). The blue, diamond shaped pill has been helping men with ED and pulmonary arterial hypertension for years. Originally developed by scientists in the UK and Pfizer Inc. (an American pharmaceutical company), Viagra can help men who cannot achieve or sustain an erection due to erectile dysfunction. It improves the erectile response when a man is already sexually stimulated, but it does not offer sexual stimulation.

Effects of Viagra

When sexual stimulation occurs, nitric oxide is release by the nervous system in the erectile tissue of the penis. Nitric oxide stimulates an enzyme that produces messenger cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP causes arteries in the penis to dilate, causing the erectile tissue to fill with blood. Viagra prevents

yellow pills spilling out of pill bottle

cGMP from becoming degraded, so the blood flow and the erection can continue. More than 60 million men worldwide have used Viagra since introduction to the market in 1998. Those are official numbers from Pfizer. It is widely speculated that the numbers are much higher than the reported numbers. This may be due to a pride issue among men that are taking the medication. However, taking Viagra is nothing to be ashamed about.

Side Effects of Viagra

Apart from a happier spouse, there are certain side effects that a patient should watch out for. Some side effects, according to clinical trials, can include headaches, impaired vision, indigestion, sensitivity to light and nasal sensitivity. There are less common, serious side effects that should be reported immediately upon onset. Contact a medical professional or ER if you experience any of the following: priapism (a painful, long-lasting erection of more than 4 hours), heart attack, sudden hearing loss, ventricular arrhythmias, and increased intraocular pressure.

Viagra Cost

The cost of Viagra without insurance can get pricey. Brand name Viagra can cost between $50-$70 per pill, and prices for generic versions can run anywhere from $20-$40 per pill. The generic alternative is a new option, with generic manufacturer Teva beginning sale of the generic version (sildenafil) last December (2017).  Many insurance plans will not cover Viagra, as the indication (the reason it is prescribed) is not considered essential by many health companies. However, we believe that a happy wife is a happy life; and to us, a happy life IS essential.

Prescription Assistance for Viagra

At Rx Assistance Programs, we believe that everyone should have the right to affordable Viagra. Our goal is to ease the burden of the uninsured, low-income, or elderly individuals who are in need of medication but struggle with the costs. If you fall under one of these categories, your erectile dysfunction can be a thing of the past. We provide prescription assistance and expedite the approval process and refill process. The lack of discounted medications can discourage some Americans from reaching out for assistance, or even discourage those same Americans from buying the medication! At Rx Assistance Programs, we bring together the country’s doctors, pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers to help patients get the medication they need. Contact us today and see how we can help.

 

What is Xifaxan?

Xifaxan is a prescription medicine that helps many patients with irritable bowel syndrome symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. This is a powerful, prescription-only medication that provides significant relief from these side-effects. The price of Xifaxan, however, is staggering. Even with a Xifaxan coupon, the medication can cost upwards of $2,100. That is a serious price to pay to combat traveler’s diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. Luckily, there is Xifaxan prescription assistance available.

How does Xifaxan work?

Rifaximin (Xifaxan) works differently from many antibiotics. It passes through your stomach and into the intestines without being absorbed into the bloodstream. It treats travelers’ diarrhea caused by E.Coli in adults and children above the age of 12. Most people contract this type of bacteria by eating or drinking something that was contaminated with the E. Coli bacteria. Not only does Xifaxan treat irritable bowel syndrome, it can also help remove toxic substances from the body in adults that are suffering from liver failure. This is supposed to lower the risk of worsened brain function in adults with liver failure.

Side effects of Xifaxan

Stop using rifaximin and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • Severe stomach pain and diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
  • Fever
  • Rapid weight gain, especially in your face and midsection.

 

Common side effects may include:

  • swelling in your hands, feet or midsection;
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Abnormal liver function

 

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Xifaxan

According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastointestinal Disorders, as many as 15 percent of the American population suffers from irritable bowel syndrome. It is known as IBS for short. Xifaxan can help patients with IBS regain control of their life. IBS is a common disorder that can affect parts of the large intestine. Xifaxan helps control side effects of IBS such as cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea or constipation. IBS is a condition that you will need to manage long-term. Since it is a chronic condition, symptoms may vary in duration and intensity. You will want a monthly prescription of Xifaxan if you are suffering from this disorder.

When to see a doctor

You should see your doctor if IBS symptoms worsen. This may indicate a much more serious condition, such as colon cancer. Some of these symptoms can include:

  • Weight loss
  • Nocturnal diarrhea
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Anemia
  • Unexplained vomiting
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Persistent abdominal pain

 

Xifaxan Prescription Assistance 

Xifaxan – without insurance – can cost upwards of $2,000 according to websites such as www.goodrx.com. That is including a manufacturers’ coupon! This is simply not affordable for the majority of Americans, insured or not. If YOU are under-insured or uninsured, we can help. We work with doctors, health care providers and pharmaceutical companies to help qualified patients get medication through prescription assistance programs. We understand that IBS needs to be controlled and sometimes Xifaxan can be the only right option for a patient. With our program, you can end up paying hundreds, even thousands of dollars less for your prescription. If you are interested in seeing if you qualify for our prescription assistance program, contact us today!