Medication Shortages

In most cases, you are able to fill you and your family’s medications without issue. You visit the pharmacy, provide them your information, show them your FreeRxPlus savings card, and then it’s just a short wait to have your medications in hand. Behind the scenes, drug manufacturers work hard to ensure that medications are readily available to the public. However, sometimes medications can be placed on backorder or orders to your local pharmacy can be delayed due to delivery issues. In these situations, what are you supposed to do?

First of all, it is important to understand what can cause a drug to go on backorder. A backorder may be issued if the manufacturer is considering discontinuing a drug due to decreased usage or decreased profits. A drug can also be placed on a backorder or a recall if it is found to be harmful to those who take it. In this particular situation, the drug company will typically work on a solution and then issue a new release once it is deemed safe. Unfortunately, it can often take several months or years before a new version of the medication will be released. Another reason you may find your medication on backorder is due to a surge of popularity. Manufacturers may not be able to keep up with the demand causing you to have trouble getting your hands on the medicine.

If you find that one of your prescriptions is on backorder, either prescribed to you as a regular medication or a temporary one, your first step should be to ask your pharmacist or doctor if there is a generic(s) version available. If a drug has been on the market long enough, there is usually a generic form available. Often times there may even be more than one generic form of your medication that you could take. If a generic version isn’t available, your next step should be to ask your pharmacist if they know anyone else locally that may still have some of the medication in stock. If your pharmacist is unable to help, you should reach back out to your doctor as soon as possible to let them know the situation so they can provide you with other options. It is important to note that you should never attempt to just “go without” a medication even on a temporary basis. Your doctor will be able to offer you other solutions to make sure you are at your healthiest even while your other medication is on backorder.

If your medication isn’t on backorder and your usual pharmacy has just experienced a delivery delay, ask them who they recommend you go visit to get your prescriptions filled in the meantime. They usually have other pharmacies that they work closely with and understand that you may need to do business temporarily with someone else. Your pharmacist and pharmacy tech have your best interest at heart so don’t be afraid to ask where you should go until they are stocked again!

A backorder or delay in getting your medication doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice your well-being in the meantime. Your medical professionals will know exactly what to do so don’t hesitate to let them know that you need help. Also, don’t forget that your FreeRxPlus prescription savings card is good for thousands of name brand and generic medications at over 56,000 pharmacies across the US and Puerto Rico! So even if you find yourself needing to fill an alternate prescription or needing to visit an alternate pharmacy, you should still use your card to ensure that you receive the best possible price. If you don’t have a FreeRxPlus card yet, visit FreeRxPlus.com now to get your free card instantly!

Prescription Savings Scams

There are many, many ads and companies out there that promise they can save you mass amounts on your prescriptions, your health costs, utility bills, and more. It is often hard to determine which are real and which ones are just scams with some kind of catch. Unfortunately, a great deal of these companies prey on individuals who are in a tight spot and are seeking some financial relief on healthcare costs. It is important to be knowledgeable about these programs to avoid getting scammed.

Emails, TV ads, and websites that offer free or discounted medications at any cost or fee to you are definitely scams. What you are usually paying for are applications or other information that is free and made available to the general public. The Federal Trade Commission tries to monitor these scams but there are often so many that are unable to be caught or tracked down. The general rule of thumb is that if they ask for a fee or have a membership joining cost – they are not legitimate. If you encounter a program asking for a fee or you have paid a fee to a program promising this, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Federal Trade Commission to file a complaint. They may even be able to advise you on how to get your money back.

Your financial situation, prescription costs, and whether you have any other help will determine whether you qualify for a government based program. If you think that you are eligible for free or discounted medications through your local or state government, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to direct you to the best office to inquire into your eligibility.

If you determine you are not eligible for government assistance and still need help on your medications, the good news is that there are legitimate programs available to help at no cost to you. The FreeRxPlus prescription savings card can help customers save, on average, up to 85% on prescription costs. The card is completely free with no forms to fill out and no personal information required. Anyone qualifies and one card can be used for your whole family regardless of age or other factors. Requesting a savings card is easy! Just visit the website at FreeRxPlus.com and select if you would like to receive your card via mail, text, or print it off instantly. Once you receive your card, it is already active and ready to help you save! You can even utilize the online price checking tool by clicking “$ Find the Lowest Prices”. This tool will let you price check your specific medications across pharmacies in your zip code.

You don’t have to feel overwhelmed or just assume the pharmacy’s cost is the best price available. But you also don’t have to pay any third parties to help you. Between price checking your medication costs across as many pharmacies as possible and showing your FreeRxPlus card every time you fill a prescription, you can guarantee you are receiving the best possible price. Visit FreeRxPlus.com now to start legitimately saving today!

Traveling Internationally Safely

The Zika virus has recently been all over every news/media outlet in the country. Many travel agencies and cruise lines have even begun offering refunds for individuals who planned on traveling to countries that have been listed as being most affected. Not too long ago, the world was abuzz with the concerns of Ebola and before that, many other exotic illnesses have caused concerns. While some recreational trips may be easy to reschedule or postpone until the scare is over, there are often other reasons we need to travel that can’t be canceled. The CDC and World Health Organization have put together several lists and recommended guidelines that individuals can abide by when traveling to try and ensure a safe time.

Before you depart: Make sure to allow enough time to plan ahead! Research the country you are traveling to and see if there are any specific immunizations or vaccinations required or recommended. If there are, go get them as soon as possible. Some immunizations take several weeks to reach their highest protection.

Be sure to visit your doctor for a checkup at least 4 to 6 weeks before you depart. Have a thorough checkup with your primary care physician and even your dentist and optometrist. This will help to find any issues that you may have and get you on new medications if you need them. This is also a great time to address any concerns with your doctor and also to get his/her recommendations.

If you have health insurance, find out if your provider will cover any costs that may occur where you are traveling to. Have a backup plan just in case they do not. Be sure to take plenty of your regular medications in their original containers. Speak with your doctor about getting an extra prescription or two so you can fill your medications if something happens to your originals.

If you have a severe medical condition, check into medical alert jewelry that is easily seen by anyone who may need to treat you in case of an emergency.

Check out the CDC’s website for recommendations about the area you are visiting as well as important health related alerts. The government even offers a Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) which is a free service allowing US citizens to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the region where they are traveling. This service helps the U.S. Embassy contact you in case of an emergency and also provides you with other important safety related information.



While you’re there: Be sure to take your medications daily just as you would if you were at home. If you are going to be out and about, be sure to pack enough medications to get you through the day.

If you have medical alert jewelry, be sure to carry/wear it at all times. If you are in a country that you may have a language barrier with, that jewelry can be especially live saving!

Be careful if swimming or coming in contact with freshwater lakes. Various bacteria thrive in warm water conditions and can be easily picked up by you. Try and shower with a clean water supply as often as possible or soon after coming in contact with any freshwater.

Follow all safety rules set by the government. They are in place for a reason!

Eat carefully. If you are not accustomed to eating a certain type food, ease into it carefully. Well cooked, hot food is usually the safest thing to eat.

If the area you are visiting has an increased risk of mosquito borne illnesses, be sure to purchase plenty of anti-bug spray. Brands that have DEET in the ingredient list tend to be the strongest. Use bed nets while sleeping to help keep mosquitoes away overnight.

When you return: Go back to your doctor within a week or so of return for another checkup. If you feel ill at all, get in with them as soon as possible. Some doctor’s may have a survey about your trip that they will want you to complete so they can better assess any health risks/concerns.

Launder all your clothes well. If you traveled with it and you can easily sanitize it – do so! This might not prohibit you coming down with a sickness you contracted while traveling but it may help to stop the spread of anything.