Due to the shaky economy many patients have lost their jobs or insurance. They may rely on their pharmacist for help managing their medications. How can you help your patients maintain their prescriptions? Pharmacy Today offers some useful tips.

Author Maria G. Tanzi, PharmD, recommends reviewing the patient's prescriptions for medications that can be switched to a less expensive generic option. If you find a generic option, reassure the patient that generic medications can be as effective as name brands.

You can also talk to your patients about pharmacy-sponsored programs and encourage them to compare options at various pharmacies. Always remind patients that it is not safe to fill prescriptions at multiple pharmacies.

Another alternative for low-cost medication is the internet. Tanzi cautions that you should always tell patients to confirm that the site is a state-licensed, U.S. pharmacy with a VIPPS (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) seal.

For qualifying patients, search government options like Medicare and Medicaid. Some of your patients may not be aware of these programs or that they are eligible for them.

Lastly, Tanzi suggests checking into companies that offer free medications to qualifying patients. She says, "Information about these programs is posted on manufacturers' websites." Other sites, like www.NeedyMeds.com, maintain lists of these programs.

Source: Ganzi, Maria G., PharmD. "Counseling Patients in Hard Economic Times" Pharmacy Today. January 2010.
apha.imirus.com 12 February 2010.