Q: What over the counter medicine/drug Can Replace Prednisone? I cant afford to get a prescription but need it in order to get better is there something else i can take instead?
Hi, Megan,
Prednisone is a steroid and is the strongest anti-inflammatory drug there is. It should not be taken except under the supervision of a physician becasue of the long-term side effects. Do you have RA and are you worried about the cost of the doctor's appointment? Do you have any medical insurance? You could try OTC NSAIDS such as Ibuprofen and Naproxyn found in Advil and Aleve. Taking these for very long can hurt your stomach, so you really need to protect your digestive system There is Financial Assistance for Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications
Best Wishes,
V
Prednisone is one of the cheapest drugs out there. A months supply is less than $10. If you need help paying here are some resources:
Help with Prescription Drugs
- Ask your doctor for help. Many people never ask their doctors about how they could save on medicines. Your doctor may have plenty of ideas -- and he or she also may have access to free samples.
- Ask your pharmacist for help. A frank discussion with your local pharmacist also could work wonders for you. Inquire about free samples or less expensive alternatives that will be effective for your situation.
- Investigate helpful programs. To determine your eligibility for reduced-cost or cost-free drug programs, visit the Web site of Partnership for Prescription Assistance at www.pparx.org OR call 888-477-2669.
Another site that can point you to drug manufacturers' assistance programs is www.NeedyMeds.org
www.healthwellfoundation.org is a nonprofit that offers financial assistance to patients with serious and chronic illnesses to help pay insurance co-pays, premiums, and even prescription drug costs. Currently they help people with RA, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
www.coverageforall.org is the Foundation for Health Coverage Education site and they may offer assistance. The site allows visitors to see what they might be eligible to receive through local, state, and national aid, and allows them to apply online or speak with a counselor.
For Specific Drugs:
Pfizer Meds such as Lipitor, Celebrex, & Xanax: 866-706-2400 or log onto www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com
AstraZeneca Meds such as Crestor, Nexium & Seroquel: Log onto
www.astrazeneca-us.com/help-affording-your-medicines
Merck Meds such as Singulair, Januvia, & Maxalt: Call 800-727-5400 or log onto www.merck.com/merckhelps
For a directory of programs visit: www.helpingpatients.org or www.rxassist.org
Nonprofit Organizations:
The Chronic Disease Fund - www.cdfund.org or call 800-675-8416
The HealthWell Foundation - www.healthwellfoundation.org or call 800-675-8416
The Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief - www.copays.org or call 866-512-3861
FOR VETERANS:
www.va.gov/health or call 877-222-8387
FOR YOUR STATE:
Go to Medicare's website and click on your state: www.medicarerights.org/rxchart_states.html
FOR YOUR COUNTY:
The National Association of Counties also has a drug discount program. To find out if your county participates visit: www.naco.advancerx.com or call 877-321-2652.
HOW TO LESSEN YOUR FINANCIAL BURDEN FOR MEDICAL EXPENSES FOR SENIORS:
Make sure you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to by logging onto www.benefitscheckup.org a service of The National Council on Aging. This site allows you to find and apply for government and private programs that help pay for expenses including healthcare bills.
For local resources check with the Eldercare Locator service at www.eldercare.gov and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging www.N4A.org
AARP & WALGREENS
It's all about having easy access to medications you need at a price that won't break the bank. The AARP Prescription Discount Program provides you with exclusive discounts on ALL FDA-approved prescription medications and specialty drugs, at participating retail network pharmacies and through Walgreens Mail Service.
Here are just some of the benefits you'll enjoy:
- Save up to 30% on all of your FDA-approved prescriptions (including generics, brand name and specialty)
- Access more than 55,000 network retail pharmacies nationwide (including both big chain and independent pharmacies)
- Use the same card at all participating pharmacies
- Find prescription medication costs and coverage online
- Receive a 90-day supply of maintenance medications delivered right to your door via Walgreens Mail Service
Pharmacy locator:
Find your nearest network pharmacy.
If you currently use a Medicare Part D mail service provider, please continue to use that provider. The AARP Prescription Discount Program is NOT a replacement for Medicare Part D.
Patient Assistance Drug Programs:
http://www.massresources.org/pages.cfm?contentID=51&pageID=13&subpages=yes&dynamicID=930
Important:
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