 Switching
Prescriptions
"I've been taking a prescription drug that really helps control a chronic
problem. The pharmacist just called to say that my doctor switched me to a different drug.
He says the switch will save me money because it will cost my drug-benefit plan less. But
I don't know why I should switch. The new drug might not work as well. Am I giving up
quality just to save the drug plan a few cents? Can I talk to my drug man about refusing
the switch?"
In the past few years, many prescription drug companies have formed business
relationships with pharmacy groups and insurance companies that handle drug-benefit plans.
In some cases, pharmacies and insurers receive rebates or other financial incentives when
they convince a plan member to switch to a different drug made by a "partner"
manufacturer. If you are uncomfortable about making a switch, call the Food and Drug
Administration, your local Department of Health, or your local Board of Pharmacy. They can
help you decide whether it makes sense to change your medication.
Meantime, you may want to ask your pharmacist or physician a few important
questions: Will the new drug work as well for your condition? Are there different side
effects or risks? Are the dosage levels the same? Is there a business connection between
the pharmacist and the drug manufacturer? Will the switch save you or your benefit plan
money or cost you money?
WHO CARES:
- YOUR STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL
-
- Division of Service Industry Practices
- 6th Street and Pennsylvania Ave., NW
- Washington, D.C. 20580 202-326-3305
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- Consumer Affairs Information Line
- 1-800-532-4440 (toll-free)
-
- INFORMATION CENTER
- 1-800-222-2225 (toll-free/voice)
- 1-800-222-4225 (toll-free TTY)
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- YOUR LOCAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
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- YOUR LOCAL BOARD OF PHARMACY
-
- Patient Information 1-800-237-2742 (toll-free)
-
- 1-800-488-2665 (toll-free)
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- PERSONS
- 601 E Street, NW
- Washington, D.C. 20049
- 202-434-2277
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If you have any questions or comments on senior health
nutrition, fitness, etc., go to the Senior Health
Forum where we are talking about the following:
The information contained in these pages
is for educational / reference use only.
Sources:
FTC
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