Acetaminophen is the most common drug ingredient in the U.S. and is found in more than 600 different prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, including pain relievers, fever reducers, and sleep aids as well as cough, cold, and allergy medicines. It is safe and effective when used as directed, but taking more than directed is an overdose and can lead to liver damage. Research recently conducted by the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (the Alliance) found that more than half of Hispanic consumers are not aware of any health risks associated with taking too much acetaminophen, and do not check their medicine […]
Author: NeedyMeds
Volunteers in Medicine: Caring for the Uninsured
Access to Health Care Today, many working individuals in America do not have health insurance and as a result do not have access to quality health care services. Their employers may not provide coverage, or they may earn too little to buy affordable health insurance or earn too much to receive other types of public assistance. These are the “working uninsured” who, in many communities, turn to Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) clinics and other safety-net clinics for access to health care services. Services provided in VIM Clinics VIM clinics provide health care services free of charge. Retired and practicing medical […]
Drug Discount Cards – Lifting the Veil of Secrecy
by Richard J. Sagall, MD, President of NeedyMeds Everywhere you look you see claims of savings from drug discount cards. You may be skeptical when cards promise huge savings. And you should be because not all the claims are real. Too Good to Be True The old saying “If it seems too good to be true then it probably is” applies to drug discount cards. Drug discount cards have the potential of saving you a lot of money, but you have to understand how they work. It’s important to remember that they all work basically the same way. […]
Price Shopping Pharmacies To Save On Meds
Sumanah was a 26 year old event planner in New York City when suddenly diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Sumanah was like many typical 26 year olds, without health insurance and no savings capable of paying for her medical bills. Taking 10 medications for her condition, Sumanah was paying full price at what she “thought” was the cheapest pharmacy. After she discovered that not only were some pharmacies cheaper for the same exact medication, she learned that some pharmacies can be upwards of 16 times more expensive than another pharmacy right across the street. Using this information, Sumanah was able […]
What to ask your Pediatrician
I understand it’s tough to ask the question “Why?” to your child’s doctor when the she makes a treatment or testing decision. But if you are going to be an active and informed partner in your child’s health care you need to know when to pose that question. I am not suggesting you question every decision the doctor makes, but sometimes it’s appropriate. Here are a few hints as to when you may want to question the doctor. What will happen if I don’t give my child the medicine? This is usually a good question to ask if the […]