Drug Information

Did you know that up to 25% of the population has athlete's foot? One of the leading causes of athlete's foot is untreated toenail fungal infections. If you've dealt with nagging fungal infections before, you know how long it lasts and difficult it is to treat. 

When searching for treatment options, you may have come across Jublia. In that same train of thought, you've likely seen the price tag and wondered, 'why is Jublia so expensive?' 

Luckily, we have put together a complete guide for you on what Jublia is, how to use it, and most importantly - how to save money. What are you waiting for? Keep reading on for more information!

What Is Jublia?

Jublia is the brand name of efinaconazole and treats fungal infections. It is a topical antifungal cream mainly used for toenail infections and offers an alternative to oral prescriptions. You can apply Jublia on the skin and toenails around the infection to help prevent it from spreading. 

Efinaconazole blocks ergosterol. Ergosterol helps fungi reproduce and is found in many areas of the environment, including marine life. This main ingredient in Jublia prevents ergosterol formation, essentially halting the fungi in its tracks. 

Fungal Nail Symptoms and Risks

Jublia uses entail treating fungal nail symptoms, which may include:

• Discoloration (e.g., yellow, brown)
• Thickened nails
• Cracks

This can progress to athlete's foot if it travels into the skin. The official term for athlete's foot is ringworm, and it is a fungus that presents with a circular rash. How do fungal infections happen?

Many yeasts and mold live in your home, gyms, and other buildings. When your skin or toenails crack, it is more susceptible to infections. Individuals with diabetes, poor immune systems, or blood circulation issues are the most at risk. 

Preventing Fungal Infections

You can prevent fungal toe infections by avoiding walking barefoot and keeping your feet clean and dry. If you visit a nail salon often, check into their licensure and sanitation policies. Lastly, avoid sharing nail clippers with others. 

If you get a fungal infection, it is often not painful. If left untreated, it won't heal and can become more severe. The only treatment options are topical or oral prescribed antifungal medications. 

Jublia Benefits vs Risks

Untreated fungal infections can cause permanent damages to your nails and make it extremely painful to walk on. It may seem tempting to ignore your symptoms and oral antifungal medications. Luckily, there are other options, such as daily antifungal cream. 

Now that you can answer the question, 'what is Jublia used for,' here are some more benefits of swapping to this topical antifungal remedy:

• Effective for mild to moderate cases
• Easy to use applicator
• Minimal side effects

Many times, oral medications can cause more systemic side effects. When taking Jublia, you run the risk of skin irritation, redness, and itching around the affected toenail. There are no known severe reactions with other prescription medications. 

Yet, you should always talk with your doctor first about medications you're on and if you plan on becoming pregnant soon.

How to Use Jublia

First, you should trim your toenails every four weeks. When clipping your toenails, start with the unaffected toenails first to avoid spreading the fungus and discard your trimmings immediately. Remember - don't share your nail clippers with friends or family. 

Typically, Jublia prescriptions require one drop daily on the affected toe. Most people do this right before bedtime after thoroughly cleaning and drying the region. After you place a drop, you can use the applicator brush.

The applicator brush spreads the ointment around the affected area, providing a coating. If you miss a dose, don't double up on your next one. Instead, take it as soon as possible, or contact your doctor. 

How Long Should You Take Jublia For?

Toenail fungal infections notoriously take a long time to treat. Jublia should start working within a couple of months, but you will likely need it for much longer. Since Jublia stops the spread of the fungus, it won't reverse damage to your toenail. 

Instead, you'll have to clip off the damaged toenail as it grows. Topical antifungal treatment courses take longer than oral medications, and the average Jublia use is 48 weeks. 

Why Is Jublia So Expensive?

Jublia prices can cost patients hundreds to thousands of dollars for a 4 ml to 8 ml solution. Why is Jublia so expensive? It is expensive primarily because it is a relatively new antifungal treatment, and there are no generic versions available in the United States.

Buying Jublia without insurance becomes an even more challenging game to play. Here are some options that can help you save money on Jublia without insurance:

• Coupons
• Medical assistance programs

Even with coupons and programs, if you need Jublia for 48 weeks, you could find yourself forking out more money than you may find worth it. Another solution is purchasing your medication through PricePro Pharmacy, a reliable, online Canadian pharmacy.

We offer brand-name prescriptions medications that are delivered right to your doorstep.

Cost-Friendly Jublia Prescription Options

Now that you know some of the reasons 'why is Jublia so expensive,' you need reliable and cost-friendly options to continue your antifungal treatments. At PricePro Pharmacy, we have 8, 16, and 25 ml options that cost around $15 per unit. 

How does this compare to prescription costs in the United States?

The final cost at PricePro Pharmacy for Jublia is $124 for an 8 ml bottom versus over $1,500 in the United States. Are you ready to get started with an over 90% savings on costly prescriptions medications? Check out Jublia on our website today! 

Works Cited

https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/nail-infections.html

https://www.everydayhealth.com/athletes-foot/guide/

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2020.01703/full#:~:text=Ergosterol%20is%20not%20produced%20by,aerobic%20growth%20of%20most%20fungi.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7509699/

https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/how-to-afford-prescriptions-without-insurance/

https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/product/jublia/

Did you know that eight in 10 adults in the US find prescription drug costs unreasonable? Affordability seems to be the main concern for people taking more prescription medicines. Even more, some people end up not taking the medications as directed because of the costs.

The high cost of prescription drugs threatens people's health and financial lives. You wouldn't want to go into debt or see your health condition worsen because you can't afford medication.

Finding a better deal on prescription drugs can save you money. You also get a better quality of life and the ability to deal with life-threatening conditions. Here are six interventions that can help you lower these costs:

1. Talk To Your Doctor Or Pharmacist

While you may assume that your doctor is aware of the costs of the prescribed drugs, it’s usually not the case. Your expenses on this medication will depend on your insurance coverage.

If you find the costs high when filling a prescription, consult a physician for less costly alternatives. Your doctor will be willing to suggest low-cost, effective prescription drugs.

Even more, most pharmacists don’t know the types of medications covered by insurance. If you find their prices higher, speak to them about alternatives.

2. Switch To Generic Drugs

Ask your current health care provider for a less expensive, similar, or the generic option of the prescribed drugs. Generic drugs are usually approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to be effective and safe. Unlike brand-name drugs, they cost less money.

Brand-name medications tend to cost more because of the processes involved in manufacturing them. Their prices also reflect the level of branding or marketing efforts applied to get them to consumers.

FDA-approved generic drugs offer similar risks and clinical benefits as the brand-name ones. The FDA requires them to have the exact dosage, strength, quality, stability, safety, and effectiveness as their counterparts. They monitor both generic and brand-name drug products to ensure they meet quality standards.

3. Seek Help From Programs By Charitable And Pharmaceutical Companies

Reach out to pharmaceutical companies with incentives for prescription drugs to lower the medication costs. Your eligibility for these programs will depend on your income and health needs.

You can also sign up for charitable relief programs run by community and national-based charities. These relief programs target people who can’t afford prescription drugs at full cost. Qualifications vary with the charity and your health condition.

These programs can be ideal for you when you need a lifetime supply of prescription medicine. They may also work for you if your current prescription is taking a huge toll on your finances. Either way, ensure that the discounted or donated drugs are approved for use by the FDA.

4. Turn To Medicare, Medicaid, Or CHIP

Medicare offers an optional drug coverage known as Part D to cover prescription drug costs of up to $4,100 every year. Once you sign up for Medicare, be sure to enroll in this coverage. If you have many prescriptions, the plan also qualifies you for a supplemental drug plan at a separate cost.

Even more, Medicare can give you added coverage if you are eligible for a program known as Extra Help. As a Social Security and Medicare program, Extra Help covers medication expenses for those with limited income. You need to meet a certain income and resource criteria to qualify for this program.

It’s also possible to save on drug costs if you’re eligible for CHIP or Medicaid. CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) provides coverage to children whose families can't afford private insurance. The program also targets kids from families whose incomes are too high for Medicaid’s income criteria.

Medicaid is a state and federal-run insurance program targeting low-income people. Children, people aged 65 and above, and pregnant women qualify for this program. You may also be eligible for Medicaid if you have a low income or live with a disability.

5. Split The Pills

Splitting your pills in half can save you money if your prescription drugs are available twice the normal dose. With this strategy, you can get a two-month medicine supply for the price of a one-month supply.

However, it's difficult to split some medications safely, and there are risks involved with the method. Talk to your physician or pharmacist before cutting pills in half. You should also check the package insert whether the FDA has approved the medication for splitting.

Avoid splitting pills with a hard outer coat or small, uneven shape since they won't split evenly. Capsules and tablets with an extended-release are also not ideal for splitting.

Use a sanitized pill-splitter and always clean your hands to avoid contaminating the drug. You should also talk to your pharmacist or doctor for instructions on the same. You risk getting an uneven dose or forgetting to split pills with this method.

6. Make Use Of Coupons And Mail-Order Or Online Pharmacies

Count on your insurer’s mail-order service to get the drugs for a supply of up to 90 days. Always plan before using a mail-order service since the delivery may take up to two weeks.

Before transacting with an online pharmacy, check whether they are licensed to operate in the US. You should also explore the FDA's BeSafeRx page for tips on buying prescription drugs online safely.

Stay away from pharmacies that don't ask you for a valid doctor's prescription. You should also avoid those without a licensed pharmacist who is on call for customers' questions.

Find coupons online for prescription drugs to cope with their overwhelming costs. Some websites offer drug cost comparison tools to help you find the best deal.

Lower Your Prescription Drug Costs Today

Prescription drug costs don’t have to take a toll on your finances. With the tips discussed in this guide, you can find better deals when you need to save money. The key here is to be savvy and seek help on any issue related to your prescription.

Find a selection of popular prescriptions used by Americans from PricePro Pharmacy. We have adequately trained pharmacists on standby to help you find affordable prescription drugs. Check out our How-to-Order page before placing an order on our site.

Works Cited

1.https://www.kff.org/health-costs/poll-finding/public-opinion-on-prescription-drugs-and-their-prices/

2.https://www.webmd.com/drug-medication/guide-to-pill-splitting

3. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/generic-drug-facts

4. https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/how-to-order/

5. https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/how-to-reduce-the-cost-of-medication/

Did you know that over 36 million people worldwide suffer from drug use disorders? Drug abuse is something that is an issue not just in Canada but in the entire world. 

Yet, some Canadians may be wondering how close to home do drugs hit? Well, these are six things that you should know about drugs in Canada. 

Marijuana Is Legal 

Believe it or not, marijuana is legal in Canada and has been for a few years. It was legalized on Oct. 17th, 2018, for any adult that is at least 18 years old. 

Of course, there are certain limits that come along with this, such as only being able to have 30 grams of cannabis. Growers are allowed to have four personal plants for personal use on their property. 

Despite marijuana being legal, there are still protections within the law to make sure that kids under the age of 18 do not possess it. You can serve up to 14 years in jail if you use a minor to commit a cannabis-related offense or for selling or giving cannabis to a minor. 

Still, the law does allow you to enjoy the drug for your personal use as long as you are not distributing it to minors. 

Large Addiction Population

Sadly, when it comes to drugs, it is easy to get addicted to some, and Canadians are no exception to this rule. A study showed that about 21 percent of Canadians would experience addiction at a certain point in their life. 

However, addiction does not have to be dying from an overdose or suffering from withdrawal symptoms. There are little signs to it, like are you doing drugs alone?

Does it affect your relationship with your friends and family? Is it affecting your performance at work? And are you driving while you are intoxicated?

This can especially be a problem when it comes to opioids. That is because they are drugs that are used to treat pain and can be prescribed. So, if someone becomes too dependent on them, they may end up being afraid to go back to life without it because of the possible pain. 

Youth Are Vulnerable 

This, unfortunately, should not come as a surprise, but the statistics show that the youth in Canada tend to be very vulnerable to drug use. About 60 percent of illicit drug use in Canada occurs by people between the ages of 15 and 24. 

On top of this, street youth are 11 times more likely to die from either a drug overdose or suicide than any other age group. 

What this could show is that if kids start using certain types of drugs while their minds are still at an impressionable age, it may be more difficult to get out and break that cycle of behavior.

It is a problem that the Canadian government is aware of given their provisions in the Cannabis Act to protect minors when legalizing marijuana. 

Opioids Are Easy to Get

One of the biggest reasons why some of these stats are increasing is because of how much more accessible opioids are. They are basically prescription drugs that you can get over the counter these days, and the amount given out in Canada is staggering. 

Over 20 million prescriptions per year are given out in Canada for opioids. This is the second-most in the world, only behind the USA. 

What this means is that there are more opportunities for not only youth to develop an addiction but also the general popular. It can also lead to deaths for related causes, which we will get to below. 

Fentanyl Deaths Rapidly Rose

A few years ago, Canada had a real problem on its hands with the number of drug deaths that were caused by fentanyl. For reference, that is a synthetic opioid found in certain drugs. 

In 2017, fentanyl accounted for about 53 percent of all opioid-related deaths in Canada.

It is not only accounting for opioid-related deaths but also the general number of deaths that come from illicit drugs. 

In 2011, the number of deaths from fentanyl-related drugs was less than 1500 per year. Five years later, that rate nearly tripled in that category. 

As for deaths from non-fentanyl drugs, those actually remained consistently under 1,500 per year through the same time period. 

So, if the fentanyl concern was not clear, one more glaring statistic for it is that 50% of heroin samples that were tested by the DAS contained fentanyl. 

DUI Penalties Are Strict

Finally, Canada is known to be one of the strictest places when it comes to DUI laws. However, DUIs do not just apply to drinking because they can be implemented if drug use is detected while you are driving too. 

Any DUI offense in Canada has a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison attached to it. But, after the first offense, there is mandatory jail time with each repeating offense. 

A second offense gets you at least 30 days in jail. Then, a third offense would get you at least 120 days in jail. All fines start at least $1,000. 

However, if your impaired driving causes a loss of life, then you risk facing life in prison in Canada. 

Learn More About Drugs in Canada

These are just six of the facts that you should know about drugs in Canada. You should have a better idea of what drugs are legal in Canada and that prescription drugs have partially caused a crisis falling into the wrong hands. 

But, what about pharmacies in Canada that do things the right way? The ones that have prescription drugs for those who truly need it? 

Contact us today to see what you can get from our pharmacy. 

References

https://www.unodc.org/unodc/press/releases/2021/June/unodc-world-drug-report-2021_-pandemic-effects-ramp-up-drug-risks--as-youth-underestimate-cannabis-dangers.html

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/cannabis/

https://www.teenchallenge.ca/get-help/canadian-drug-crisis

https://ontario.cmha.ca/addiction-and-substance-use-and-addiction/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6034966/

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/sidl-rlcfa/#:~:text=demand%20for%20sample-,Penalty%3A,imprisonment%3B%20Maximum%2010%20years%20imprisonment

https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/complete-guide-to-out-of-pocket-costs-on-prescriptions/

https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/contact-us/

Did you know that erectile dysfunction (ED) affects approximately four in 10 men in their 40s? What's more, the condition's prevalence continues to increase by around 10% each decade. It's also more common among the older male population.

The good news is that even if there's no cure for ED yet, there are prescription drugs that can help treat it. Cialis, a phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor (PDE5is), is one such medication.

What's more, there's a generic Cialis Canada Health has approved for the treatment of ED. That's none other than tadalafil, the actual active ingredient in Cialis.

In this guide, we'll talk about what exactly tadalafil is, how it works, and its cost. We also included a few tips on buying it for less, so be sure to keep reading.

What Is Tadalafil and How Does It Work?

Tadalafil is a medicine used to treat ED symptoms, such as the inability to get or maintain an erection. It also helps treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which causes an enlarged prostate. In addition, doctors prescribe it to some patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Tadalafil can help treat those conditions as it can trigger vasodilation. Vasodilation refers to the widening of the blood vessels. It occurs when the blood vessels relax and, thus, open up wider to let more blood flow through.

Specifically, tadalafil prevents the enzyme phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5) from working too fast. PDE5, in turn, helps in the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles and blood vessels.

Now, keep in mind that the penis consists of many blood vessels. As such, PDE5 also affects the contraction of the penis.

That's how tadalafil helps increase blood flow to the penis in patients with ED. However, the drug requires physical, sexual stimulation to cause an erection. Once achieved, though, the medicine also helps maintain the erection.

Just keep in mind that it can still take 30 to 60 minutes for tadalafil to take effect. As such, be sure to take it at least half an hour before you have sex.

Note, as well, that generic Cialis can stay in the system for up to 36 hours. For that reason, you can take the drug as needed, such as only when you plan to have sex. Your other option is to take it once a day, but no more than that.

How Is the Generic Cialis Canada Offers Different From the Branded One?

One of the chief differences between tadalafil and Cialis is that the former costs far less. That's because tadalafil is the generic version, while Cialis is the brand-name drug.

Most generic drugs cost less compared to brand-name drugs. That's because the active ingredient generics use already exists.

The makers of brand-name drugs, in turn, were the ones who first discovered that ingredient. That involved research and development processes that cost millions to billions of dollars. Drugmakers then recoup those expenses by patenting their drugs.

Aside from price, Cialis and tadalafil also differ in terms of the appearance of the tablets. Cialis tablets are yellow and oval and also feature film coating.

On the other hand, generic Cialis comes in various yellow hues, while some are even white. They can also either be round or oval.

What About the Efficacy of Generic Cialis?

Now, just because tadalafil isn't a brand-name drug doesn't mean it's not as effective as Cialis. After all, generic Cialis contains the same active ingredient, tadalafil, as branded Cialis. It's also available in the exact dosage as the branded ones.

Most importantly, the generic Cialis versions sold in Canada have undergone clinical studies. Those research procedures ensure they're just as effective and safe as branded Cialis.

How Affordable Is the Generic Cialis Canada Has to Offer?

According to the Alberta College of Family Physicians, four tablets of 20 mg Cialis cost about $70 in 2020. That's already steep, but its price is even higher in the United States.

For instance, if you look up US Cialis prices online, you'll find the 20 mg dosage sold for over $70 apiece. That puts the drug's 30-day cost at more than $2,100!

By contrast, four tablets of 20 mg tadalafil in Canada can cost as low as $8 in total, or $2 per tablet. That's about a tenth of the price of brand-name Cialis sold in the Great White North.

That's how cheap generic Cialis is, which is why you should consider it over the branded ones.

How Else Can You Save When You Buy Generic Cialis?

One of the best ways to save is to buy generic Cialis online. This route tends to be cheaper than buying from a brick-and-mortar pharmacy.

After all, accredited online pharmacies have fewer overhead costs than physical stores. As a result, they can charge customers less for the products they dispense. As such, patients can save even more when they purchase prescription medications online.

Another cost-effective method is to buy a 90-day supply of tadalafil. By doing so, you can get generic Cialis that costs as low as $0.81 per tablet. Plus, this means you don't have to worry about running out of supply in the next three months.

Last but not least, don't forget to search online for Cialis coupons. These can save you up to an extra $10 on your next Cialis purchase.

Find Relief From ED With Generic Cialis

There you have it, the key facts you need to know about tadalafil, the generic Cialis Canada has to offer. As you can see, it's just as effective and safe as the brand-name drug, but it costs far less.

So, if you've become tired of your expensive ED drug, it's time to talk to your doctor. That way, you can ask them to switch you to the more affordable generic Cialis.

Then, once you have a prescription for tadalafil, we here at PricePro Pharmacy can help. Check out our How to Order page, so you can create an account with us to get your prescriptions filled for less!

WORKS CITED:

https://www.cua.org/system/files/Guideline-Files/7572.pdf

https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/9-early-signs-of-ed-all-men-should-learn/

https://www.eurekaselect.com/77833/article

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2643112/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32125404/

https://pricingdoc.acfp.ca/pricing/

https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/product/cialis/

https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/cialis-coupon/

https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/how-to-order/

Are you tired of making the trek to your pharmacy every month? With COVID-19 still a threat, it's become dangerous to pick up your prescription. Instead, consider getting the medications you need from a reputable online pharmacy.

Don't rush to buy prescriptions online from the first website you come across, though. Instead, it's important to find a legal online pharmacy you can trust.

Otherwise, you could end up scammed. In fact, only 4% of online pharmacies operate legally. By learning how to recognize a legit online pharmacy, you can keep your personal information safe.

About 25% of online shoppers already buy their medications online. By learning how to recognize a licensed, legal pharmacy, you can buy what you need without stress.

Ready to find a reputable pharmacy? Start with these easy tips today!

1. Understand Your Medication

Before you start shopping online, it's important you know what you need. Otherwise, you could get swept up in marketing messages.

Over 131 million people take prescription medications. No two people are on the same list of medications, though. Before you buy prescriptions online, make sure you understand what you're taking.

Don't purchase a medication unless your doctor prescribes it. Otherwise, it could have an adverse effect on your health. You might think you need a certain medication, only to realize you need to change your diet.

2. Speak With a Doctor

Take the time to schedule an appointment with your doctor or dietitian. They'll let you know what medications and supplements you need to take.

Your doctor might determine you need to complete a blood test first. A blood test will ensure you're only taking the medications you need. You might have a health condition or vitamin deficiency without realizing it. 

During your appointment, make sure to talk to your doctor about your lifestyle habits. You might want to track your diet for a week before your appointment. Your habits and symptoms can help your doctor make the best assessment.

For example, they might recognize your diet is missing key vitamins. They could also help you realize that the medications you're currently taking are causing side effects.

During your appointment, make sure to speak to your doctor about your daily routine. What foods do you eat? Do you exercise?

You should also mention if you have a family history of any medical conditions. Are you at risk for a medical issue in the future?

Your doctor can help you recognize potential health concerns down the road. 

The lifestyle changes you plan on making could indicate you need certain medications, too. For example, you'll need a new regimen if you plan on getting pregnant. If you're at risk of developing osteoporosis, you could start to experience symptoms. 

Once you have a better idea of your health needs, you can find an online pharmacy to set up your orders!

3. Ask Questions

Take the time to ask your doctor questions before you buy prescriptions online. Relying on their expertise will help you avoid making costly mistakes. Remember, your medications should support your health goals, not hinder them.

During a consultation appointment, ask your doctor if they can suggest any reputable online pharmacies you can trust. You can also ask them if the medications they're prescribing will cause any side effects.

If side effects are common, keep track of how you react when you start taking the medication.

You should also ask your doctor if the medication will interact with food or other prescriptions. Should you take the medication at a certain time of day, with juice, or on an empty stomach?

How often should you take the medication?

Ask these questions before you purchase a new medication for the first time. 

4. Recognize Scams

In order to make sure you've found a reputable online pharmacy, it helps to know when you've come across a scam instead.

Remember, only 4% of online pharmacies operate legally. There's a chance you'll come across an illegally operating pharmacy during your search.

Purchasing your medication from an unverified pharmacy could put your health in danger. After all, you don't want to buy medication full of harmful fillers. In addition to selling fake medications, these pharmacies could also turn you into a victim of identity theft.

Beyond that, a fraudulent online pharmacy could put your computer at risk, too. Some websites can infect your computer with a virus. Others will sell your private information to other fraudulent websites.

There are a few ways you can identify a fake pharmacy to avoid scams.

Avoid any pharmacy that:

• Indicates your medications will ship from a foreign country
• Sends you spam mail that offers cheap prescription medications
• Sells your medications at a discount that seems too good to be true
• Allows you to buy medications without first providing a prescription from a licensed doctor
• Isn't licensed by a health authority

A legit online pharmacy will require you to provide a valid prescription from your doctor. 

It's sometimes difficult to recognize a scam from a legitimate online pharmacy. Many illegally-operating pharmacies use trickery to make customers believe they're legitimate. In many cases, these websites attract buyers by pretending to offer medications at a discount. 

Some of these websites are so well made that even health care professionals struggle to recognize they're fake pharmacies at a glance.

Using these tips can help you buy prescriptions online from legitimate pharmacies you can trust. 

Social Media Scams

About 95% of the websites that sell prescription drugs online operate illegally. Meanwhile, 38% of social media posts that promote the sale of medications provide links to illegitimate online pharmacies. 

With that in mind, it's important that you not trust every advertisement you see while shopping online. Chances are an illegitimate online pharmacy will try to attract your attention.

Remember, these pharmacies often operate by offering low prices for prescription medications. Don't prioritize saving money. Instead, remember that your medication should help your health; not hinder it. 

5. Send Your Prescription

The FDA is responsible for regulating prescription medications in the US. Unfortunately, they can't track every imported product to confirm they're safe.

Before you buy prescriptions online, make sure the pharmacy asks for your prescriptions. Most online pharmacies don't have the approval to operate from the FDA. In many cases, a pharmacy can appear overnight, start scamming customers, and disappears before anyone can complain.

If this happens, you might struggle to get your money back. 

It's difficult to ensure a pharmacy will send you the right medications unless they have your prescription. If the pharmacy doesn't ask for a doctor's official prescription, look for another pharmacy.

Otherwise, you could put yourself at risk. Remember, some illegitimate pharmacies send medications with harmful fillers. Others might send you the wrong medication, while some could send you counterfeit medications that aren't approved for use.

Make your health a priority. Check the website to see if there's a licensed pharmacist you can speak with. Is there a number or chat function you can use to contact them?

Speaking with a pharmacist can help you confirm you're receiving the right medications. You can also ask them questions regarding your dosage and potential interactions. 

If the online pharmacy doesn't provide you access to a licensed pharmacist, keep searching. 

6. Read the Label

Before making a purchase from an online pharmacy, take the time to explore different options. What's the average price for the medication you're searching for?

Remember, some websites will try to get your attention by selling the medication you need at a surprisingly low price. Trusting these websites could leave you with illegitimate medications.

Take time to read the label for the product as well. Does the label make outlandish marketing claims?

You might see language such as "cure-all" or "immediate results!" Don't believe everything you read.

Instead, make sure you're only choosing medications your doctor prescribed.

You can check the website for these outlandish claims as well. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. 

7. Explore the Website

Knowing how to review a website can also help you avoid scams.

Before you start exploring the website, take a look at the URL. Do you see ".pharmacy" at the end of the domain name? If so, you can trust that website.

Reputable online pharmacy websites can't fake the ".pharmacy" domain name. In fact, the National Board of Pharmacies (NABP) checks these sites. If the NABP finds the website doesn't follow federal and state procedures, they're not deemed a legit online pharmacy.

Take another look at the website's URL. Do you notice "HTTPS" at the front of the domain name? You should also see a small, closed lock before the URL.

"HTTPS" indicates the website has an SSL certificate, which means it's secure.

Shopping from secure websites can give you peace of mind. You won't have to worry that a hacker will sell your private information. Make sure a website is secure before you enter your name, address, or credit card information to make a purchase. 

Scroll down to the website's footer, too. You should see a list of policies regarding customer privacy protection. If the website doesn't include a privacy policy, continue your search. 

Using these tips will help you avoid scams and find a legal online pharmacy you can trust. 

8. Use Your Tools

There are plenty of tools available to help you find a reputable online pharmacy. In fact, many organizations have already done the heavy lifting for you!

First, make sure to check the NABP website. Remember, NABP screens online pharmacies to make sure they're following proper standards. The NABP takes the time to make sure pharmacies communicate with their patients and the methods they use as well.

They can also help you find pharmacies that will protect your personal information.

During your search, look for websites that have the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS®) Seal. The VIPPS seal can help you differentiate safe online pharmacies from the rest. These pharmacies meet NABP's standards and proper licensure requirements. 

It's important to note that some illegitimate websites have started to use the VIPPS seal. Double-check that the pharmacy is legit by reviewing the NABP website.

You can also check the FDA website for information. Does the online pharmacy have any complaints filed against them? If so, mark them off your list.

Are you interested in buying your medications from a Canadian pharmacy? Use the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA). They can help you find pharmacies that are operating safely.

Using these tools can help you ensure the online pharmacy you're researching operates legally.

9. Call Your Insurance Company

You can also learn more about a specific medication by checking with your health insurance company.

Does your medical coverage plan cover part of the cost? Can your insurance company provide you with a list of online pharmacies they trust?

Your insurer won't review every online pharmacy in existence. There is a chance they haven't vetted some of the pharmacies on your list. Still, checking their lit can give you a good place to start with your own research. 

10. Read Reviews 

There are plenty of online shoppers before you who have come across illegally operating pharmacies. To avoid a scam, learn from their experiences! Check online for reviews to discover which pharmacies are legit.

PharmacyChecker is a great place to find customer reviews. This site will help you find foreign and local pharmacies that have the proper licensing. 

Try to read reviews from a few different sources to get a better idea about your options. 

Don't forget to check the NABP's list of Not Recommended Sites as well. This list includes over 11,000 drug sites that don't operate out of compliance with federal and state pharmacy laws. About 95% of the sites NABP has evaluated are out of compliance with these laws and standards. 

Skip the Scams: 10 Tips for Finding a Reputable Online Pharmacy

Learning how to avoid scams can make your online shopping experience a success. With these 10 tips, you can find a reputable online pharmacy you can trust. By finding a certified pharmacy, you can get everything you need from a safe, affordable resource.

Start shopping for your medications without leaving the comfort of your own home today!

Ready to get your medication from a pharmacy you can trust? Discover how to place your order today to get started.

According to the CDC, at least 60% of Americans have some sort of chronic health issue needing ongoing treatment.

If you're one of these unfortunate folk, you're probably all too aware of the high cost of prescription medications in the US. So what are you to do when you need medication every day to stay alive?

Fortunately, there are ways to save on the high cost of prescription medications. The trick is figuring out which are the cheapest ones.

In this article, we'll be taking a look at all the options and how they affect pharmacy pricing.

Comparing Pharmacy Pricing

If you're one of the 2 million people in the USA who doesn't have any type of health insurance, or if you don't have drug insurance, your first step toward savings is shopping around. 

A comparison of pharmacy prices in the USA reveals that the cost of prescription medications can vary. There could be a difference of hundreds of dollars depending on the pharmacy you use. 

Chain stores aren't always the best choice either. The same study showed that CVS and Rite Aid were among the most expensive places to buy chronic medication. 

Like any business, pharmacies have to cover their operational costs when they price their products. Since these vary widely from store to store, it makes sense that drugs will cost more depending on where you shop.

Some stores can offer discounts on these medications which can bring the prices within the affordable range, but again, these vary widely.

Is Health Insurance the Cheapest Option?

Even if you do have drug coverage, it's not always the cheaper option when buying prescription medication. If you're lucky enough to need one of the cheaper chronic medications, the premium for your drug cover could outstrip your savings.

Plan D Medicare options also have many exclusions when it comes to chronic medications, so you might save nothing at all. 

When determining which drugs to cover, health insurers consider the drug's efficacy, not its cost. So, they won't cover unproven medications unless the FDA findings specifically support how effective it is. 

The price you as a consumer pay also has nothing to do with the cost to produce the drug. Pharmacy benefits managers allocate each new drug to a category containing other similar drugs when determining how much you'll pay. 

All the drugs in this category cost around the same price, regardless of their manufacturing costs. Health insurers consider these categories when setting up their formulary lists.

Usually, they'll only pay for one type of drug for each specific condition, usually the cheapest alternative. 

Another drawback with health insurance is co-pays. Many health insurance options only pay a percentage of medication and treatment costs. The balance comes out of your pocket.

Fortunately, you can get your hands on co-pay cards that can help you with some of these out-of-pocket expenses. 

How Much Can You Save With Co-Pay Cards?

Also known as co-pay savings programs, co-pay assistance cards, or co-pay assistance these initiatives can help you afford the drugs you need.

Drug manufacturers provide these benefits to help patients afford the most costly medicines by reducing out of pocket costs. They do this so that you'll choose their drug above a similar product offered by their competition.

When you use one of these co-pay cards, the drug manufacturer covers some or all of your out-of-pocket expenses. If your insurer doesn't pay anything towards the drug, the manufacturer may cover all or some of the cost. 

You can get a co-pay card directly from drug manufacturers via their websites, from your pharmacist, or your healthcare provider. If you can't sign up online, you can call the manufacturer and ask them to issue you with a card.

As soon as you're enrolled, they'll send you a printed card or provide one for you to print yourself. When you buy your medications, you simply present the card and the pharmacist will deduct your savings from the price of the drugs.

Both pharmacies, patients, and drug manufacturers benefit from these cards. Yet, some argue that the cards discourage the use of generic medications and that this will affect the consumer negatively in the long run. 

Can Anyone Get a Co-Pay Card?

Not everyone's eligible for co-pay benefits. You can only apply for a card if you fall into the following categories:

• You have private or commercial insurance
• You don't have any government health insurance like Medicaid or Medicare

That's because anti-kickback laws state that manufacturers can't refund federal health insurers for the co-pay discount. 

Some states, like California, don't allow the use of co-pay cards if there are generic alternatives available. 

Most co-pay cards have terms and conditions too. There are often limits on how many times you can use a card and how much you can save. 

Many co-pay cards also have an expiry date, so check the fine print before you sign up for one of them to see if they'll really benefit you. 

If co-pay cards are out of the question for you, there's one more way to save on the cost of medication and health supplements.  

Are Canadian Online Pharmacies the Cheapest Option?

By now we're all aware that Canada has some of the cheapest drug prices worldwide, so it makes sense that drugs from Canada are cheaper.

While new legislation suggests that medications may become cheaper in the USA in due course, shopping online at a Canadian pharmacy is your best bet for now. 

When you order medication online from Canada, you could end up paying up to 88% less for your prescription. What's more, you'll also find that registered online pharmacies also offer discount coupons so you can save even more. 

Always consider shipping costs when ordering drugs online, you could end up paying more if the pharmacy charges high rates for delivery. 

It's important to vet any online pharmacy thoroughly before you buy drugs from them. Only do business with an accredited pharmacy that's verified by Pharmacy Checker. 

When you work with a legitimate provider, you're assured that all your medication comes from a licensed pharmacy and that your financial details and medical information are safe. 

Buying medication from an unlicensed and unscrupulous supplier can cause you serious harm.

How to Order from an Online Canadian Pharmacy

Placing your order with an online pharmacy is almost as easy as shopping online on any other website. Here's how it works:

1. Search for your necessary medication on the pharmacy website
2. Select the correct dosage and quantity and add it to your shopping cart
3. New patients will need to create an account on the website
4. Existing customers can simply log in
5. Complete the checkout process
6. Your order should arrive within a few days 

You'll need to upload a copy of your prescription during this process, so make sure you create your account under the same name as the one displayed on the paperwork. 

If you have any issues ordering online you can call the pharmacy during office hours to place your order over the phone and fax or email them the prescription. 

Some pharmacies offer an online chat facility to help you cope with any difficulties you encounter.  

You'll need to mail your original prescription to the pharmacy afterward.

For added convenience, most online pharmacies will call your doctor and ask them for a copy of your prescription if necessary. 

Believe it or not, even when you shop online with a Canadian pharmacy, you can still save even more on the cost of your medication.

Keep reading to find out how.

Extra Ways to Save on Chronic Medication Costs

Regardless of whether you're shopping online with a Canadian pharmacy, or buying your medications at your local pharmacy, you can still save in other ways.

Apart from co-pay cards, you can keep a lookout for discounts from regular pharmacies and drug manufacturers. Yet your biggest savings could stem from a heart-to-heart with your regular doctor.

Speak to Your Doctor

Total honesty is always the best policy when it comes to your medical care. Speak to your doctor about your affordability concerns.

Often doctors have a stash of free samples available. Medical representatives wanting to advertise their products, give these samples to doctors for free.  

If your doctor can supply you with some free samples, not only will you get relief for free, but you could save on buying a month's supply of a drug that either doesn't work for you or has side effects you can't bear. 

Your doctor always has your best interests at heart and they can also help you with the below savings tactics.

Use a Generic Alternative

Generic medications have the same active ingredient as brand name drugs that treat similar conditions. For example, the active ingredient in Januvia is Sitagliptin. 

So, whether you buy brand name Januvia or generic Sitagliptin, you'll get the same benefits. 

Generic drugs are cheaper because they piggyback on the expensive research done by major pharmaceutical manufacturers to produce their products at a lower cost. So, you get the same medication at a cheaper price, up to 80% cheaper than their branded equivalents. 

Like brand name drugs, generic medications also undergo the stringent FDA approvals process before they're released on the market. 

There's a good chance your doctor has already prescribed a generic drug for you since there's no reason for you to pay more for the same thing. If not, ask them why and see if they can change your prescription to the cheaper version. 

If there isn't a generic version available right now, ask them to let you know when there is one. 

Buy in Bulk

While comparing pharmacy prices, you may have noticed that when you buy a larger supply you pay only slightly more, or the same amount per item as you do for a smaller quantity.

For example, a 30-day supply often costs as much or the same per dose as a 60-day supply. 

Speak to your doctor about increasing your script to a two or three-month supply. You'll save money and you won't need to remember to stock up every month. 

Once again, talk to your doctor about changing your script to the cheaper version. 

Remember, there may be legal restrictions on prescribing large quantities of some classes of drugs. Ritalin is one of these. 

Split Your Pills

A $5 pill-splitter can save you a fortune on your necessary medication. If you compare prices on most medications, you'll notice that a higher dose of the same drug often costs almost as much as the smaller dosage.

With many drugs, you can order the higher dose and split the pill to get the same effect. Some of the drugs that you can't split include the following:

• Time-release drugs
• Capsules
• Pills with an enteric coating

It's also not a good idea to split pills yourself if you're visually impaired or don't have a steady hand. In these cases, you can ask someone else to split your pills for you.

Again, speak to your doctor about the possibility of splitting your pills, and ask them to change your script if possible. 

The Best Way to Save Money on Prescription Drugs

Don't let prohibitive pharmacy pricing prevent you from getting the medication you need. Shopping online with a reputable Canadian pharmacy is totally legal and safe.

It's by far the cheapest way to buy all your necessary medication and you can use all the above tactics to save even more in the process.

Browse our product prices to see how you can save and order your medications today.  

Over 58 million adults in the United States can't afford to pay for prescription drugs. But 2021 might provide some hope for patients dealing with high drug prices.

In 2020 The United States government issued the Transparency in Coverage final ruling. This is why many people predict that drug prices will fall in 2021. 

You may have heard that the Trump administration has crafted a new plan but how this new plan work. Will be successful in reducing prescription drug costs. 

If you have questions about check out our complete guide to prescription drug prices in 2021.

The History of High Drug Prices

The Commonwealth Fund compared healthcare spending between the U.S. and 9 other countries. They found that in 2015 the average cost of prescriptions was around $1000 per person. In fact, U.S. spending on prescription drugs was around 30% to 190% higher than 9 other countries studied.   

This means we pay the highest prices for prescriptions out of any other developed nation. This hasn't always been true.

In the 1980s the United States spent roughly as much on prescriptions as the next 9 countries. This all changed in the 1990s through the early 2000s. In the mid-90s there was a rapid increase in the pharmaceutical industry. Because there was a record-high number of drugs approved by the FDA.

This was accompanied by an expansion of programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. 

Another factor that increased costs from 2014 to 2015 was the passage of the Affordable Care Act. This led to more people with health insurance coverage and thus increased costs. 

We spend roughly the same percentage of total healthcare costs on prescriptions as in other countries. In the US prescription drugs account for a total of 10% of National Health expenditure (NHE). This is comparable to most other similar countries. For example, in Norway, drug prices account for 7% of NHE, and in Canada, it accounts for 15 percent.

Why Are Prescription Drugs in the U.S. So Expensive?

To understand how to cut drug prices in the U.S. let's ask the question of how things got this way.

First, we need to cut some suspects of high drug prices. The most blamed culprit of high drug prices is the number of prescription drugs used. Though studies have shown that patients in the United States don't take many more prescriptions than people in other countries.

According to the journal Health Policy Americans typically spend 12% fewer days on prescription therapies. Compared to 10 other similar countries. These the result of higher transaction costs. In short higher use of prescription isn't what's driving costs.

Another supposed culprit is the use of expensive name-brand drugs over generic prescriptions. This claim doesn't hold up to scrutiny. Around 84% of prescriptions in the United States are filled with generic drugs.

The large population of the United States has also been blamed as a cause of high prescription costs. Though this analysis doesn't stand up to scrutiny. As in the U.S., the per capita cost of healthcare is still much higher than on average for similarly wealthy countries.

What Other Countries Are Doing Differently

Though there are numerous issues that have been blamed the simplest explanation is that the United States does not negotiate the prices of prescription drugs like other countries. While countries like Canada buy drugs wholesale to get decreased prices and sets limits for how much drugmakers can charge for medicine.

Australia is an example of a country that provides pricing negotiations to control the cost of prescriptions. This country has the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) is an organization appointed by the Australian government that decides if new medicines will be available in Australia. If the results of the medication are not deemed worthy of its price the medication will not be available to citizens of Australia.

Another factor leading to America's expensive prescription cost is the way that we view and regulate drugs compared to other countries. While other countries, like Canada, treat healthcare as a public utility that must be regulated for the public good. In the U.S., we view healthcare as a commodity and offer no such protections. This leads to a situation where there may be more drugs on the American market but a large number of people can't access them due to price.

Why Drug Prices Might Fall in 2021

Now that we understand what makes prices so high let's see where there might be hope on the horizon.

On June 24, 2019, President Donald Trump issued the Executive Order on Improving Price and Quality Transparency in American Healthcare to Put Patients First. This executive order is the first to tackle high drug prices through transparency.

Importing Medication

The administration also outlines a part of their 'America First Health Plan' plan that will allow states to import cheaper prescription drugs from Canada. 

This plan has been proposed before. In fact, Congress has allowed drug importation since the early 2000s. But this could only occur if the Department of Health and Human Services secretary agreed that it was safe. Only the current HHS Secretary Alex Azar has agreed that importation was safe in a letter to Congress in September 2020.

Though this plan will probably decrease healthcare costs it is estimations differ wildly on the actual savings. This is because the HHS can't say for certain which drugs will be imported.

The plan to import drugs has also run into controversy and pushback both from the Canadian government and pharmaceutical companies. In fact, many pharmaceutical companies have spent decades fighting legislation like this from passing. Their argument is that importing drugs will disturb the countries supply chain and make it easier for unsafe drugs to enter the market.

This may lead to a situation where drugmakers attempt to end this legislation using a lawsuit.

The legislation does not allow Americans to import drugs on their own and to comply they must use programs that are run by each individual state. It should also be noted that Americans have been buying drugs from Canada both in-person and online for decades. The FDA has allowed drugs to be shipped to individuals for personal use.

New Transparency Regulations For Insurers: The Plan to Keep Drug Prices Low

In late October 2020 the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Health and Human Services 

This rule allows patients to access pricing information through their health plans. This new regulation follows previous steps that the administration had taken to improve pricing transparency in healthcare. There are 2 primary ways that this plan makes drug prices more transparent.

Part 1

The first is by requiring health insurance issuers or group health plans to provide pricing information that is available to employers, patients, researchers, and developers. This pricing information will come in the form of 3 separate machine-readable files.

The first file includes the negotiated price for all treatments and services that are included in the health plan. As well as the final price of those insurance companies and in-network providers. The second file will show payments and bills to out of network providers. The final file will contain the rates that have been negotiated in-network. As well as historical prices for each prescription drug covered by the current plan.

This data will be presented in a standardized format that will include monthly updates. As a result, this system will lead to better and more thorough data collection and more informed consumer choices.

This change needs to be implemented for plans that start on or after January 1, 2022. 

Part 2

The next way this plan makes drug prices more transparent is by requirements from health insurers. The plan requires insurers to describe in detail how much customers may be charged for specific services. 

Both of these plans push having free-market and competition-based solutions to the problem of high prescription drug prices. In the best-case scenario, the data collected drives app developers to design a way for consumers to easily access pricing information and shop around for the best deal. 

The transparency may also have the effect of putting public pressure on high priced hospitals. The reasoning behind this is that high priced hospitals will be so afraid of being seen as too expensive compared to their competition that they will be forced to lower prices to save face.

Controversy

One of the harshest criticisms against these new rules has come from Canada. Canada has a much smaller pharmaceutical market than the U.S. This may lead to medication shortages.

There is also the risk of drug fraud. As more drugs are being shipped from out of the countries may have no idea what they are being given.

This argument is less solid as the rules also outline that the drug manufacturers must provide documentation to importers that the medications they are selling are identical to medications already sold in the United States. They must also send these drugs to labs to verify that they are authentic.

Some in the pharmaceutical industry worry that the decrease in drug prices will lead to lower revenues and less investor support. This could be a problem as it may mean less investor money in things like research and development. An investor may choose to place their money into another industry rather than continuing to support drugmakers that may not give them a good return on investment.

There is also criticism as to whether or not transparency will decrease prices in the long run. This is because shopping for healthcare is difficult especially for people in emergency situations. 

Medicare and Prescription Drug Costs in 2021

Medicare may also be undergoing some changes as well that may impact prescription drug costs. The changes coming in 2021 are to medicare part B and D. The changes to part B include a $3.90 increase to $148.50 per month.

The changes to Medicare part D include an increased charge to monthly part D premium depending on how much you make. For taxpayers making more than $88,000, the increased cost could be anywhere from $12 to $70 more per month.

How Will Lower Prescription Drug Costs Impact the Pharmaceutical Industry?

One fear caused by these new changes is that these rules could stifle innovation. Fewer profits from pharma companies may lead to less innovation due to lower investor interest. There are many solutions to this problem that will decrease costs without stifling innovation. 

The first is protecting the return on investment by lowering research and development costs. Many have suggested doing this by innovating FDA requirements.

For example, decreasing requirements for large randomized trials. There is also the option of cutting drug prices but keeping pharma companies' share of profits. This would mean cutting out middlemen like distributing and marketing.

What Else Can You Do to Reduce Your Prescription Drug Costs?

All of these plans to save money on drug prices in 2021 may sound promising but they will take a lot of time to implement. It may take months or years for Americans to see the benefits of reduced costs. This is why we're going to provide you with some ways to decrease your prescription drug costs by shopping online for medication.

Using an online Canadian pharmacy to lower costs can be a safe and cost-effective way to get prescriptions delivered to you. The practice is incredibly widespread with around 2 million Americans or 1.5% of adults in the U.S. people bought prescription drugs outside of the country to save money. With the increase in unemployment due to the coronavirus pandemic this number is set to increase.

Find Affordable Prescriptions No Matter Where You Live

The United States will experience decreased prescription drug costs in 2021. This is because of legislation passed by the Trump administration. The U.S. already pays more in prescription costs than other wealthy nations. For many, this will be a lifesaver for some people. But it still may not be enough to make medication affordable.

If you're still worried about drug prices in 2021 then know that you have options. The United States often lags behind much of the world when it comes to prescription drug prices. But Canada often offers people the chance at affordable prescriptions.

If you want to be sure you're paying a reasonable price for prescriptions then contact us today.