132 S. Main St.
Jefferson, WI 53549
(920) 674-5733
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Prescription FAQs
What is a generic drug?
A new drug is given two names. One is the generic, or chemical, name. The other is the brand name, which is what the manufacturer chooses to call the product. Every drug has a generic name to describe its chemical makeup (whether it's currently available as a generic or not).
Why are generic drugs less expensive than brand-name products?
When a company develops a new drug, it has a patent for seventeen years. The patent protects the drug company's right to be the only manufacturer of that drug. After the patent expires, other companies can then manufacture and sell the drug under either a different brand name or the generic name. Because of lower research costs and greater competition, generics are sold at a lower price than the original brand-name product.
What is a covered drug?
A covered drug is the drug that is covered by your health insurance. It may be a brand-name product or a generic drug. It is important to know if your prescription is covered by your health insurance plan.
What is a "copay"?
A copay is what your insurance has determined you should pay for your medication. Your copay is set by your insurance company and can be found out ahead of time by calling them and/or checking your insurance formulary.
How long is my prescription good for?
When your doctor writes you a prescription there are a couple things that determine when that prescription will expire. First, the doctor decides whether or not he will authorize it to be refilled, this is indicated on the prescription. The next deciding factor is what schedule the prescribed medication is. Most prescriptions are schedule 6, and as long as refills are authorized, the prescription is valid for 1 year from the date it is written. Prescriptions that are schedule 3-5 are only good for 6 months from the written date. Prescriptions that are schedule 2 are strictly controlled and are never allowed to be refilled, they require a new script every time.
Why is it improtant to keep all of my medication at one pharmacy?
It was very important to get all of your prescriptions filled at one pharmacy because when you get a new prescription from your doctor the pharmacist makes sure that it is not going to interfere negatively with the medication you are already taking or cause you any adverse reactions. If you get medication at more than one pharmacy the pharmacist can't catch these possible interactions leaving you at risk.
General Advice
• Keep a record of all your current medicines, including their names and regimens (dose, time, and other instructions for taking). Write down any problems you have with the medicine so you can discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Using adequate light, read labels carefully before taking doses.
• Ask the doctor's or pharmacist's advice before crushing or splitting tablets; some should only be swallowed whole.
• Contact the doctor or pharmacist if new or unexpected symptoms or other problems appear.
• Never stop taking medicine the doctor has told you to finish just because symptoms disappear.
• Ask the doctor periodically to reevaluate long-term treatments.
• If you have questions, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using an OTC medicine the first time, especially if you use other medicine.
• Carefully read OTC medicine labels for ingredients, proper uses, directions, warnings, precautions, and expiration dates. Many medicines contain the same ingredients. Be sure you're not taking the same drug in more than one form.
• Discard outdated medicine.
• Store medicine in the original container, where the label identifies it and gives directions.
• Never store medicine in the bathroom. Unless instructed otherwise, keep it away from heat, light and moisture.
• Never store medicine near a dangerous substance, which could be taken by mistake.
• Never take someone else's medicine.
• Tell your health professional if you:
o are breast-feeding or are, or may be, pregnant
o are allergic to drugs or foods
o have diabetes or kidney or liver disease
o take other prescription or OTC medicines regularly
o follow a special diet or take dietary supplements
o use alcohol or tobacco.
Children and Medicine
• Keep all medicine out of children's reach. Some medicines, such as iron supplements, are very toxic to children.
• Use child-resistant caps, and never leave containers uncapped.
• Examine dose cups carefully. Cups may be marked with various measurement units and may not use standard abbreviations. Follow label directions. Never substitute a cup from another product.
• Never guess when converting measuring units--from teaspoons or tablespoons to ounces, for example. Consult a reliable source, such as the pharmacist.
• Check with the doctor or pharmacist before giving a child more than one medicine at a time.
• Never give medicine to children unless it is recommended for them on the label or by a doctor. Don't give children drugs intended for adults; children's doses are almost always lower.
• Never use medicine for purposes not mentioned on the label, unless so directed by a doctor.
Store Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30am to 5:30pm
Saturday: 8:30am to 12:00pm
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