It is very important you know all you can about your new prescription. It is only through knowledge that you will get the largest benefit from any medication.

You must take an active role in your health care. You should have a team like approach with your physician, nurses, dietitians, respiratory therapists, and pharmacist playing supporting roles.

When you are given a new prescription you should ask the following questions:

1. What is the full name of the prescription Is there a generic name for this medication

2. What does this medication do

3. Can I take a generic version of this medication (they are less expensive)

4. Will the generic version do the same things as the brand name medication

5. What is the dose

6. When do I take this medication

7. What do I do if I miss a dose

8. Can I take this medication with food Grapefruit juice

9. Are there any foods I should avoid while taking this medication

10. What are the side effects of this medication

11. What should I do if I experience any of these side effects

12. If I should take more than the prescribed dose (accidently of course), what should I do

13. Will this medication interact with any other prescription medications I am taking

14. If I take an over-the-counter (OTC) medication will it affect my new prescription

15. Are there any information sheets I can take home with me about this medication

16. If I cannot afford this medication, are there any resources available that will help me get my medication

There are a number of trends taking place lately in the pharmaceutical industry, one of them being generic drugs, the other being globalization of generic medicine. As generic medicine is taken root in smaller, less developed countries, the big pharmaceutical companies are clamoring for a piece of the action.

With generic medicine on the rise in the U.S. and abroad, some big pharmaceutical companies have turned to underhanded practices to get these cheaper drugs out of the market. Big pharmaceutical companies are now paying off smaller generic drug makers to halt production altogether, to keep these cheaper drugs out of the market. But who pays the price for this in the end?

In recent years larger brand name pharmaceutical companies have started the practice of entering into agreements with smaller generic drug companies, to slow down production of their generic drugs, or halt production altogether. Up until recently, big pharmaceutical companies have tried to work hand in hand with smaller generic drug companies over licensing rights to drugs and even making generic brand named medicine. Even though this seems like an effective strategy, some of the more underhanded dealings by the big pharmaceutical companies may not be good for everyone.

The cost of the average generic drug can be anywhere from 60% to 80% of the brand name alternative. But it’s not just the individuals that are hurting from these underhanded practices. Lower drug prices also benefit businesses as well as many employers pay for their workers’ health care, including any prescription medicine they may need. When these big pharmaceutical companies take away this option to buy generic medicine, this puts the burden directly on the consumers and the employers who provide health care for their employees. Because brand name medicine can be so expensive this is resulting in thousands of businesses dropping health care plans for their employees altogether, putting a huge financial burden back onto consumers, often resulting in them not being able to afford any kind of medicine altogether.

Because of these recent practices by the large branded drug companies to keep any competition out, many other recipients who are not involved are being affected as well. Many pharmaceutical sales consulting firms, who work hard to keep an eye on these recent developments, have noticed something even more alarming. They are noticing that as many large branded companies take away the option of buying generic medicine, taxpayers are footing most of the bill. Because many individuals have no way of affording these expensive brand named medicines many people are turning to their governments for assistance. As the governments of the world are taking on more and more people to cover their health insurance plans, the cost is going back to the taxpayer. In the end nobody wins but the large pharmaceutical company.

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Zelnorm – Generic name is {Tegaserod Maleate}

It’s important to know you can find some great buys on generic Zelnorm {Tegaserod Maleate} at many online websites. But lately we’ve been seeing a growing trend by a few suspicious websites of prices to good to be true. As the old saying goes if it sounds too good to be true it probably is!

One of the obvious facts is how can they sell the pills cheaper than what the active ingredient actually costs? Something’s wrong with this picture! It leaves many questions, is it real or fake? Has it been diluted in some way? 99% of the online websites are honest but it’s that 1% that you have to be on the lookout for.

A good example: If you see {tegaserod maleate} Zelnorm selling for say 30 tablets of 6mg for $25 then something is wrong, the price should be at least twice that much for good quality or real {tegaserod maleate} Zelnorm. In the past if you bought the brand name Zelnorm in the U.S. a good price for 30 tabs of 6mg would have been $99 - $135 although it is no longer available in the U.S.

Although Zelnorm or Generic Zelnorm {tegaserod maleate} may not be available at your local pharmacy, the FDA put a policy in place that allows U.S. consumers to import a 90 day supply of their medicine for personal use only. {Not for resale}

A good quality generic Zelnorm or {tegaserod maleate} can still be found overseas. In India alone there are over 70 FDA and WHO approved pharmaceutical manufacturers which are already supplying the U.S. with prescription medications. But because of patent issues with many drugs, the generic drugs cannot be introduced to the U.S. until those patents expire.

To purchase Generic Zelnorm or {tegaserod maleate}, it must be imported. That means finding a good reputable online source. If the price is too low be very cautious! The price for generic Zelnorm {tegaserod maleate} 30 tabs of 6mg should be $50 - $70 for quality generic Zelnorm {tegaserod maleate}. About half the cost of what brand name Zelnorm in the U.S. was selling for, which made it a substantial savings.

The brand name Zelnorm was manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. The FDA gave its approval for Tegaserod Maleate in July, 2002 for the treatment of IBS or Irritable bowel syndrome; it was also approved for treatment of chronic, idiopathic constipation in both men and women who are less than 65 years of age. Always talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Your doctor may have to do some tests to rule out a serious problem that may require some special treatment.

It is possible that a slow-moving digestive system could be the cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with constipation or Chronic Constipation. Zelnorm or generic Zelnorm {Tegaserod Maleate} may be the answer, if you’re suffering from: Abdominal discomfort: cramps, or sharp pain that may be in many locations or change location. Bloating: fullness or tight feeling in the abdomen. Constipation: this may include infrequent bowel movements, inability to have a bowel movement, straining with a bowel movement or any combination of these.

Drug Interactions: As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with Zelnorm tegaserod. Certain drugs that increase intestinal contractions will likely lead to diarrhea if used together with tegaserod.

Dosage: The usual dose of generic Zelnorm {tegaserod} is 6 mg twice daily, usually for 4 to 12 weeks. Tegaserod can be taken with or without food.

Tegaserod Maleate generic Zelnorm could be exactly the relief you need! But always seek the advice of your doctor first.

This article serves only as an informational resource. It does not dispense medical advice or advice of any kind. Readers seeking medical advice about their specific situation should consult with their own physician.

When trying to decide which medication you should choose always consult with your doctor before making any decision. The Doctor can many times help you by answering any questions you may have concerning the prescribed medication.

Well, what is the difference between generic and name brand prescription medications? Much of the time there is no significant difference. Both medications have the same amount of active ingredients, and much of the time they work exactly alike.

Generic medications are also manufactured in the exact same manner as the name brand. And, much of the time it is even at the same facility. Both drugs must adhere to the same regulations and guidelines outlined by the Food and Drug Administration here in the United States.

Basically there are a couple of major differences between generic and brand name prescription drugs. The first of which is the look of the drug, specifically pills. Often the brand name pill is patented meaning the design, shape and color can not be copied. Even though they are manufactured the same way at the same facility and have much of the same active ingredients they don’t look the same.

The next thing that is different about them which is very significant is the price. Many times, there is a great deal of difference. Generic medications tend to be a lot less expensive than their counterpart. Now just how much difference depends on the type of medication.

That is why many times most people who make a visit to the doctor choose the generic brand because it is less expensive and works just as well as it’s expensive counterpart.

So, if you need a prescription drug always talk to your prescribing doctor because he or she can advise you if there are any significant differences in order for you to make the best decision that is right for you.

“Come on down!” Those are awfully familiar words to any “Price is Right” guru. Ever notice how the items being bid on are all brand names? It’s part of “branding,” and it works well if you’re targeting a fan of the CBS hit television show, even post-Bob Barker!

There’s a time and a place for brand names. I choose Kraft Macaroni and Cheese over the store brand, it’s my personal preference. Why? In my opinion, Kraft has a better product, and the difference is definitely noticeable. (Yes, it is the cheesiest!) I could save about $25 a year by choosing the store brand, which adds up to about $1,250 over my lifetime.

Now, this is crazy. The average person has one prescription per month, and the cost of the brand name prescription, on average, is $100.00. Let’s say from age 45 to age 68, a person spends this amount per month on the same brand name prescription. That’s $27,600! What? $27,600! Sorry, it was just SO worth repeating!

Now, let’s take this same person and imagine the same prescription is available in a generic form (which is an exact replica of the brand name) for only $4.00 per month. Now we’re talking! That’s just $1,104.00 over 23 years. While I’m sure you can do the math, basically the difference is, well, a new Honda Civic Hybrid, or two Kia Rios!

The truth is that generic prescriptions are the exact same make-up of the brand-name prescription. They carry the same dosage amounts, label the same intended use, side effects, and warnings, they are distributed the same, and are produced with the same risks, safety, and strength as the brand name drug. I assure you if the store brand mac ‘n cheese had the exact same ingredients, directions, label and quality as Kraft, and the only difference is a huge savings for me, I’d buy the store brand! Wouldn’t you?

So you see, we’re not talking mac’n cheese any more. While “The Price is Right” for some purchases, it’s better to “come on down” on prescription drug spending.