CONSULT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN ABOUT ALTERNATE THERAPIES
Before you begin a new prescription medication, talk with your doctor about non-prescription modifications to your lifestyle, diet or exercise. These changes may postpone, reduce, or avoid the need to take a new medication.

REVIEW YOUR OTHER MEDICATION
Disclose all the medications that you are taking to your physician and the pharmacist before they prescribe or dispense a new medication. Some medications may intensify or reduce the effectiveness of another, or may even possible duplicate the effects of another drug you are taking.

SELECT THE LOWEST-COST ALTERNATIVE
Many brand-name prescription medications have the generic equivalent. Generic drugs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safety and effectiveness, and are manufactured under the same strict rules which apply to their brand-name twin. So ask your physician and pharmacist if there is a generic drug that will save you money. If no generic equivalent is available, there may still be a lower-cost alternative within the same class of drugs that performs the functions your care requires. Once again, consult with your physician on these money-saving alternatives.

SHOP ONLY AT PREFERRED PHARMACIES
All chain pharmacies and most independent pharmacies have been given equal opportunity to serve you via this program. Participating pharmacies are required to offer you discounts and assist in performing some fairly complicated drug management procedures for card holders, and not all pharmacies agree to participate. However, that gives you the confidence of knowing that pharmacies participating in this program are concerned with your health and saving you money, and therefore, are deserving of your business and loyalty.

SHOW YOUR CARD EVERY TIME
To ensure your medication is checked for safety and billed at the correct price, your pharmacist needs to transmit valuable information in your card. In some instances, the pharmacist may store your card in their computer. However, to be certain you receive the maximum benefit, you need to show your card each time you have your prescriptions filled.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR DRUG THERAPY
You invest a lot of money in your medications. In order to get the most value for your dollar, you need to understand how to use your prescription drugs effectively. Make sure your physician and pharmacist explain how to take each prescription medication. Some factors to consider to get the most from your medication are the effects of:

Food and water being taken with your medication.

The time of day you take your medication.

Effects of other medications, including over-the-counter drugs, on your prescription.

STORE YOUR MEDICATIONS PROPERLY
Most medications will lose their effectiveness when they are subject to heat, moisture, light and time. A steamy bathroom or a purse left in a hot car is examples of bad places to keep medicines. Store your medications in a cool, dark place. Remember to carry your daily or weekly medications in a pillbox to avoid damaging your entire supply of medication. Also, always remember to check expiration dates and dispose of expired medications by flushing them down the toilet.

Make sure that your physician knows that saving money is important to you. Ask that they prescribe a generic equivalent or lower-cost alternative if at all appropriate. Also, make sure that they know about any other drugs you are taking that may alter the effectiveness of the medication they are prescribing. Finally, make sure that you understand the drug therapy they prescribe so that you obtain the most value from the drugs you are about to invest in.