Allergic Rhinitis: How to Reduce Cost
Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 04:19PM Americans are desperately trying to weather the storm of a sagging economy, escalating health care cost, inflated gas prices and overall cost of living increases. Prescription drugs are a key component to higher monthly expenses for many of us.
Some over the counter (OTC) allergy medications are being recommended to control problematic nasal allergy symptoms. Many health insurance companies are covering fewer allergy medications especially antihistamines. Zyrtec, a brand of Cetirizine became available OTC in January of this year.
The bad news is a month supply of Zyrtec averages about $25. Combined forms of Zyrtec (Zyrtec-D) are more expensive and sold in small quantities. Zyrtec is the second newer generation antihistamine to become available without a prescription. Claritin (generic name Loratadine) went OTC several years ago and is lower priced. Zyrtec is considered more potent in blocking the effect of histamine compared to Claritin.
How can you trim some of the cost of your allergy medications?
1) Find out if there are other brands of Zyrtec available at your pharmacy. There may be a brand under a different name that is significantly cheaper (e.g. Walgreens brand of Cetirizine- generic name of Zyrtec). Compare prices of the different brands of Cetirizine, either 5 or 10 mg.
2) Ask the pharmacist if any particular brand is less expensive when purchased in higher quantity.
3) Ask if there will be a special discount on any brand of your desired antihistamine in future weeks.
4) Some indirect savings can be made by being able to purchase larger quantities of Zyrtec or Claritin at a given time. Ask if a prescription for 60 to 90 tabs of the OTC would be honored at your pharmacy. Even if there is not a discount, being able to get 2-3 months of your medication at one time saves you time (and possibly gas). The bulk purchase may not be allowed without a prescription despite the OTC status.
5) Shop around; call different pharmacies (Target, Sam’s Club, Walmart, CVS in addition to Walgreens and Osco Drugs). Go for the best price per pill. For medications taken daily, for several months of the year this adds up.
6) Ask your doctor about the combined effect (potential benefit) of your OTC antihistamine and a prescribed allergy medication such as nasal steroid spray or Singulair. There is no generic for Singulair but there is a generic steroid nasal spray (Fluticasone) which may reduce your cost.
7) Work with an allergy specialist in order to strategize when you may need to start your allergy medication and how long to continue it. The allergist may also give you guidance on how to combine effective allergy medications for better results.
8) Some allergy sufferers may have reduced need for multiple daily medications by getting allergy shots. Allergy shots work about 80% of the time.
Anyone with nasal symptoms for more than 4 days/week, for 4 or more weeks out of the year has chronic rhinitis problems. If the symptoms interfere with work, school or leisure, disrupt sleep, impair daily activities or participation in sports, the rhinitis is considered moderate to severe.
An evaluation by a board certified allergist is key to identifying allergy triggers and establishing a comprehensive management plan. The above tips on how to reduce cost related to allergy medications should be discussed with your health care provider.
Let me know what your thinking. You may email your comments to allergyQA@aol.com