Cigna Insulin Monthly Price Capped at $25

Featured by Staff Post, posted in Can't Miss, Drug News, Medical Devices, Topics

Breaking News: Monthly Cigna Insulin Costs now Capped at $25.00!

Today Cigna and Express scripts took a major step towards driving down the price of insulin for everyday patients. Studies by groups like the American Diabetes Association that insulin prices are rising and people are cutting back due to affordability. For a chronic disease that costs the US more than 300 billion dollars yearly, highly priced insulin is as unethical as it is unaffordable. Insulin is a required drug needed to manage blood sugar levels. Without insulin, the consequences can be life-threatening. In fact, before the discovery of insulin, diabetes was a fatal disease.

Sadly, for many people the cost of insulin can be the difference between if they are treating their disease or just hoping it doesn’t get worse. Insulin too is only part of the problem. Since diabetes is a chronic disease, the cost of testing strips, meters, and regular blood work can be both financially and emotionally draining. With this Cigna insulin Patient Assurance Program, at least one of these factors is being addressed.

Cigna, Insulin, & Express Scripts

Cigna, working with Express Scripts has just announced a new capped price for monthly insulin. For participating Cigna plans, the Cigna Insulin Patient Assurance Program works by bumping down your copay. According to Cigna, this results in an average cost drop from $41.50 for a 30-day supply to $25.00 for that same 30-day supply. All of the savings works out to to about $200.00 a year. Taking into account that Diabetes is a life-long, chronic condition this could result in thousands of dollars in savings.

Thrifty Patient News:
Eli Lilly to sell 50% Cheaper Generic Insulin

Who Benefits the Most from The Cigna Insulin Plan?

Everyone who needs insulin should benefit from lower prices offered by the Patient Assurance Program. By the way the press release was worded, certain plans may already be paying less then $25 for a month’s supply of Cigna insulin. People expected to see the biggest benefit will be those on a limited incomes, people who are on high-deductible plans (who may be paying premiums for prescriptions), and people who have been forced to cut back on their insulin due to financial constraints.

Thrifty Patient News:
4 Reliable Ways to Get a Free Glucometer

How Do I Take Advantage of the Patient Assurance Program?

First, you need to be a Cigna member. At the time of this writing open enrollment is currently closed and will reopen this year from Nov. 1st 2019 to Dec., 15th 2019. There are some circumstances which may allow you to sign up now, you should read about them on Cigna’s website or talk to one of their service representatives (click here).

If you are a member and interested in learning more about the Patient Assurance Program, I’d recommend calling Cigna directly or visiting their website.

Cigna indicates in their press release that they’ll “be activating this new program for participating plans by moving covered insulin products to a lower copay.” You may still want to call to make sure everything is going as planned and to learn when your lower costs will be reflected in your bills.

History of Eli Lilly & Discovery of Insulin

Want to learn more about, arguably, the greatest medical discovery of the 20th Century? Pick up a copy of Michael Bliss’ The Discovery of Insulin

Do you control your diabetes using a drug like Metformin? You might be surprised what you learn when check out our article about generic vs brand name prices. Generic Vs. Brand Name: The Shocking Price Difference of the 10 Most Common Drugs

What is CBD Oil? – 10 Amazing Facts You Need to Know!

March 28, 2019November 18, 2019 by Staff Post, posted in Can't Miss, CBD News, Drug News, Medical News, Topics

1. Exactly What is CBD Oil? – The Basics

CBD is short for cannabidiol that’s “Can-a-bid-eye-ol”. It’s an oil which comes from cannabis plants, but it doesn’t get you high. The high associated with Marijuana is from THC, an entirely different chemical.

2. How are CBD and THC Different?

Another way of answering our initial question, “What is CBD oil?” is to say what it’s not. CBD and THC are not the same in two major ways. Look at how the two chemicals are different. At the bottom you’ll notice a one-atom difference between both of them.

What’s the big deal about one atom?

A LOT! Everyone knows that atoms are tiny things, but even changing the place of a single atom makes them have very different effects on the body.

That brings us to the second difference. Chemicals like THC and CBD work because they bind to receptors in the body. CBD binds to a receptor scientists call CB2. THC binds to receptors called CB1. This sets CBD oil apart from marijuana-containing compounds that have THC.

3. CBD Oil Won’t Give you a High

Remember CB2 receptors, the ones that CBD oil effects? Well, they’re found mainly outside the brain. Because of this, they simply don’t have the psychotropic ability.

More recent research has found that there are a small number of CB2 receptors in the brain. But when these receptors were studied in mice, no psychotropic effects were found. However, other interesting effects were!

4. CBD Oil Binds THC Receptors in a Unique Way

When scientists talk about chemicals and their receptors they love to compare them to locks and keys. Many chemicals work like keys which unlocks the receptor and activates it. Like turning on a car. On a CB2 receptor, this is how CBD works. CBD works a little different.

CBD works on CB1 receptors like rust on a lock. It makes it a little harder for that key to work and unlock the receptor. So products like CBD oil weaken the ability of THC to act on CB1 receptors. This is one of the reasons why synthetic cannabinoids are so dangerous – they bind too strongly to CB1 receptors and don’t have THC there to weaken the effect.

5. CBD Oil May help with Anxiety and Addiction.

Remember fact three when I said that CBD had some interesting effects in the brain, where we have a tiny number of CB2 receptors? Well research is starting to show that it can reduce anxiety and addictive behaviors through modulating the dopamine pathways.

This fifth point is the last really nitty-gritty scientific answer to the question “What is CBD oil?” Now, let’s get into some of the fun research!

5. CBD Oil Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties.

Those CB2 receptors we were just talking about. Well guess where a lot of them are found? In part of our immune system called T-Cells. When T-Cells become activated it can lead to inflammatory problems.

When CBD binds the CB2 receptors on T-Cells, researchers found that it reduces the activation and inflammation of the T-Cells. The potential future therapies are exciting, and many people are already reporting that it’s helping them with problems like IBS.

6. CBD Oil May be able to Treat-Autoimmune Diseases

The same T-cells responsible for inflammatory reactions also are involved in autoimmune responses. Research is starting to show that CBD oil may help with auto-immune diseases, when used as a part of a focused treatment. Remember, always consult your doctor before starting supplements like CBD oil!

7. What is CBD Oil’s Legal status?

In *Most* states CBD oil is legal, as long as it’s derived from Hemp. If the CBD oil is derived from marijuana, it gets murkier and may or may not be legal depending on the state. Also keep in mind that marijuana, is still illegal on the federal level (as of the time of this writing). Here’s a great WebMD article on the legality of CBD oil.

In no state can companies claim that CBD oil can treat or cure a condition. There’s a lot of exciting research that’s starting to say CBD oil MAY help with anxiety, depression, inflammation, auto-immune, and so on. But company’s can’t claim that without FDA approval.

8. Will CBD Oil Cure my Health Problem?

No company can claim that CBD oil can treat or cure any health condition or impart any health benefit. There’s a lot of exciting research that’s starting to say CBD oil MAY help with anxiety, depression, inflammation, auto-immune, and so on. But a company’s can’t claim that it can do these things without medical trials and FDA approval. Many companies will be tempted to answer the question “What is CBD Oil” with the claim that it’s some sort of miracle drug. Don’t fall for it, and stay up on the research.

9. If You Plan on Taking CBD Oil, Tell Your Doctor!

CBD oil is a supplement just like any other. Ever hear that you drinking grapefruit juice will cause the Statins, a drug for high cholesterol, to work less well?

Guess what, CBD oil may cause other drugs not to work so well too! It’s really important that you always let your doctor know your plans and what you’re taking so he can work with you. Like we say in another post on the site – be your own best advocate!

10. Not all CBD oil is created equal

Question: What is CBD Oil when you grow it in polluted soil? Answer: Not something I’d recommend you take!

Most of the places that sell CBD oil gets it from Hemp – a natural filter. Make sure you research the types of ground the Hemp has been grown in before you buy the CBD oil. It’s great that hemp can filter soil this way, but you probably don’t want it passing those pollutants on into any sort of supplement you take!

FDA Announces Voluntary BLUEFUSION Recall Due to Discovery of 6 Contaminants

March 21, 2019March 29, 2019 by Staff Post, posted in Drug News, Recalls

BLUEFUSION RECALL

As of March 21st, 2019 the FDA has announced a recall of Bluefusion capsules. Ata Int. Inc., is voluntarily recalling all lots of Bluefusion that are still within their expiration dates. If you have any Bluefusion in your medicine cabinet, make sure you read the full announcement by the FDA. This Bluefusion recall is a serious matter that shouldn’t be ignored if you are taking the supplement.

What is BLUEFUSION?

Bluefusion is marketed as an ‘All-Natural Testosterone Booster and Male Enhancement Pill” that “improves erectile function” in men. It was supposed to offer an all-natural alternative to taking prescription medications. Many users reported it being a highly-effective alternative to prescription medications for ED. This Bluefusion recall raises some questions about the real reasons why so many people found it effective.

Looking at Bluefusion’s website, it lists a number of active ingredients, but it especially highlights the key ingredients Cordyceps Sinensis, Aged Garlic Extract, Codonopsis and its proprietary formula of pro-sexual ingredients.

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Why the BLUEFUSION Recall?

The FDA did an analysis of Bluefusion and found it was tainted with sildenafil, tadalafil, desmethyl carbodenafil, dithiodesmethyl carbodenafil, scutellarin and daidzein.

Sildenafil also goes by the name Viagra and tadalafil by the brand name Cialis. Desmethyl carbodenafil and dithiodesmethyl carbodenafil are PDE-5 Inhibitors Analogs which also work like Viagra and Cialis.

The presence of these drugs is a problem, because first they were undeclared – which the FDA doesn’t allow. Second, many people buying Bluefusion took it expecting an all-herbal, all-natural remedy. Third, the drugs can interact with other drugs an individual may be on. For instance, the FDA notes that the “active ingredients in Bluefusion can interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs and may lower blood pressure to dangerous and life-threatening levels.”

What to do if you have BLUEFUSION capsules?

First, read the FDA’s announcement here. Make sure you follow their advice and talk to a physician if you’ve experienced any problems related to this drug.

Second, follow the FDA’s instructions (listed below) on how to contact Ata Int. Inc.

“Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Ata Int. Inc. by 657-888-4041 or bluefusioncorp@gmail.com on Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time for instructions on the disposition process. Consumers who purchased the product should stop consuming it and dispose it”.

This writer and this publication have nothing against supplements. At the Thrifty Patient we always caution that people should speak with their primary care physician before starting any supplments and do always do their own careful research. However, recalls like this Bluefusion Recall are alarming and raise numerous questions about the safety of herbal options.

What are your thoughts on this Bluefusion recall? Are you concerned that ATA Int Inc., marketed Bluefusion as an all-natural alternative? We’d love to hear more in the comments section below!

FDA Announces Zulresso, 1st Drug for Postpartum Depression

March 20, 2019April 3, 2019 by Staff Post, posted in Can't Miss, Drug News, Medical News, Topics

Breaking News: Zulresso announced as the first drug developed specifically for the treatment of postpartum depression. At the Thrifty Patient, we believe in Five Pillars of Health – financial, social, mental, spiritual, physical, and social. Postpartum depression touches upon all five and is a distressing multi-generational issue which effects so many new mothers.

What is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is a serious and debilitating condition that impacts 1 in 7 women. That’s about 7.8 million pregnant women every year.

Postpartum depression symptoms include – feeling unusually depressed, tired, irritable, detached, or angry throughout the day. Experiencing, a sinking feeling or an anxiety that you “just can’t shake”. It can also impact a mother’s ability to bond with their baby. There’s also a feeling of shame often associated with postpartum depression. Many women feel that they shouldn’t be feeling depressed following pregnancy or the birth of their child(ren). For many this makes postpartum depression even harder to talk about. Click here for more signs and symptoms of postpartum depression.

The cause of postpartum depression is complex and not precisely known. What researchers and physicians do know is that it’s caused by a combination of physiological, hormonal, mental, and social stressors.

For a long time psychologists have known that both ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ events can stress our bodies. A questionnaire called the Social Readjustment Rating Scale was even developed by University of Washington School of Medicine researchers Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe that takes into account both positive and negative life events. While there are some questions about the scale (each individual is unique in how they react to live events) the point is an important one. Pregnancy, and all of the social, physical, and mental implications of it cause stress. For 1 in 7 women this stress may contribute to postpartum depression.

Current Postpartum Depression Treaments

Until now, doctors have treated postpartum depression just like other forms of depression – with antidepressants, psychotherapy, and emphasizing social support. In addition, there has been some promising research regarding the employment of exercise, diet, massage, and mindfulness. However, until now there haven’t been any medications developed specifically for the treatment of postpartum depression. In addition, treatment has traditionally been complicated by the fact that some antidepressants can be passed to the infant through breast milk, while others are simply ineffective. With the development of Zulresso, there may finally be a drug that works better then current drug treatments, but without the downside that the current anti-depressants carry.

What is Zulresso (Brexanolone)?

Zulresso (common name Brexanolone) is a very interesting drug developed by Sage Therapeutics that targets and modifies how the body’s GABA_A receptors work. The exact mechanism of action is unknown and still being studied. The FDA reports that they believe it is a positive allosteric interaction acting upon the GABA_A receptors. Exactly how this impacts the body is a bit complex, and it might be easier to simply compare it to another drug. For example, Ambien (Zolpidem) works in a similar manner.

However what we do know is that Zulresso is a synthetic version of a hormone, allopregnanolone, that women naturally make during pregnancy. This hormone, is a derivative of progesterone. Interestingly, Allopregnanolone levels increase during pregnancy, but then dramatically decrease after giving birth – more evidence pointing to the hormone component of postpartum depression.

For more information about this exciting new drug, visit the FDA’s page featuring the announcement or if you or a loved one is interested in applying for the Zulresso study, you should speak with your physician about Sage Therapeutics’ REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies) program. You can find out more about this program in the FDA announcement.

8 Simple Ways to Make the Most of Your Next Doctor’s Visit! (And Maybe Even Make Some Money!): Read on The Thrifty Patient

We’re hoping the clinical trials of Zulresso show that it’s a safe and effective drug that’ll help millions of women and their families. If you’re interested in learning more about postpartum Depression, take a look at Sage Therapeutics’ new informational website. It’s dedicated to spreading awareness about the impact of postpartum depression.

Losartan Recall Expanded by 40 Lots

March 17, 2019May 6, 2019 by Staff Post, posted in Can't Miss, Drug News, Topics

Tainted Losartan Recalled Due to Presence of Carcinogen

The FDA has announced a voluntary recall of Losartan Potassium by Legacy Pharmaceutical Packaging, LLC. This recall is an expansion of the earlier recall and due to the presence of trace amounts of a chemical called NMBA – a potential carcinogen.

What is Losartan?

Losartan is a commonly prescribed medication for high blood pressure. While it didn’t make our cut for the 10 most common drugs prescribed in the US, it’s not far behind at #12.

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Why this Losartan Recall?

Trace amounts of a chemical called NMBA was found by the manufacturers, Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc in the Losartan. NMBA is known as a nitrosamine, which is a carcinogen linked to esophageal and gastric cancers. In previous reports the FDA has indicated that the level of risk to individual patients is very low, but it’s still high enough to warrant the recall.

How to Tell if Your Losartan was Recalled

You should head to the FDA’s website and look at their newest list of Losartan recalls. The latest recall was this expansion to 40 repacked lots. Just keep in mind that this is an expansion of the previous Losartan recall that’s been ongoing for several months.