Save Money with Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
OTC Allergy Medications
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Prilosec OTC
OTC Allergy Medications
An easy way for State Health Plan members to save money is to use over-the-counter (OTC) medications instead of more costly prescriptions. Allergy medications are used by many members and present an excellent opportunity for cost savings. OTC non-sedating antihistamines are safe and effective medications that relieve allergy symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes without causing drowsiness and without the need for a prescription. Many non-sedating antihistamines are now available as over-the-counter (OTC) products in the same strength as the more expensive prescription alternatives.
Good news: OTC Zyrtec® (cetirizine HCl) and Zyrtec-D® (cetirizine and pseudoephedrine) are now available. All forms of Zyrtec are available OTC for use by adults and children. OTC Zyrtec® will have a retail cost of less than $25 for a 30-day supply and will be the same strength as the original 24-hour prescription Zyrtec. Switching to OTC Zyrtec® could save members $300 annually instead of using the prescription product.
The other currently available OTC non-sedating antihistamines (Claritin®, Claritin® D, Alavert®, Alavert® D, and Loratadine) range in cost from $7 or less to $30 for a 30-day supply. Switching to one of these medications could save members approximately $240 - $500 annually, if the OTC products are used instead of the name-brand prescription non-sedating antihistamines. Members are encouraged to shop around for the best prices for the OTC alternatives.
Be sure to check with your provider or pharmacist if you have questions about the OTC products or to see if an OTC allergy medication may be right for you. Members may link to the following websites for tips on controlling allergies and for money saving coupons:
Alavert
Claritin
Zyrtec
Click here for frequently asked questions. For more information or to view an overview of OTC non-sedating antihistamine cost savings, click here.
For additional cost saving opportunities for your medications, please visit my RX Choices.
Be sure to check with your provider or pharmacist if you have questions about the OTC products or to see if an OTC allergy medication may be right for you. For helpful tips about managing allergies, eligible members may logon to the Personal Health Portal on the NC HealthSmart Web site.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
All State Health Plan members are eligible to receive generic over-the-counter (OTC) nicotine replacement therapy patches through the Plan’s pharmacy benefit, beginning January 1, 2007.Prilosec OTC™
Members can take advantage of additional cost savings available from coverage of Prilosec OTC™. Prilosec OTC™ contains the same active ingredient that is in prescription-only Prilosec®. Both Prilosec OTC™ and Prilosec® are called proton pump inhibitors and act in the body by stopping acid production in the stomach. This helps control heartburn and other symptoms associated with acid production.Prilosec OTC™ is priced considerably lower than the prescription version of the drug because it is available over-the-counter. It does not have the same prior authorization requirements and quantity limits as other more costly prescription-only alternatives in the same drug class. Members are able to save money when purchasing Prilosec OTC™ because the copayment is only $5 for a 42-day supply of therapy.
If you are taking a proton pump inhibitor drug, talk with your prescriber about changing to Prilosec OTC™ and following these simple instructions:
- Obtain a prescription from your prescriber for Prilosec OTC™ 42 count package.
- If you need a dosage of 40mg, your prescriber will need to write you a prescription for Prilosec OTC™ 84 count (2 packages of 42).
- Take your prescription to your pharmacist so it can be filled through the pharmacy benefit.
- This will only cost you a $5 copayment.
