Frequently Asked Questions

Disposal of some drugs require special precautions. The FDA provides guidance on how to properly dispose of unwanted and unused medication.
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Many prescription drugs can be thrown in the trash, but it is important to check first in case they have special disposal requirements.

If the branded drug you need has been available for some time, there is a good chance there is a cheaper generic version on the market.
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Once you have searched for the medication you need on Rx Advantage, the first dropdown menu on the results page allows you to choose between branded and generic versions of the medication, making it is easy to compare prices and pick the cheapest option.

Not much… The main difference is that a generic drug is no longer protected by a patent so it can be sold by multiple manufacturers, which significantly reduces the price.
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Generic drugs are just as safe and effective because they are chemically identical to branded medication and the FDA requires scientific studies to show they work in the same way as the branded version before they can be released onto the market.
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Branded medication is no more powerful than generics, as the strength, means of administering and dosage form of a generic must be the same as its branded counterpart.

Manufacturers often run patient assistance programs, which can be particularly helpful when you require expensive branded medication. You can find these through resources like those listed above or by visiting the manufacturer’s website. Links to some of these programs at major pharmaceutical firms are listed below.
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​http://www.sanofipatientconnection.com/patient-assistance-connection
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​AstraZeneca’s AZ and Me program
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​Gilead Patient Assistance Programs
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​GlaxoSmithKline’s Bridges to Access
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​Pfizer RxPathways

If you are looking to spend less on prescriptions or have difficulty paying for medication, there are thousands of programs providing assistance. These are run by federal and state governments, manufacturers, non-profits and others.
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​State Programs
In addition to the nationally available Medicaid and CHIP, each state also has its own individual selection of assistance program to help patients struggling with the cost of prescriptions and medication.
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To find out about programs in your state, click here.
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​Medicaid
Eligibility for Medicaid coverage differs depending on the state you live in. Most adults under 65 with individual incomes of up to $15,000 a year qualify for Medicaid in every state. The majority of states provide some cover for those on a low-income or with disabilities.
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​Click here for more information on Medicaid.
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​Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
​CHIP is available in all states, providing low-cost health coverage to children in families whose income is too high for Medicaid. CHIP goes by different names in some states, but for more information visit http://www.insurekidsnow.gov or call 1-877-543-7669.
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​Community Health Centers
Hospitals, health centers and clinics offering free or subsidized care based on income qualify as community health centers. These can be used by anyone, irrespective of whether you have health insurance or not.