The state has sent letters asking pharmacies to give the medicine free of charge to those who can't pay.
"We're seeing an outbreak," said pharmacist Phillip Bradley of Bradley Drug Co., who said he's seeing a lot of patients with the flu, both H1N1 and seasonal, but not all of his patients are getting help.
"We're seeing a lot of prescriptions coming through here that are antivirals, but I know that a lot of my customers that are uninsured, I don't see them coming in with prescriptions," said Bradley.
The government sees the problem, too, which is why the state just sent letters to all the pharmacists in Tennessee asking them to dispense antiviral medications -- normally Tamiflu -- to uninsured and under-insured Tennesseans who can't afford it for free.
The pharmacies themselves have to sign up for the program, but Bradley said he thinks it's a good idea
"My initial thought is it's a great thing for Tennesseans," he said. "A lot of the uninsured do not have the ability to get antiviral medications because of the expense, so through the state and through the pharmacy association, we're going to be able to dispense these antiviral medications at no charge."
Tamiflu costs about $100 if it's paid for out of your pocket.
In an unprecedented move, the state will dispense the medicine to the pharmacies from a state stockpile to help prevent the spread of H1N1and perhaps counter the fact that it's been difficult keeping up with vaccination demand.
"We'll be able to hopefully help limit the antiviral activity in this community," said Bradley.
Doctors will let pharmacists know which patients can't afford the antiviral medicine by writing "TDH stockpile" on the prescriptions.
Pharmacies are still in the process of signing up with the state, so you will need to check with your doctor and pharmacy before you can get the free medicine.
"We're seeing an outbreak," said pharmacist Phillip Bradley of Bradley Drug Co., who said he's seeing a lot of patients with the flu, both H1N1 and seasonal, but not all of his patients are getting help.
"We're seeing a lot of prescriptions coming through here that are antivirals, but I know that a lot of my customers that are uninsured, I don't see them coming in with prescriptions," said Bradley.
The government sees the problem, too, which is why the state just sent letters to all the pharmacists in Tennessee asking them to dispense antiviral medications -- normally Tamiflu -- to uninsured and under-insured Tennesseans who can't afford it for free.
The pharmacies themselves have to sign up for the program, but Bradley said he thinks it's a good idea
"My initial thought is it's a great thing for Tennesseans," he said. "A lot of the uninsured do not have the ability to get antiviral medications because of the expense, so through the state and through the pharmacy association, we're going to be able to dispense these antiviral medications at no charge."
Tamiflu costs about $100 if it's paid for out of your pocket.
In an unprecedented move, the state will dispense the medicine to the pharmacies from a state stockpile to help prevent the spread of H1N1and perhaps counter the fact that it's been difficult keeping up with vaccination demand.
"We'll be able to hopefully help limit the antiviral activity in this community," said Bradley.
Doctors will let pharmacists know which patients can't afford the antiviral medicine by writing "TDH stockpile" on the prescriptions.
Pharmacies are still in the process of signing up with the state, so you will need to check with your doctor and pharmacy before you can get the free medicine.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.