With the big recall of McNeill pharmaceutical products, I was having a discussion recently regarding what's safer OTC or Rx products and which is a better expenditure (when you look at effectiveness, safety, cost)
Last year, our pediatrician had to prescribe a compounded diaper ointment for us. At our follow-up appointment, he asked how much it cost because of the number of people who refuse to pay $25 for it but will buy everything OTC for $5-$10. My husband and I have both worked in the pharmaceutical industry for many years, so we have a distinct opinion. But, I was really surprised at the responses when we asked friends/neighbors.
So, I thought I'd throw it out to all of you to see if we're mainstream or completely off base.
Here are the questions we were asked by our pediatrician and asked our friends.
If your child had something like head lice, seasonal allergies, diaper rash, would you go OTC or Rx to treat them?
On an Rx product, would you use an instant coupon?
Would you use a mail-in rebate?
is out of pocket cost be a big enough issue not to get a product (either Rx or OTC)?
As someone who's overcome cancer, I'd spend anything to keep my family well. But, I understand my point of view is a little skewed both personally and professionally.
Thanks!
Thanks for the responses so far - please keep them coming.
Just as an FYI regarding a few of the comments - almost all Rx brands currently offer some kind of discount. The majority are coupons that are either available via internet (product website) or through the prescribing Health Professional. A small number of companies do rebates. Most again are available online and will process in 6-8 weeks after being received. Almost all are for significant amounts of money ($5-$50) to help neutralize the cost vs. OTC.
My biggest caution with home remedies is that they have no scientific data to support their safety and effectiveness. If you actually research using Mayo for head lice, almost all scientific/medical literature advises strongly against it for many reasons - ineffectiveness, spoiling of a perishable product, etc.
No matter what, I've always prefered Rx. I know it's better that way....cost is not an issue when it comes to health of my family (I'll do what I can...)
If I can get a prescription I will, it cost less than the OTC medication. If my family member needs a certain medication I will get it no matter where it comes from, If i can save money doing that I will.
I only use generics. Whether it's OTC or Rx. I hardly ever buy any name brand meds unless it's a Rx that doesn't have a generic counterpart.
We usually use OTC things before we try a Rx. If the OTC doesn't work, then we'll try a Rx. For something like head lice, allergies or diaper rash definitely OTC. I can't see dragging my kids to the doctor for things like that. (Maybe allergies if they are severe.)
If I did have to use a Rx and I had a coupon or mail in rebate, I would absolutely use it.
We are on a tight budget so of course cost is a factor. If the medicine is something that we would have to have for the well being of our family, then we'd find the money somewhere. If it's something that's just suggested, then I wouldn't get it. For example, I have some problems with my ear and my doctor (whom I'm not a big fan of) prescribed a nasal steroid. Even with insurance the cost was around $60 and she wasn't even sure if it would work. I opted not go get it because that's money that I couldn't justify for something that *might* work. Plus, i was going to have to be on it all the time. I opted for chiropractic treatment instead and saved a bundle of money.
I prefer Rx's... and furthermore prefer name brand Rx's ((but I grew up with doctors and scientists -chemists, pharmacists, microbiologists-, so I understand lab & production procedure, and know why name brand Rx's ARE so preferable))...
BUT
Out of the last 9 years I've only had insurance for 3 of them, and those 3 years are 6months here, 3 months there.
Out of Pocket
Cost of average doctor's appt $250-$1500
Cost of average (generic) antibiotic $125+
Cost of average Rx med (generic) $100-$200
Cost of average Rx med (name brand) ouch, okay, let's go generic.
vs with Insurance
Cost of average doctor's appt $15-$30
Cost of average (generic) antibiotic $10-$20
Cost of average Rx med (generic) $10 - $20
Cost of average Rx med (name brand) $25-$50
If I have insurance, we go to the doctor when sick, and get the Rx.
If we DON'T have insurance... I do everything I can to avoid going to the doctor until absolutely necessary. ((For me this meant putting cancer treatment off for 2 years and crossing my fingers... for my kiddo this means I'll either do the labwork at home -if it's something casual like an upper respiratory infection- (no point in going in if it's viral and the fever is responding) or I borrow the money and take him to be seen by good docs if anything is acute )).
In regard to your first question -- I use my head and look at the situation. I don't think ALL Rx's are better then OTC -- they are just newer and I believe pharmaceutical companies make very minor, and sometimes insignificant changes only to charge outrageous prices.
I also don't think that all drugs are better then natural remedies - but since you can't patent natural recipes there is no money to be made from them, so they aren't lobbied for and Doctors aren't sent on golfing trips and paid lunches to encourage the use of them.
As a parent I think it's our job to sort through the information and MISinformation and find the truth to make the best choices.
As to your other questions - I've used an instant coupon once. It's not something I seek out. I wouldn't bother with a mail in rebate, those are a PITA. Cost matters, sure -- but it's not the only factor. Neither is effectiveness. Let's say there is an Rx for lice that has side effects of blindness if in eyes, or nausea, but I can use Cetaphil and it has NO side effects plus costs under $10. I'm going for safe, non-toxic and cheap.
Yes, cetaphil can be used I didn't make that up http://blogs.webmd.com/healthy-children/2006/02/got-lice.... I would certainly TRY that before anything else.
If your child had something like head lice, seasonal allergies, diaper rash, would you go OTC or Rx to treat them?......I would go OTC first. If that didn't work, then to the doctor.
On an Rx product, would you use an instant coupon? .....Yes.
Would you use a mail-in rebate? ....Yes, if I remembered. Not one of my strengths.
is out of pocket cost be a big enough issue not to get a product (either Rx or OTC)?....No.
My mom was a nurse. She taught us to use drugs sparingly. The body's immune system is a magnificent thing. Give it a chance to work, it does much better than any medication can most of the time.
It depends on the problem. The only time I ever refused a prescription was when they prescribed me something for my morning sickness that cost a hundred bucks for 10 pills (and that was with my insurance covering a bunch of it!) and I decided I would try other methods instead.
I prefer treatment with RX medications. I feel they are safer, more pure and better quality. Also, indication, dosage and instructions are much more individualized. I am a nurse, this may influence my opinion.
I would use a coupon if I had one. Regarding mail-in rebates, I have good intentions, but usually forget to mail them in.
Out of pocket cost is always an issue, but never big enough not to seek treatment.
Hi D., Like you, I will always spend money on my child's or family's health, even out of pocket. I am also blessed to have some resources (not wealthy, but above middle), so I do not know if this skews your research. Although, if I were in a different bracket, I would still try to always buy the best for my child in terms of health and education.
as for your other questions, I usually try otc items first, before a prescription unless it is a serious condition. I am cautious about prescriptions unless absolutely necessary. I might use a mail in rebate for a product I am comfortable buying anyway. I looked at your websites, and felt good about how you present your material.
HTH
I tend toward natural remedies and prevention for the kind of things you mentioned, not pharmaceuticals. I can't even picture the kid of diaper rash that would warrant a specialty compounded Rx cream, or what would have to happen to have it get that bad!
In general, if we decide medication is necessary, we don't differentiate between OTC and Rx. We'll go with the most conservative approach first, then take addional steps as necessary. Yes, we'll use coupons, if they're enough to be worth the trouble.
I use the best option based on the situation. When it comes to the kids I make sure they can have the OTC before giving it to them. In the last couple of years I've switched to generic vs. brand. They have the same ingredients and regulations but you get way more for your money and they have the same end result. I use generic flonase for my allergies, that is something I will always do vs. the side affects of OTC.
The RX that we currently have are generics so we aren't paying a big price. If we had to go with a brand I would definately try and find a coupon or rebate to help offset the cost. We have to meet a $250 deductible on brand RX before paying $35 for the RX so any discount would be a great help.
Interesting questions.
For head lice, seasonal allergies, I would go OTC first, because if it's mild enough to be treated by myself, I will. WE don't go to the Doctor unless we are really sick. Plus, like with allergies, insurance wants to know that OTC didn't work and you need the prescription. So many first tier anti-histamines are OTC now anyway.
I didn't know about on-line coupons, would definitely use them.
Will pay whatever I have to in order to get the medicine I need for myself or my child. I do have insurance, and get a discount on my prescriptions. The amount depends if they are brand or generic. We use whatever the doctor recommends.
I am a nurse, so my views may also be skewed. I have to agree with you on not trusting home rememdies. But I will say we had warts burned off at the peds, used the OTC stuff, and found that either masking tape or banana peels seemed to work the best. No more warts, disappeared quickly. Burning or OTC med just didn't completely get rid of the wart like the tape or peel did, so sometimes you never know.
I'd start with the cheapest and work my way up.
I've seen diaper rashes that are horrible...horrible...even after changing the diaper VERY often (like every hour to two hours just to reply medication and check for driness. :( Sad yes. But there are normally other issues going on.) On that issue, with those kids, I highly suggest prescription because it's the only thing that works.
Head lice--We found a more natural remedy worked better than the Rx. Mayo actually...sleeping in it. And it was a great conditioner.
With allergies, we tried every OTC med before starting on prescription meds. But this depends on the age of the child--many OTC meds are not "approved" for young children. At that point I always see a MD first.
Pain med's is another big one in my book, along with using them to reduce fever. I was always told to let the fever go as long as the child is not too terrible effected by it. Fever can fight off disease on it's own more quickly and if the kid is resting more b/c he has a fever then it will go even faster. I start to medicate @ 102F.
I would use an instant coupon if it were available. I must miss something b/c I've never had the opportunity to use it. I would also use a mail in rebate. Again, have never been given the option on a Rx.
I too find that typically with my insurance the OTC medications are more expensive than Rx. (Other than diaper rash and such. But allergy meds are cheaper Rx). I don't mind spending a little more if that's what is going to work. On the other hand...I go to the doctor AFTER I have tried other things...so therefore I know they aren't going to work, and am looking for "the last resort".
I usually go over the counter first, unless it is something seemingly serious. For ear infections & things that i actually go to the doctor for, i go on the recommendation of the dr - usually regardless of the cost. We have decent insurance, so i'm not sure i've ever paid more than $20 for a prescription (even if it is stupid-expensive). I would use a mail in rebate (cuz i'm all about getting any discount possible). :)
It depends on what I (or family member) has...
-- With a cold, diaper rash, warts, allergies or other 'simple' situations I would try the OTC item first, if I see no improvement in two or so days I will try an Rx if prescribed by the doctor.
Something like head lice severe allergies, shingles, sinus infection and so on I would get an Rx prescribed by the doctor.
-- If there was an instant coupon for an Rx product I would use it (if I had it, or the doc gave it to me)
-- I would use a mail-in rebate... if it gets me money back I use it :)
-- For me out of pocket cost, no matter the amount, is not an issue, I will do anything for my health. Example I had a very mild case of shingles in Jan/Feb but the pain is more then I could stand (worse then birthing contractons and they last months/years) and spent $100 on Rx items, after insurance coverage, to help me cope (of course these items are lasting me months). For some they might just not have the extra money so I understand that the cost of an Rx might prevent them from getting it, but there are many generic Rx that help cut cost.
