US patients "beware of Rx switching"

Given the state of the US economy, when it comes to health care, there is a push by insurers to switch prescriptions written by physicians to  less expensive substitutes. But what looks like a favor to consumers  may be anything but, according to Ivan Abdouch, president of the  Nebraska Academy of Family Physicians. This can have unwanted effects  for patients, prolonging illnesses, increasing hospitalizations and  prompting other health issues. Consumers have the power to get the  medicine they need - and that their physicians prescribed - by asking  pharmacists four important questions prepared by Mark Alberts of  Northwestern University.

1) Is this the exact drug my doctor prescribed? "Your physician is aware  of your medical history and has carefully chosen the medicine he/she  believes is right for you after carefully considering all generic  options and branded alternatives," Dr Alberts explains.

2) Why are you switching my prescription? "Often it is to keep costs  down for insurers who may even be paying the pharmacist a bonus to make  the change. Make sure your best interests always come first. Ask your  pharmacist to verify the switch medicine has the same benefits and  indications as the prescribed medicine," he says.