Alternatives to presciption medications

Over the past two years, approximately 80 new prescription drugs   have been introduced in the United States. While most prescription medications are helpful, alternative treatment choices may be just as effective and much less expensive.

“In America, we consume more prescription meds and over-the-counter drugs per capita than all the rest of the world combined,” says John McNulty, R.Ph., Salem Hospital’s manager of retail pharmacy services.

Pain relievers top the charts
Severe pain can be unbearable. The pharmaceutical market has responded with strong painkillers such as Vicodin and Lortab. These painkillers have become the most-prescribed drugs in America.

McNulty says you have other options. “Stay ahead of the pain. Take over-the-counter pain medication like Extra-Strength Tylenol® coupled with ibuprofen before it gets so bad that you need these strong pain killers.”

Exercise and diet may just do it
If you have high cholesterol, you likely know that cholesterol-lowering medications are expensive. If you are diagnosed with high cholesterol, McNulty says the first route you should try is to exercise more often and improve your diet. “Do a 90-day trial. If this doesn’t work, then take the pill,” he recommends. Of course, discuss this with your physician first.

Allergy alternatives
Use of allergy medications is also on the rise, says McNulty. “Patients used to just take one allergy medication. Now eye drops, inhaled steroids,
non-sedating antihistamines, and a leukin agent such as Singulair® are commonly prescribed.”

An alternative for allergy sufferers is to use an ionic air purifier in rooms where you spend a lot of time. “This can decrease the pollen irritation by about 70 percent, which may totally eliminate the need for two to three of those medications,” says McNulty.

Your solution
Talk to your physician about prescription alternatives. There may be a more natural option than taking prescription medications.