By Jacky Bradley, PharmD, MBA, Clinical Pharmacist – Medication Management
Want to get the most out of your pharmacy benefits as a Vanderbilt employee? When it comes to filling new prescriptions, here are some helpful tips for your health and wallet.
Know what to expect with a new drug. Find out why you've been prescribed a new medication—what it’s targeted to treat and for how long. For example, some conditions such as infections or broken bones are acute and require short-term use of a medication. Chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, require medication use for longer periods of time.
Be aware of side effects—and take as directed. Make sure to ask if there are any side effects you need to be aware of. Ensure that you take the medication exactly as prescribed by your health care provider—never divide doses or discontinue a medication’s use without a provider’s permission.
Go generic when possible. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if a generic or alternative option will work just as well as a name-brand drug. Often the generic versions of drugs are less expensive.
Consider your pickup location. As a VUMC employee, Vanderbilt pharmacies offer free home delivery, and they are often the least expensive option for retail. Vanderbilt pharmacies also offer Specialty Pharmacy Services for those employees who require specialty medications. Navitus Health Solutions, VUMC’s pharmacy benefits service, can direct you to the lowest cost and/or most convenient option. Visit this Vanderbilt Health webpage, or see the back of your Navitus pharmacy card for more information.
Ask questions. Feel free to ask your pharmacist for more details about the new medication and how it works. For questions around medication management for complex or chronic conditions, reach out to VHAN's team of Pharmacy Care Navigators. You can refer yourself through this RedCap form.