TIPS FOR ORDERING MEDICATIONS FROM THE DRUG DONATION REPOSITORY PROGRAM
Please think of generic medications to treat your patients. The Drug Donation Program is about making good use of the medications that would have previously went unused. Please help us make the best use of these medications.
We don't always have large quantities of the high priced newer medications on the market. If we do, they go fast. Also, using the medications that we carry in large quantities, means that your patients will receive a steady supply of their medications and can receive an three month supply.
Here is some information that may be helpful when placing you next order with IPDC.
Antibiotics
Respiratory antibiotics
First line Amoxicillin for mild to severe lower respiratory tract. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole for exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Doxycycline for respiratiory tract caused by H. influenzae. Cephalexin for broad spectrum coverage. Second line Amoxicillin/clavlanate Azithromycin and Clarithromycin Second generation Cephalosporins (Cefaclor, Cefprozil, Cefuroxime) Third Line Third generation Cephalosporins (Cefdinir, Cefpodoxime) Fluoroquinolones--Ciprofloxin, Levaquin and Avelox UTI's First line (uncomplicated) Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole Cephalexin Nitrofuratoin macro (Macrobid) Second line (Complicated) Ciprofloxin Levaquin Acute Otitis Media First line Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole Cephalexin Amoxicillin Second line Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Azithromycin (children)
Cholesterol Management
For new patients consider the dispensing of a generic. Simvastatin (Zocor) is an AB generic approved by the FDA. If your patient is well established with acceptable cholesterol levels, you may consider switching them to a generic. We do get Lipitor and Crestor but not in the same quantities as Simvastatin. If you must use Lipitor or Crestor, they can be split, to extend your supply. If you need Vytorin, order Zetia and Simvastatin. We don't get a large quantity of Zetia but we will send if we have some. We have included a simple comparison chart if you need help converting patients from one statin to another.
Dose Conversion of Fluvastatin to Pravastatin, Metabolic Fate of Statins and Summary of Criteria Approximate Equivalent Daily Doses of Statins: LDL-C Lowering Data from Clinical Trials.
Lovastatin |
Simvastatin |
Fluvastatin |
Pravastatin |
Atorvastatin |
Rosuvastatin |
20 mg |
10 mg |
40 mg |
20 mg |
-- |
-- |
40 mg |
20 mg |
80 mg |
40 mg |
10 mg |
-- |
80 mg |
40 mg |
-- |
-- |
20 mg |
-- |
-- |
80 mg |
-- |
-- |
40 mg |
10 mg |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
80 mg |
20 mg |
Lovastatin |
Simvastatin |
Fluvastatin |
Pravastatin |
Atorvastatin |
Rosuvastatin |
|
Monthly Cost ($) (30 day supply) |
20 mg $7.50 40 mg $7.50 80 mg $15.00 (2x40 mg) |
10 mg $1.50 20 mg $1.80 40 mg $1.80 80 mg $2.70 |
Current (BIG4): 20 mg $39.00 40 mg $39.00 80mg XL $50.10 ------------------------ FSS: 20 mg $40.20 40 mg $50.40 80mg XL $69.00 |
20 mg $2.40 40 mg $3.00 80 mg $6.00 (2x40 mg) |
10 mg $45.60 20 mg $67.80 40 mg $70.20 80 mg $70.20 |
5 mg $34.50 10 mg $34.50 20 mg $34.50 40 mg $34.50 |
Proton-pump Inhibitors
We have included a comparison chart of the different PPI's available. Please take advantage of the large quantities of Omeprazole and Ranitidine we have in stock. Omeprazole is first line therapy and for maintenance use. Ranitidine can be used for maintenance. We do not get large quantities of Nexium (esomeprazole) or Prevacid (lansoprazole) on a regular basis.
Comparative doses of PPIs
Relative efficcacy of PPIs (Doses in mg) |
OME 10 OME 20 OME 40 or 20 b.i.d
= LAN 15 < ESO 20 or 40 = ESO 20 b.i.d.
> LAN 15 = LAN 30
< LAN 30 > LAN 30 b.i.d.
= PAN 40 > PAN 40 b.i.d.
< RAB 20 = RAB 20 |
LAN 15 LAN 30 LAN 30 b.i.d
< ESO 20 = PAN 40 = PAN 40 b.i.d
< ESO 40 |
Antidepressants
Again think of ordering generic medications for this theraputic class. In a majority of cases, generics will work just as well as the newer brand names. Try converting the patients on Lexapro (escitalopram) to citalopram. Many studies have found minimal if any differences between between generics and Effexor (Venlafaxine), Cymbalta (Duloxetine), and Lexapro.
We don't want your patients without medications in this class. Going without medications or stopping suddenly can have severe withdrawal side effects. Choose medications that we have high numbers in stock.