Release Date: June 2004

MEDICATIONS

When you buy prescription medications, don't let the lower cost of generic drugs fool you. Just because they cost less, doesn't mean they're lower quality. Generic drugs are just as safe and effective as brand-name drugs.

A new, free package of publications from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Citizen Information Center gives you the facts on how the FDA is assuring the safety, quality and effectiveness of generic drugs. And you have an important role to play, too.

Generic drugs must have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, so save money by asking your physician about generic drug options. Learn about the other FDA requirements for safety and efficacy with Greater Access to Generic Drugs . Save even more money by calling local pharmacies to find out if they carry the generic drugs you need, and comparing prices. .

Another way to compare prices is to go online. Use Buying Prescription Medicines Online: A Consumer Safety Guide to get the basic do's and don'ts. Buy only from U.S.-based sites, and look for websites that are certified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

As we get older and take more medications, it can be difficult to keep track of them. Use Medications and Older People to learn how to prevent dangerous drug interactions. Tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking, learn the side effects to watch out for, and ask about any special precautions or interactions with foods.

For overall savings on your medications, get more information about the new Medicare-Approved Drug Discount Card Program at www.pueblo.gsa.gov , and learn more with the free Medications package. There are three easy ways to get your free publications:

• Send your name and address to Medications , Pueblo, Colorado 81009 .
• Call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO . That's 1 (888) 878-3256 , weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time and ask for the Medications package.
• Visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to complete our special order form, or to read and print out these and hundreds of other federal publications for free.

Get even more information and take advantage of federal online resources at www.FirstGov.gov —your official front door to federal and state government websites.

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• Please check with Shantae Goodloe if you plan to use this release after October 15, 2004
• If you would like to receive these releases by e-mail send a request to shantae.goodloe@gsa.gov or call (202) 501-1794.

GSA # 2626

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