If you’re unable to pay for prescription allergy and asthma medications, you might qualify for a patient assistance program. Many pharmaceutical companies provide free prescription medications to patients in need. In fact, the industry gave away nearly $1.5 billion worth of prescription medicines to 3.5 million patients in 2001.

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) offers a directory of assistance programs on its Web site at www.pparx.org. Simply click on a pharmaceutical name to find what medications are covered, eligibility requirements, and how to apply for assistance. Or call 888-477-2669 for information.

Be sure to ask your physician to help you complete and submit the necessary paperwork when applying for a patient assistance program.

Money-Saving Tips

• Get asthma under control. Controlled asthma costs far less than constantly wrestling with symptoms. Develop a plan with your physician for preventing attacks altogether.
  
  
• Keep your inhaler and other medication delivery systems clean.
  
  
• Before you purchase over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, talk to your pharmacist or physician. Consumers waste a lot of money on "trial-and-error" self-medication. Some OTC products can be dangerous if mixed with prescribed medications.
  
  
• Use your inhaler, spacers, holding chambers, nebulizers, and other medication delivery systems correctly. Proper technique ensures that the medication provides maximum benefit. Ask your physician or pharmacist to review your technique periodically.
  
  
• Avoid offending asthma triggers, make environmental changes if necessary, and use a peak flow meter to help alert you to an approaching asthma flare. It takes less medication to stop an attack in its earliest stage than after symptoms worsen.
  
  
• Don’t put off seeing a specialist such as an allergist or pulmonologist because you are concerned about the expense. Most often the initial expense will be offset by a reduction in emergency room and unscheduled office visits and medications. If finances are a problem, ask the physician or office manager if it is possible to establish a payment plan.
  
  
• Remember, an ounce of prevention avoids a pound of medication, side effects, and symptoms.