 |
 |
For your information: I recently had a 62 year old patient who required a drug to relieve hyperacidity. Her doctor wrote an order for Zantac. The medication that was sent from the pharmacy was Tagamet. Positive that the pharmacy had sent the wrong medication, I called and informed them that they had made a mistake and requested that they send the proper perscription. The pharmacist I spoke with told me that *the hospital administration* had decided that all drugs in this class were the same, and had mandated that the *cheapest*in the class be provided for administration, unless the doctor requested otherwise. What does this mean for PD patients, and others with neuropathology? It is known that Tagamet can causes neurological symptoms. Patients with PD *may* find that they have an increase in symptoms while on this drug. Please be aware that you have a right to insist that you receive the medication your doctor orders, instead of the medication an HMO or hospital feels will save money for their companies. Particularly in the area of drugs that relieve hyperacidity, do not accept the information that all of the drugs in this class are the same - they are not. ----- Peace and joy Mary Ann