ADHD Medications
Although Pediatricians don't get samples of ADHD medications, they do often get coupons that offer parents a free month's supply. Concerta, Adderall XR, Ritalin LA and Focalin all offer coupons for new patients to get a free 4 week supply of their medication. If you are starting an ADHD medication for the first time or being changed to a new medication, you might ask your Pediatrician for a coupon. Keep in mind that you will still need a prescription from your Pediatrician when you use the coupon for these types of medications.Pediatricians also usually have samples of Strattera, in convenient starter packs, so they can try this new medication for ADHD as an alternative to a stimulant.
Dermatology Medicines
Another type of medications that you can often get samples of from your Pediatrician are those to treat skin disorders, such as acne (Retin A Microgel, Tazorac, Benzaclin, Duac), eczema (Protopic, Elidel, Cutivate, Elocon) and ringworm (Loprox, Oxistat, Spectazole).Cold and Cough Medicines
Pediatricians also usually have samples of different cold and cough medicines, which may include Dimetapp, Triaminic, Pediacare, etc. Although they are usually just little sample bottles, you might ask for a free sample if your child has a cold and needs some symptomatic relief Your Pediatrician may also have samples of prescription strength cough and cold medications that you can try.Fever Reducers
You might also be able to get free samples of pain relievers and fever reducers, such as Tylenol, Motrin and Advil. Pediatricians also often have coupons that offer discounts when you buy Tylenol, Motrin or Advil in the store.Vaccines
OK, you are unlikely to get free vaccines from your Pediatrician, but if your insurance doesn't pay for vaccines, you do have a lot of options to save money. The easiest is to contact your local health department, as most offer low cost vaccines. Also, many Pediatricians participate in their state's Federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, which provides their office with free vaccines to give to children that are uninsured or underinsured. While the vaccine is free, you will likely have to pay an administration fee to your Pediatrician for each shot. Contact your state health department for a list of Pediatricians in your area that participate in the program if you need help paying for shots.Online Offers
Some drug companies also offer deals online for free samples of their medications including:- Advair Breathe Easier Program - get a first full prescription of ADVAIR for free or if you already use ADVAIR - a $10 coupon for your next prescription for ADVAIR
- Clarinex Cash Back - sign up for a $25 rebate on a Clarinex prescription.
- Zyrtec Rewards - This program offers savings and benefits for ZYRTEC® (cetirizine HCl) users. Once you sign up, you could get up to $40 in rebates on 4 qualifying ZYRTEC prescriptions filled by September 30, 2007.
- Nasonex Coupon - Print out a $10 coupon from the NASONEX® Personalized Savings Program.
Other Offers and Samples
Other samples I have recently received in my office include Miralax for constipation, Ovide for head lice, and Triple Paste for diaper rashes. If your Pediatrician doesn't have samples of the medication you need, you might ask if you can contact a drug company and ask that they deliver some samples to your Pediatrician's office that they can pass on to you.And don't be afraid to ask for samples. Again, the worst that can happen is that your Pediatrician says no. Asking for samples is especially important if you don't think you will be able to get your child's prescription filled because of the expense.
