Question 1

How can I lower the cost of my fluoxetine

Accepted Answer

You can lower cost of your fluoxetine using one of the 4 following drug savings programs: Rx Advantage Card for fluoxetine, Canadian Prescription Savings for fluoxetine, fluoxetine Drug Coupons, fluoxetine Patient Assistance Programs

Question 2

What dosages is fluoxetine available in?

Accepted Answer

fluoxetine is available as a 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg oral capsule, a 10 mg, 20 mg, 60 mg oral tablet, and a 20 mg/5 ml oral solution.

Question 3

What is fluoxetine used for?

Accepted Answer

fluoxetine is an SSRI that is used to treat:
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Bulimia
Panic disorder
Depression from bipolar 1 disorder
Treatment resistant depression

Question 4

How does fluoxetine work?

Accepted Answer

fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works mainly by raising the levels of serotonin, a chemical in your brain. Serotonin plays an important role in regulating your mood and emotions.

Question 5

How do I take fluoxetine?

Accepted Answer

fluoxetine is typically taken starting at 10 mg to 20 mg by mouth once daily. The maximum recommended dose is up to 80 mg daily total.

Question 6

Is it safe for me to take fluoxetine?

Accepted Answer

fluoxetine is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication in the following:
Serotonin Syndrome and MAOIs: Do not use MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with fluoxetine or within 5 weeks of stopping treatment with fluoxetine. Do not use fluoxetine within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders. In addition, do not start fluoxetine in a patient who is being treated with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue.
Pimozide: Do not use. Risk of QT prolongation and drug interaction.
Thioridazine: Do not use. Risk of QT interval prolongation and elevated thioridazine plasma levels. Do not use thioridazine within 5 weeks of discontinuing fluoxetine. Do not use thioridazine within 5 weeks of discontinuing fluoxetine.
When using fluoxetine and olanzapine in combination, also referto the Contraindications section of the package insert for Symbyax.

Question 7

fluoxetine Common Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of fluoxetine: Difficulty falling asleep Nausea Headache Weakness Diarrhea Low appetite Drowsiness Anxiety Nervousness Tremor Dry mouth Throat pain Yawning Low sex drive

Question 8

fluoxetine Serious Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Serious side effects are rare with fluoxetine. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, dizziness, sweating, flushing, tremor (shakiness), muscle stiffness, muscle twitching or spasms, uncoordinated movement, distress, seizures, distress, hallucinations, coma
Seizures
Allergic reactions: hives, rash, blisters, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing
Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation): chest pounding, short of breath, chest pain, feeling faint or lightheaded
Severe bleeding: bruising that doesn’t improve, black-colored stools, pink or red-colored urine, coughing up or vomiting blood, or unusual bleeding from the nose or gums
Low blood sodium levels: nausea, fatigue, headache, confusion, disoriented, hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t real), seizures, unconsciousness

Question 9

Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on fluoxetine

Accepted Answer

The following medications may interact with fluoxetine:  Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6: Fluoxetine is a potent inhibitor of CYP2D6 enzyme pathway. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): Monitor TCA levels during coadministration with fluoxetine or when fluoxetine has been recently discontinued. CNS Acting Drugs: Caution should be used when taken in combination with other centrally acting drugs. Benzodiazepines: Diazepam – increased t½, alprazolam – further psychomotor performance decrement due to increased levels. Antipsychotics: Potential for elevation of haloperidol and clozapine levels. Anticonvulsants: Potential for elevated phenytoin and carbamazepine levels and clinical anticonvulsant toxicity. Serotonergic Drugs Drugs that Interfere with Hemostasis (e.g. NSAIDs, Aspirin, Warfarin): May potentiate the risk of bleeding. Drugs Tightly Bound to Plasma Proteins: May cause a shift in plasma concentrations. Olanzapine: When used in combination with fluoxetine, also refer to the Drug Interactions section of the package insert for Symbyax. Drugs that Prolong the QT Interval: Do not use fluoxetine with thioridazine or pimozide. Use with caution in combination with other drugs that prolong the QT interval.

Question 10

Who makes fluoxetine?

Accepted Answer

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

Question 11

Is fluoxetine safe in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Based on data from published observational studies, exposure to SSRIs, particularly in the month before delivery, has been associated with a less than 2-fold increase in the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antidepressants
during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or visiting online at MGH Center for women mental health. You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medication if you are pregnant.

Question 12

What is the brand name for fluoxetine?

Accepted Answer

PROZAC

Question 13

How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my fluoxetine prescription?

Accepted Answer

After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your fluoxetine prescription

Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.

Question 14

How do the NowPatient fluoxetine savings programs work?

Accepted Answer

After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.

Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.

Question 15

Are the NowPatient fluoxetine savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.

	Rx Advantage Card* for fluoxetine	Canadian Prescription Savings* for fluoxetine	fluoxetine Drug Coupon*	fluoxetine Patient Assistance Program*
Insured (federal, state or government)	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Insured (Commercial or Private)	Available	Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Uninsured	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company

*This is not insurance.

Question 16

Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of fluoxetine?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below

	Rx Advantage Card* for fluoxetine	Canadian Prescription Savings* for fluoxetine	fluoxetine Drug Coupon*	fluoxetine Patient Assistance Program*
Brand	Yes	Yes	Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company	Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Generic	Yes	Yes	No	No

*This is not insurance.

Question 17

If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the fluoxetine savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?

Accepted Answer

If you are insured with Medicare and the fluoxetine drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.

If you are denied Medicaid for fluoxetine, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Question 18

I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the fluoxetine prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, fluoxetine is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed fluoxetine for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.

Question 19

I am commercially or privately insured and none of the fluoxetine prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.

If you cannot afford your copay contribution, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.

The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.

Question 20

If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the fluoxetine prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay contributions?

Accepted Answer

If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:

1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for fluoxetine

If you are having trouble paying for your fluoxetine medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for fluoxetine you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:

Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
fluoxetine is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers fluoxetine
If fluoxetine is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications

You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.

2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for fluoxetine

If you are having trouble paying for your fluoxetine medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for fluoxetine you will need to meet the following criteria:

You live in and are being treated in the United States
You are insured and your plan covers fluoxetine
If fluoxetine is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications

You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.

3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for fluoxetine

Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your fluoxetine treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for fluoxetine you will need to meet the following criteria:

You must be currently insured and have coverage for fluoxetine
You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.

You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.