With our economy in shatters, money management is critical for most families. Thus, our theme for this issue of the IC Optimist is how to reduce medical costs and save money. In this issue:

(1) Surviving The Economic Crunch: IC Patients Share Their Money Saving Strategies - Our feature story, written by Stacey Shannon, shares the best money saving strategies for medical costs, prescriptions, household items, budgeting and more... all gleamed from the perspective of the IC patient. If you're worried about money, this article is a great place to start.

(2) Are your medication costs too high? Six Tips That Can Help - From $4 generic pill programs to compassionate use programs, there are several ways that you can try to reduce your prescription costs. Learn about them here.

(3) How Some Patients Get Their Medications For Free - Federal, state and local patient assistance programs are rarely publicized but frequently available to patients throughout the USA and Canada. We've also listed the key IC medications and their related patient assistance programs, including contact information, so that you can get started, today, in reducing these costs.

(4) Understanding Generic Medications - Do you know the difference between Elavil and amitryptiline? Elavil is the brand name medication which can be quite costly. Amitryptiline is the generic medication that can be purchased for a fraction of the cost. Generics are usually identical to brand name medications but it's easy to be confused. This article answers your questions about the safety and effectiveness of using generics over brand name meds.

(5) IC In The News - We offer a summary of the latest IC news including the termination of the NIDDK funded CellCept clinical study and a surprising change of leadership at the ICA.

(6) The Latest IC Research - We offer a summary of the more interesting IC research studies published this winter.

(7) Heparin Recall Affects Patients Using Bladder Instillations - In the past two weeks, our office has been swamped with patients calling about the recalled heparin, which many have used in their rescue instillations with some serious side effects including severe pain, stroke like symptoms and more. This contaminated product originated in China and represents and outrageous violation of trust for consumers. We're of the opinion that no medication or consumables should be imported from China. This should outrage you. It outrages us.

(8) Helping Partners Understand IC - An IC Lifestyles Column by Andrew Sandler - The Sandler's have graciously allowed us to reprint the first chapter of their book "Please Understand: The IC Guide For Partners.

(9) Warm Winter Drinks - A Fresh Tastes Column By Bev Laumann - Can't wait for the warm days of summer? Well, at least you can enjoy some warm and comforting drinks that will soothe your spirits until Spring finally and gratefully arrives.

(10) Self-Help Tip Of the Month - Got the Flu? It's been a wicked winter of colds and flu here in the USA. ICN founder Jill Osborne's family was hit hard. While off on sick leave, she surveyed IC patients on what they found the most helpful yet bladder friendly products and shares the results in an article covering IC friendly cold & flu strategies.

Pages: 28
Publisher: IC Network