Medication costs aren't set in stone. Recent findings published in the June issue of Consumer Reports show that the costs of medications can vary widely from store to store, even within the same chain of stores.

One hundred and sixty three pharmacies nationwide were contacted and asked the costs for three-month supplies of four common medications: Detrol, Plavix, Levoxyl, and a generic osteoporosis medication. The costs varied greatly -- Detrol ranged from $365-$551, Plavix from $382-$541, Levoxyl from $29-$85, and the osteoporosis medication from $124-$306. While some bigger chains, such as Costco, did prove to have the lowest prices overall, many small pharmacies were competitive.

As consumers, it's important to shop around. However, a good relationship with your pharmacist is also important. And, there are benefits to having one pharmacy that knows your prescriptions and can help detect potential problems.

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Over-the-counter (OTC) meds are usually packaged and sealed for our protection. In fact, sometimes opening a bottle of aspirin sometimes feels like you're trying to break in to Fort Knox. But the special packaging isn't only to make it difficult to get into, it's to make it tamper resistant. So, if your OTC meds have been messed with, it will be evident to your eye. If the plastic seal is punctured, missing, or the printed words don't line up -- bring that medication right back to the store you bought it from and report the problem. Other things to look out for:

• Is the cotton insert torn, pulled, sticky, or stained? If it appears to have been reinserted, don't take any chances.
• Check the bottom of the container for punctures or other signs of tampering.
  
• Make sure none of the capsules are broken, cracked, or appear differently than the others in the package.

Looking for signs of tampering should be your first step before ever taking an OTC medication. Also, be sure to read the fine print to verify that the OTC med won't negatively interact with any prescription medications. If you have any questions, ask the pharmacist. They're happy to help out with the non-prescription medications as well!

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In a shocker of huge proportions, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve of certain drugs that are prescribed to the tune of 65 million prescriptions each years to patients. Huh?

How are doctors prescribing drugs that should not even be for sale to the public in the first place? The FDA even admits that some of the drugs in question could be dangerous. How they get into the hands of patients is by way of a "black hole" in the drug approval system. Well, according to Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass.

In what appears to be a complete failure of the drug pharmaceutical classification system, a drug is given a 10-digit number when it is submitted to the FDA for approval. Problem is, pharmacists use that same number -- regardless of approval or not -- to dole out prescriptions.

Umm, some more detail is needed in the system I think. In a situation of nobody questioning any processes, many doctors and pharmacists seem unaware of this wrinkle in the approval process, according to the story. What a mess.

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While it's mostly an issue for older adults, mixing medications and taking too many different types at one time is a concern for everyone. Even if you're in close contact with your doctor there is still a significant risk to your health if you're on more than a couple different meds -- drugs are getting so complicated these days human error is inevitable when it comes to remembering, and predicting, side-effects and drug interactions.

How many meds are you or your loved ones currently taking? Are you aware of and watchful of potential side-effects and are you absolutely sure you need them all? When it comes to your health you are your own best ally, so educate yourself and be involved.

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If you've suffered from one of the many nasty cold viruses being passed around this season, chances are you've run to the store for something to relieve the symptoms. You may have been surprised to find that your favorite cold medicine was no longer on the shelf, but hidden away behind the protection of the pharmacy's glass windows.

Because pseudoephedrine is one of the main ingredients in the illegal and often homemade drug methamphetamine, the FDA has taken the bold but necessary step of removing the OTC drug from store shelves. Cold remedies are still available, but consumers will need to show ID and sign a register before being allowed to relieve their sniffles. Some customers find this annoying, but reading just a few paragraphs about the devastation of meth addiction may have you convinced it's worth your extra trouble.

Some manufacturers have eliminated the drug from their products, replacing it with phenylephrine. There are plenty of natural alternatives to drugs that contain pseudoephedrine, too. Zinc products are said to shorten the life of a cold virus, and the good old fashioned moisture of saline drops, or a hot, steamy shower can go a long way toward relieving your symptoms without any side effects. Rest and plenty of fluids will see you through the 7-10 days most colds last, until your up and ready to go again.

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If controversy truly sparks sales, then the makers of the Plan B morning-after pill should see sales skyrocket after today's decision by the Food and Drug Administration. The regulatory agency just announced they will allow the controversial pill to be available without a prescription to women (or their partners) 18 and older, most likely by the end of the year. The pill will be dispensed only at pharmacies and purchasers must show ID to prove their age.

Plan B has been sold in the US via prescription sales since 1999. After a seven-year battle to make the pill available to women of any age without a prescription, this ruling seems to be a compromise Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc. is willing to live with -- for now. Barr said it will continue to lobby for the pill to be available to minors. According to today's decision, minors must still obtain a doctor's prescription to get the pill, which doesn't end pregnancy but rather prevents it from happening. If a woman takes Plan B while already pregnant, it will have no effect. In other words, this is not an abortion pill.

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