CVS/pharmacy and National Council on Aging Educate New Hampshire Seniors on Medication Management and How to Save Money on Prescription Drugs

MANCHESTER, N.H., May 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Eight out of ten older Americans have at least one chronic health problem, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.  According to CVS/pharmacy, fifty percent of seniors take an average of eight or more prescriptions regularly. With increased use of medications, both prescription and over-the-counter treatments, comes increased risk of adverse drug interactions and increased costs.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090129/NE64371LOGO )

To address this important issue, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and CVS/pharmacy are bringing the Pack Your Bag™ medication consultation program to Manchester, New Hampshire. The program encourages seniors to pack a bag with their medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements for a comprehensive review in one-on-one consultations with a local CVS pharmacist. The program also includes a presentation by the pharmacist on improving health through medication compliance and advice on how to save money on medications.

A Pack Your Bag program is being held today at 10:00 a.m. at the William B. Cashin Senior Activity Center, 151 Douglas Street in Manchester and will offer seniors one-on-one medication consultations with CVS pharmacists. This event is just one of hundreds of similar Pack Your Bag events that are taking place across the country.

"We are working with CVS/pharmacy to help seniors find ways to reduce the cost burden of prescription drugs," said Barbara Vigneault, Director of Senior Services of the William B. Cashin Senior Activity Center.  "We're pleased to present the Pack Your Bag program to the seniors in our community and help them find ways to save."

In over 5,000 Pack Your Bag consultations since the program's inception two years ago, CVS pharmacists have found:

• 7% of seniors were taking expired medications
• 15% were not taking medications as prescribed
• 10% were at risk for potential drug interactions
• 16% had the opportunity to switch to money-saving generics

"We recognize that many seniors in New Hampshire are struggling to make ends meet and to pay for necessary health care," said Nicole Harrington, R.Ph., Pharmacy Supervisor at CVS/pharmacy.  "By speaking with a pharmacist about their entire medication regimen, seniors can identify cost-saving alternatives as well as any potential drug interactions."

The Pack Your Bag program is available nationwide to senior centers located within five miles of a CVS/pharmacy store location. Seniors can also visit their local CVS for a personal consultation with a pharmacist. To find the CVS/pharmacy nearest you, call 1-800-SHOP-CVS or visit CVS.com.

About the National Council on Aging

The National Council on Aging is a non-profit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for older Americans – especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged – and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together non-profit organizations, businesses and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently and remain active in their communities. For more information, visit www.ncoa.org .

About CVS/pharmacy

CVS/pharmacy is the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS). The Company operates more than 7,000 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drugs stores. CVS/pharmacy is committed to improving the lives of those we serve by making innovative and high-quality health and pharmacy services safe, affordable and easy to access, both in its stores and online at CVS.com. General information about CVS/pharmacy and CVS Caremark is available at http://www.cvscaremark.com .

SOURCE CVS/pharmacy

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