Recently, the Medicines Market Regulation Chamber (Cmed), an entity linked to the federal government, announced an annual adjustment in medicine prices. This 4.5% increase mainly affects continuous-use medications – essential for countless people who depend on them to maintain their health. Given this scenario, alternatives such as Farmácia Popular emerge, which stand out as viable options to alleviate this financial impact. In this article, we will explore ways to save on medicines and detail how Farmácia Popular can be an ally in this process.
For those whose health depends on the daily consumption of medicines, the 4.5% adjustment represents a considerable increase in the monthly budget dedicated to health. This situation highlights the importance of seeking alternatives to reduce the financial burden imposed by this increase. The good news is that there are efficient methods to save money when purchasing medicines, such as comparing prices, opting for generics, taking advantage of discount programs and the important role played by Farmácia Popular.
How to save on purchasing medicines?
There are a variety of methods for saving money when purchasing medicines, with one of the most effective being research and price comparison. Studies show significant variations in the prices of high blood pressure medications, for example, between different pharmacies. Furthermore, opting for generics, which have the same composition and effectiveness, and using discount programs are smart strategies to ease your budget.
How does the Farmácia Popular program work?
The Farmácia Popular program is an initiative of the Brazilian federal government that aims to offer medicines for continuous use with significant discounts or even free of charge, through accredited pharmacies. The program is accessible to the entire population, requiring only the presentation of a valid medical prescription and a photo ID. This has been a key resource for many Brazilians to be able to continue their treatments without compromising their finances.
Medicines offered free of charge by Farmácia Popular
Hypertension (high blood pressure):
- Atenolol 25mg
- Amlodipine besylate 5mg
- Captopril 25mg
- Propranolol hydrochloride 40mg
- Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg
- Losartan potassium 50mg
- Enalapril maleate 10mg
- Spironolactone 25mg
- Furosemide 40mg
- Metoprolol succinate 25mg
Asthma:
- Ipratropium bromide 0.02mg
- Ipratropium bromide 0.25mg
- Beclomethasone dipropionate 50mcg
- Beclomethasone dipropionate 200mcg
- Beclomethasone dipropionate 250mcg
- Salbutamol sulfate 5mg
- Salbutamol sulfate 100mcg
Diabetes:
- Metformin hydrochloride 500mg
- Metformin hydrochloride 500mg – prolonged action
- Metformin hydrochloride 850mg
- Glibenclamide 5mg
- Human insulin 100IU/ml
- Regular human insulin 100IU/ml
Contraception:
- Medroxyprogesterone acetate 150mg (copayment)
- Ethinylestradiol 0.03mg + levonorgestrel 0.15mg (copayment)
- Norethindrone 0.35mg (copayment)
- Estradiol valerate 5mg + noret enanthate
Osteoporosis:
- Alendronate sodium 70mg (copayment)
Rhinitis:
- Budesonide 32mcg (copay)
- Budesonide 50mcg (copay)
- Beclomethasone dipropionate 50mcg/dose (copayment)
Parkinson’s:
- Carbidopa 25mg + levodopa 250mg (copayment)
- Benserazide hydrochloride 25mg + levodopa 100mg (copayment)
Glaucoma:
- Timolol maleate 2.5mg (copayment)
- Timolol maleate 5mg (copayment)
Dyslipidemia (high cholesterol):
- Simvastatin 10mg (copayment)
- Simvastatin 20mg (copayment)
- Simvastatin 40mg (copayment)
DM II + Cardiovascular disease (>65 years):
- Dapagliflozin 10mg (copayment)
Incontinence:
- Geriatric diaper (copayment)
Important:
- The free medicines are for people with hypertension, diabetes and asthma.
- Medications with copayment are for people with the other diseases listed.
- To access medications, you must present a prescription and photo ID.
- The complete list of available medicines can be consulted on the Farmácia Popular program website: https://www.gov.br/saude/pt-br/composicao/sectics/farmacia-popular.
How to register with Meu SUS Digital and what is it for?
The renewed popularity of My Digital SUS can be attributed to its transformation into an integrated healthcare services platform. Unlike its previous version, which focused on issuing the Covid-19 vaccination certificate, the new version provides users with a wider range of functionalities, including:
- Assessment of care in UBSs
- Viewing clinical history
- Issuance of documents and certificates
- Integration with various health applications
Registration is carried out as follows:
1. Access the website or application:
2. Log in with gov.br:
- Click on “Enter with gov.br”.
- If you already have a gov.br account, log in with your CPF and password.
- If you don’t have a gov.br account, create a new one using your CPF, cell phone number and email.
3. Create your registration on Meu SUS Digital:
- Fill in the form with your personal data:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Sex
- Mother
- Address
- Telephone
- Answer questions about your health.
- Confirm your details and complete the registration.
4. Link your National Health Card (CNS):
- Enter your CNS number.
- If you don’t have a CNS, you can request a new one on the website or app.
5. Access Meu SUS Digital services:
- Consult your health data.
- Schedule appointments and exams.
- Access exam results.
- Receive medical prescriptions.
- Ask questions about your health.
Other ways to register:
- SUS Call Center: Call 136.
- Health units: Go to a health unit with your identity document and CPF.
Necessary documents:
- Photo ID.
- CPF.
- National Health Card (CNS) (optional).
For more information:
Conclusion
In times where rising drug prices become a reality, programs such as Farmácia Popular present themselves as an essential alternative to guarantee continuous access to quality healthcare with a reduced financial impact. Information is a powerful tool, and being aware of the options available to save on medications can make a big difference to many families’ monthly budgets.
Tags: Popular Pharmacy List FREE Medicines Registration Digital SUS
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