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Read About Ambien CR (zolpidem tartrate extended-release) CIV - Prescription Sleep Aid

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Ambien CR (zolpidem tartrate extended-release) CIV - Health Care Professional Information

The AMBIEN CR Difference

Can't Get AMBIEN CR?

GETTING AMBIEN CR

If you're having trouble getting your AMBIEN CR prescription filled, it's important to know that there are still ways to obtain it. The following frequently asked questions address the differences between generic AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR, and give you tips on how to make sure you get AMBIEN CR as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Q:	Are there significant differences between the generic AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR?
Q:	I just realized that my prescription was filled with the generic AMBIEN; not AMBIEN CR. Is there anything I can do?
Q:	Why is my insurance plan only willing to pay for generic AMBIEN and not AMBIEN CR?
Q:	Are there any programs that can help me pay for my AMBIEN CR prescription?

Are there significant differences between the generic AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR?

Answer: Yes. Knowing the differences between AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR will help you determine which prescription is right for you.

AMBIEN (or generic AMBIEN) is approved by the FDA to only help you fall asleep, and is only recommended for short-term use. AMBIEN CR is different. AMBIEN CR works for those that need help falling asleep and staying asleep for up to 7 hours* and can be taken for as long as your healthcare provider recommends.

AMBIEN only has one layer to help you fall asleep. AMBIEN CR has two layers with a controlled release formula. The first layer dissolves quickly, to help you fall asleep fast. Then the second layer dissolves slowly, to help you stay asleep, so you wake up less frequently and fall back to sleep faster.

I just realized that my prescription was filled with the generic AMBIEN; not AMBIEN CR. Is there anything I can do?

Answer: If you did not receive your prescription for AMBIEN CR and would like to get the prescription your doctor prescribed, you have a few options:

1. Call your healthcare provider to request AMBIEN CR. They may need to submit a "Prior Authorization" form to your insurance company. Many health plans require that you get Prior Authorization from your healthcare provider for some prescription medications before they will cover it. Prior to getting your prescription filled, have your healthcare provider sign and fax a "prior authorization form" to your insurance company.

Once you receive prior authorization (which generally occurs 95% of the time), contact your pharmacy to fill your prescription for AMBIEN CR, as approved by your plan.

2. You may be required to try generic AMBIEN first. Different insurance companies have different policies. Generally, you first need to fill your prescription for generic AMBIEN, and can then get AMBIEN CR by requesting it from your healthcare provider. This process is called a "step edit".

3. If your insurance company refuses to cover AMBIEN CR, you can pay for it, and CR Extras can help with the cost. CR Extras is an exclusive rewards program that can save you up to $100 on five refills of AMBIEN CR*. Join here. It's free.

* $100 offer not valid for patients participating in Medicare, Medicaid or any other federal or state funded programs, and where prohibited by law.

Why is my insurance plan only willing to pay for generic AMBIEN and not AMBIEN CR?

Answer: Primarily, insurance companies want you to try a generic medication first, because they usually cost less. Typically pharmacists will follow these guidelines.

Are there any programs that can help me pay for my AMBIEN CR prescription?

Answer: Yes. When you join the CR Extras program, we'll provide you with a special offer card that can save you up to $100 on your next five AMBIEN CR refills*. Join here. It's free.

* $100 offer not valid for patients participating in Medicare, Medicaid or any other federal or state funded programs, and where prohibited by law.

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AMBIEN CR is indicated for the treatment of insomnia.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

AMBIEN CR is a treatment option you and your healthcare provider can consider along with lifestyle changes and can be taken for as long as your provider recommends. Until you know how AMBIEN CR will affect you, you shouldn't drive or operate machinery. Be sure you're able to devote 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again. Sleepwalking, and eating or driving while not fully awake, with amnesia for the event, have been reported. If you experience any of these behaviors contact your provider immediately. In rare cases, sleep medicines may cause allergic reactions such as swelling of your tongue or throat, shortness of breath or more severe results. If you have an allergic reaction while using AMBIEN CR, contact your doctor immediately. Side effects may include next-day drowsiness, dizziness, and headache. It's non-narcotic; however, like most sleep medicines, it has some risk of dependency. Don't take it with alcohol.

Please see additional important information. Please refer to the full prescribing information.

AMBIEN is indicated for short-term treatment, to help you fall asleep.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

When you first start taking AMBIEN, use caution in the morning when engaging in activities requiring complete alertness until you know how you will react to this medication. In most instances, memory problems can be avoided if you take AMBIEN only when you are able to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours) before you need to be active again. As with any sleep medication, do not use alcohol while you are taking AMBIEN.

Sleepwalking, and eating or driving while not fully awake, with amnesia for the event, have been reported. If you experience any of these behaviors contact your provider immediately. In rare cases, sleep medicines may cause allergic reactions such as swelling of your tongue or throat, shortness of breath or more severe results. If you have an allergic reaction while using AMBIEN, contact your doctor immediately.

Prescription sleep aids are often taken for 7 to 10 days – or longer as advised by your provider. Like most sleep medicines, it has some risk of dependency.

There is a low occurrence of side effects associated with the short-term use of AMBIEN. The most commonly observed side effects in controlled clinical trials were drowsiness (2%), dizziness (1%), and diarrhea (1%).

Please see additional important information. Please refer to the full prescribing information.