Q.I see they have flavoring for medications for children. I have often thought that if things like Zinc were flavored better I'd be more inclined to take them. Does the flavoring add to the cost? Are the lollipops with Zinc that I have heard about over-the-counter or prescription?

A. Some pharmacies can re-flavor liquid medications using their own formulas or the FLAVOR Rx system. A few can also compound your medication in lollipop form.

As for Zinc, it does not taste good, but some preparations can mask its taste. And, yes, any special flavoring or preparation does cost more depending on the cost of added ingredients, time spent in preparing it, and cost of any equipment needed.

Also some insurance plans won't pay for extras and its up to the patient to cover the extra amount.