How To Save Money on Prescription Drugs
August 29, 2011 in Health Tips, Money Tips, Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs can be very expensive. However, there are ways to save money when purchasing your medications. Consider the following tips:
- Always ask your doctor for generics. Many times brand-name medications are prescribed, even though a similar generic drug could be prescribed that would treat your condition just as well for much less money.
- If you are sometimes sensitive to prescription medicines, consider only purchasing a few pills of a new prescription to see if you have problems with the drug before purchasing the whole prescription. However, if your insurance company has flat-dollar copayments (like $10 or $25 per Rx), this will cost you two copayments.
- If you have been on a medication for some time, consider purchasing larger quantities. Purchasing 90 days supplies can sometimes save you money.
- Shop around. Stores like Wal-Mart® offer some $4 generics. Many other drug stores will match these prices if requested.
- When buying over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, go with the store brand. Also, buy drugs in large quantities to save money if you take them regularly.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about pill splitting. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a higher strength tablet that you can split to save you money. However, check with your doctor or pharmacist as not all drugs can be split or broken.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about combination pills. If you take two drugs for one condition, they may come in a single pill.
- If you need drugs to treat more than one condition, ask your doctor if there is one drug that can treat both. For example, some blood pressure medicines also treat migraine headaches, while some drugs for depression can also treat pain.
- Talk with your doctor and pharmacist. They are there to help you. Talk with them about your medications and ways you may be able to save money.
- Stopping your medicines or not taking the full daily doses should not be considered an option. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before stopping or decreasing the dose of any medicine.
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