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How can I save money on my prescriptions?
Use generic medicines
Generic drugs are much less expensive than brand-name drugs. Despite this, many people think that generics are less strong, or less effective, or less safe. This is not true. Once a drug is developed, it is sold as a brand name drug for several years, and then it can be sold as a generic drug too. Therefore, you should always discuss with your doctor and pharmacist whether there is a generic drug that you might use in place of one of your brand name drugs. For a more detailed definition of generic drugs, you can go to the FDA website.
Generic drugs are much less expensive than brand-name drugs. Despite this, many people think that generics are less strong, or less effective, or less safe. This is not true. Once a drug is developed, it is sold as a brand name drug for several years, and then it can be sold as a generic drug too. Therefore, you should always discuss with your doctor and pharmacist whether there is a generic drug that you might use in place of one of your brand name drugs. For a more detailed definition of generic drugs, you can go to the FDA website.
Find a cheaper alternativeEven if there is no generic version of one of your prescriptions, there may be a cheaper brand name substitute for the version that you are taking. Talk with your doctor and pharmacist.
Order your prescriptions by mail and get
a three-month supply
Many pharmacies have services so that you can have your prescriptions mailed to you. This often allows you to get a three-month rather than a one-month supply. By ordering a three-month supply, you will have a larger supply of your medicines and also have to pay your co-pay less often. This can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Many pharmacies have services so that you can have your prescriptions mailed to you. This often allows you to get a three-month rather than a one-month supply. By ordering a three-month supply, you will have a larger supply of your medicines and also have to pay your co-pay less often. This can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Talk with your doctor about pill splitting
Many pill-form drugs are produced in several different dosages. For example, a medicine may be prescribed at a 25mg or a 50mg dose. Some medicines can be prescribed at a higher dose and then the tablets can be split in two. High-dose pill are generally priced the same as or slightly higher than their low-dose counterparts. Ask your doctor if you can safely split a higher-dosage pill in half, which can save you a bundle on your co-pays. However, not all pills can be split, so it is important that you discuss the safety of this with your doctor and pharmacist.
Many pill-form drugs are produced in several different dosages. For example, a medicine may be prescribed at a 25mg or a 50mg dose. Some medicines can be prescribed at a higher dose and then the tablets can be split in two. High-dose pill are generally priced the same as or slightly higher than their low-dose counterparts. Ask your doctor if you can safely split a higher-dosage pill in half, which can save you a bundle on your co-pays. However, not all pills can be split, so it is important that you discuss the safety of this with your doctor and pharmacist.
