Saving Money on Medication
I have done a post before about how to save money on medication, but I think that topic could do with further discussion because sometimes we get prescribed drugs that we don’t even need in the first place.
Do you really need an expensive antibiotic?
It would seem that doctors are prescribing a lot more medications than they used to: in 2007 pharmacists filled 3.8 billion prescriptions, up from 3.3 billion in 2002 and according to at least one doctor it’s because “It’s easier and quicker than explaining to a patient why they don’t need an antibiotic,” How scary is that! So next you’re sick, be sure to ask your physician what he is prescribing and why you need it at all.
Use Coupons
Doctors are given coupons by pharmaceutical companies which they can sometimes pass on to you. Ask for those coupons. Some coupons offer rewards for transferring a prescription: many pharmacies offer $ 25 to $ 30 bonus cards for each prescription transfer.
Don’t use dietary supplements
Dietary supplements are not regulated, so you have no idea if what you’re seeing on the label is really what is in the bottle. It says ‘Herbal’ or ‘Absolutely safe’ or ‘no side effects’ on the label but anything can be potentially dangerous if taken in conjunction with other medications with which they can react. Herbs get sold as dietary supplements and foods, but they are drugs. And all drugs have interactions.
Buy in Bulk
If you are on medication for high blood pressure or a heart ailment or diabetes, or in fact any other long term ailment which requires medication over a long term, then it makes sense to buy several months worth of drugs together which will entitle you to a discount. This could also be done by pregnant or lactating women who know that they may have to take iron, calcium or folic acid supplements over a period of many months.
However take care not to get so much medication that it may actually become stale and reach expiry before you have had a chance to actually use it. It is always a good practice to check the date of expiry of any medication that you buy, either over the counter or prescription.
I found here, a really useful resource about the 10 things that your pharmacists won’t tell you. It’s an insightful resource and made for some very interesting reading.
I am diabetic and it is the biggest pain to purchase all those medicines. I often purchase them in bulk with 5% discount but I think there should be some relief. Anyways, thanks for the tips because I have to take antibiotics as well. I’ll ask my doctor for those coupons.
Reply
it is always good to cut off cost for medicine by doing good routine of fitness (natural fitness) so that at least we keep our selves away from daily health problems which others get and become regular patient for hospital.
Reply
From San Diego a lot of people head down to Tijuana for their prescription meds. The only time I’ve done it was to get cancer treatment medication for my pet dog. These days it’s pretty dangerous in TJ, so it’s probably not such a good idea.
Reply
Good tips for saving money on medication. Now i’ll purchase bulk medication for my mother and save money. Thanks.
Reply
This would be really helpful to lessen your bills on those pesky medications that really don’t help your health problems.
Reply
Health is wealth we really need to be conscious about it medication is expensive…
Reply
il bookmark this site
Reply