Saving Money at the Pharmacy

medicine It is a fact of life that we get sick and require medication. It happens to each of us at some point. When money is tight going to the pharmacy can seem like an expensive experience. Even when you have good insurance you end up walking out of the drug store wondering how you spent so much money! There are ways to save money even when you need to visit the local drug store.

The first thing you should always ask your Doctor when getting a prescription is if there is a generic equivalent. Don’t be fooled into thinking that because it is generic that it isn’t as strong! This couldn’t be further from the truth. Generic drugs only differ in the fact that they do not have some huge brand name on them. The ingredients are almost ALWAYS exactly the same! The cost between a generic and a name brand prescription is enormous! Always ask! If you forget to ask your Doctor, then by all means remember to ask the pharmacist before getting your prescription filled.

Another question for your Doctor is one that most of us hesitate to ask. Do they have any samples? You would be amazed at how many samples Doctor offices receive on popular medications. Doctors won’t typically offer them to patients without being asked, not because they are being selfish but because they want to save them for people that actually can’t afford to buy them. So ask! The very worst thing that can happen is that the Doctor says no. If they don’t have samples, fine, but where is the harm in asking? It could save you hundreds of dollars!

Many people receive prescriptions and accept at face value that they must have this drug and that there is no alternative. Always ask your doctor if there is an over the counter product that would suffice. For example, getting a prescription for a pain pill is very common. Depending upon how severe your pain actually is, you may be able to take an over the counter pain pill for way less cost! Also cold medications, always ask your Doctor if there is an alternative over the counter product that would suffice. Again it never hurts to ask and can save you a lot of money!

When you walk into a drug store, notice that the pharmacy is almost always at the back of the store, or at the very least off to the side. This is deliberate! Stores want you to walk by as many products as possible on your way to and from the pharmacy in order to tempt you and increase sales. Take notice of the displays that sprinkle your path. They are usually quite attractive and enticing. Be aware that this is the purpose so that you are able to resist the temptations. Use drive-thru pharmacies whenever possible to eliminate the possibility of grabbing an impulse item or spending money you shouldn’t.

Asking your Doctor about generics, samples, and possible alternativescan save you a lot of money! Don’t ever feel embarassed to ask, we all need to save wherever possible and the Doctor knows this too!