Prescription medication can be expensive. Americans spend an average of $1,200 annually on prescription drugs. That can add up quickly, especially if you take more than one prescription.
Are you looking for ways to save? Luckily, you can find ways to save money and find a cheap prescription. You just need to know where to look.
Keep reading for ways to find cheap prescription drugs.
1. Choose Generic
If possible, ask for a generic version of your medication. Unfortunately, not every prescription has a generic counterpart.
Choosing generic can save you a lot of money. Some generic drugs are 80-85 percent cheaper than name brands. That’s a huge difference!
If your doctor insists on name brand, find out why.
You can also save this money by choosing generic when purchasing over-the-counter drugs.
2. Use Coupons
Keep your eyes open for coupons for name brands in the mail, online, or in your doctor’s office. You can search for coupons for Symbicort on the manufacturer’s site and also other popular sites and apps like Prescription Saver or GoodRX.com to compare prices.
You may also want to ask your pharmacist about pharmacy discount cards that can also save you money.
3. Shop Around
Just like anything else, it pays to shop around. Check out prices online or at other pharmacies.
For example, if you are looking for Jardiance, check out Jardiance from 90daymeds.com. You can find some great prices.
If you do order online prescriptions, be sure you do your research about the company. The company should require a written script. If not, this should raise some red flags.
4. Talk to Your Doctor About Pill Splitting
You can also talk to your doctor if you can split your medication. This means you buy a higher dose and split the pill in half to save money.
Some pills aren’t suitable for this like coated capsules or time-release pills. It can be difficult to split, too, but some pharmacies sell small devices that help you cut any shape pills in half.
5. Check Out Assistance Programs
There are nonprofit organizations and pharmaceutical companies that offer grants and discounts for patients with financial needs.
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance is a free service that offers assistance programs from pharmaceutical companies. Another service is needymeds.org is another source you should look into.
There are also government assistance programs for eligible seniors. To find a program, check out medicare.gov if you are on Medicare. Women can also check out health services for contraceptives through the Affordable Care Act.
Start Shopping for a Cheap Prescription
Use these tools to help you save money with a cheap prescription. Make sure your doctor knows if they prescribe a medication that is expensive. There may be another option, or you may be able to get free samples or coupons.
Make sure you shop around to ensure you are paying the lowest price possible. Be careful that you are buying from a reliable source.
If you are looking for other health advice, keep checking out our site to find information on various health conditions.