Ten Tips for Saving on Prescription Drugs
Americans dont have to rely only on Canada to save money on prescription drugs. By becoming active participants in treatment, they can save right at home.
(PRWEB) March 27, 2004 --Spending more on prescriptions these days? Then youre an average American. Compared with Americans ten years ago, we spend about 70% more on prescription drugs and take more of them. But before you head to Canada, use these tips to curb your drug bill.
To begin, make a list of every drug you currently take or should be taking. Print copies for each doctor, your pharmacist, your family, and several for yourself. Youll need at least three for comparison-shopping. Keep another copy in your wallet or purse in case of accidents or other emergencies. Hospitals and doctors who may not know you will be grateful to know what prescriptions you take.
Now for the savings tips:
1. Buy a copy of the PDR Pocket Guide to Prescription Drugs (PDR) (Simon & Schuster, 2003), and look up each drug on your list. Search for drugs that should not be taken in combination, foods you should not eat while taking the drug, and drugs that are off-label" (not approved for use with your condition). For each drug, note what you find.
2. Give a copy of your list to each doctor who cares for you. Discuss all contraindications and potential interactions youve noted. You may find your list shrinking.
3. Tell your doctor you pay for your drugs yourself. She may be able to prescribe a less expensive drug. Ask whether generic alternatives are available.
4. Ask your doctor for samples. She may give you a substantial supply at no cost.
5. Your pharmacist can be a powerful ally in your war on high drug prices. Give him a copy of your drug list, and ask him how to cut costs and reduce drug use.
6. Compare prices in your hometown. Large chains with pharmacies often negotiate prices that your local pharmacy cannot beat, so include them when you go comparison-shopping. Leave copies of your list with each of three or more pharmacies. Dont be impatient. It may take hours or even a day for the pharmacist to record prices for your drugs.
7. Compare prices from mail order pharmacies. And be sure to tell your pharmacist if you find a lower price somewhere else. He may match that price.
8. Practice pill splitting. Many drugs come in different doses. Buying the larger dose may cost only a little more than the same number of pills in a smaller dose. Split the larger dose pill to make two of the smaller. But dont hit those pills with a kitchen knife! You can buy pill-splitters" on the Internet for under $10.00. Your savings, even on one prescription, could far outweigh the cost of a splitter.
9. Research buyers discount cards. Information about the new Medicare drug card will be available beginning April 1, 2004, at the Medicare website (http://www.medicare.gov), but dont rule out other discount cards. TogetherRx, a popular card, provides a discount on many drugs, depending on your income. Other proprietary cards are available direct from pharmaceutical companies.
10. Learn whether you're eligible for free prescription drugs. If you have a low income, you may be eligible for free or reduced price drugs direct from manufacturers. The Medicare website lists each program with a telephone contact. Getting into these programs requires considerable paperwork, but, with determination, you will succeed.
You can save money on prescriptions drugs – right in your own hometown.
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