Saving on prescription medications

It seems that the cost of prescriptions is going up much faster than any other purchase that is on my regular budget.  One script, an "old-time" medication that has been around for at least 50 years, went up from $100 to $150  per tube in one year.  We do feel trapped, because in many cases there is no other choice than to pay the price or go without the medication or something else.  If you have a prescription benefit with your health care insurance, then thank the Lord.  For the rest of us,here are a few ideas:

1.  Ask your Dr. if there is a less expensive medication that might work for you.

2.  Of course, you are buying generic whenever you can.

3.  Many pharmacies has some type of "club" card that will give you a discount.

4.  Ask for a ninety day prescription refill if you can get it from your doctor for routine medicine that you take.  This is usually the cheapest way to get refills.

5.  Ask your doctor to prescribe a larger dose of your medication.  For example, you need 100 mg, but your medication also comes in a 200 mg form.  You cut your pills in half to get to your proper dose.  The price of the higher strength forms is usually less than double the lower dose, so you are saving money this way.

6.  CAUTION: Do not lower your doses yourself with out asking your prescribing health care provider.  It can be dangerous to get too little.  You need a therapeutic dose or else you are totally wasting your money taking anything at all. 

7.  See if an over the counter remedy might not work just as well as an expensive prescription.  Sometimes, less is more.  For example, for some migraine pain sufferers, an over the counter NAISD such as naproxin works better than a narcotic, such as codiene.

I wish you an extra penny in your pocket and good health, my friends.

MORE DETAILS ON DISCOUNT PROGRAMS
Many consumers have yet to take advantage of the low prices for prescription drugs offered by many retailers. For example, some American consumers still pay an average of $50 a month for the generic drug pravastatin to lower cholesterol. But you can buy a 30-day supply for $4 at Target or Walmart and pay even less per dose for a 90-day supply.
Retailers such as Kmart, Target, Walgreens and Walmart, and national grocers such as Kroger have been steadily expanding their discount-drug programs. To offer such low prices, retailers often purchase the medications in bulk.
Before you enroll, check the fine print. Also:

• Make sure you’re covered. Many discount-drug programs don’t include high dosages, and the list of drugs can be limited.
• Ask about restrictions. Some programs are offered only to people without insurance or are for medications that are not covered by insurance. And some are not available in certain states or their prices might be higher.
• Note that some programs carry an enrollment fee, which might make them less of a bargain.
• Check with your independent pharmacy. Some will match those deals when possible.
• Review the discount lists frequently. More generics are likely to be added to the lists as many major drugs, such as Lipitor and Plavix, become available as generics over the next 36 months.