The average American spends about $1,200 on prescription drugs each year. If you’re trying to cut medication costs, don’t avoid taking the medication you need. Otherwise, you could put your health and longevity at risk.
Instead, use these tips when buying medication to save money. With these tips, you can stay proactive while prioritizing your health. Buy medication with confidence (and without breaking the bank) using these tips today.
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Prioritize Needs
Before applying the rest of these tips and buying medication, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Discuss the medications you’re currently taking and determine which are essential. Your doctor might recognize you’re taking too many medications at once.
You can experience side effects due to interactions if you’re taking too many prescription medications.
Scheduling an appointment with your doctor will ensure you prioritize purchasing the medications you need. Your doctor might decide you can remove a few from your current protocol. They might also recommend fewer medications that can accomplish the same goals.
Once you determine which medications you need, research each medication you’re taking. Always research new medications before picking them up at a pharmacy. Chances are, each medication has a cheaper alternative you can take instead.
Don’t make adjustments to your medication plan as outlined with your doctor, without consulting them first. Remember, you don’t want to stop taking the medications vital to your health.
When gathering this research, consider comparison shopping to determine which medications fulfill the same needs. Make a note of the different price tags. Ask your doctor if you can switch to a cheaper alternative.
Consider downloading a smartphone app before your next doctor’s appointment. These apps will allow you to comparison shop while you’re at the doctor’s office. You can work with your doctor to come up with an informed, safe plan.
Ask your doctor if they have any tips or strategies you can use when buying medication. Leverage their years of hands-on experience helping patients who were once in your shoes. In addition to adjusting your medication plan, they can also help you find safe alternatives that suit your needs.
Request Samples
Before leaving the doctor’s office, ask if they have any samples available. Sometimes, pharmaceutical sales reps leave samples at the doctor’s office for patients. Taking a sample (especially when starting a new medication) can help you save money.
You won’t have to buy a full bottle of medication, only to realize it causes side effects. If a medication does cause side effects, stop taking it and call your doctor.
Let your doctor know if the medication interacted with other prescription meds, vitamins, or something you ate.
Unfortunately, you could waste money purchasing a medication, only to stop taking it due to side effects. Requesting samples before picking up prescription medication at the pharmacy will help you save money.
Before you take a new medication or accept a sample, confirm the medication is FDA-approved.
You could save yourself money by requesting a week’s worth of samples before starting a new medication.
Switch to Generic
One of the easiest ways to cut down on drug costs is to choose generics over brand-name drugs. Most medications have a less expensive counterpart available. You could save a small fortune by switching to generic.
Make sure to consult your doctor before switching to generic medications. If they insist on a brand-name option, determine why.
Don’t forget to discuss potential side effects you might experience if you switch to the generic option. Ask if the generic option has a lower potency, too. Remember to confirm the medication is FDA-approved as well.
Asking these questions will ensure you prioritize your health over your budget.
Once you determine which medications you need, consider using an online pharmacy to save time and money. You can find an online pharmacy here to start shopping!
Look for Leftovers
Start spring cleaning a little early this year. Check your bags and medication cabinet for old medications you forgot you had. In most cases, expired medication is safe to take.
However, it’s important to note that the medication will likely be less potent than it was before the expiration date.
Before taking any leftover or expired medications, talk to your doctor. Ask if the old medication is still safe and effective to use. You could save a few dollars before having to fill a new prescription.
Buy in Bulk
If you have to take medication for an extended period of time, don’t buy a small quantity. Instead, consider ordering in bulk to save money.
You could save more by purchasing a 90-day supply instead of renewing a 30-day supply every month.
Make sure to consult your doctor to determine which medications you’ll need long-term.
Apply for Assistance
Research the pharmaceutical company that provides your medication. Determine if they offer patient assistance programs. These programs are designed to help patients with low incomes or people without insurance.
Applying for a patient assistance program can help you afford your medications.
Consider Your Coverage
Consider your current medical plan to determine if you’re receiving medication coverage. If you’re constantly buying medication, consider switching to a different plan. You could save money with each purchase with the proper coverage.
Each Part D drug plan covers different medications to a different extent. It’s possible your current plan isn’t offering coverage for the medication you need.
However, you’ll need to weigh the premium costs before choosing a new plan.
Cut Medication Costs With These Savvy Strategies
Don’t let buying medication drain your savings. Instead, use these savvy shopping tips to reduce medication costs. With these tips, you can prioritize your health and put a little loose change in your pocket.
Start shopping for the prescription medication you need today.
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