Ask your doctor or pharmacist about buying a generic version of a brand name medicine.
Generic medications are usually much less expensive than brand name medicines. Generic medicines often cost less at US pharmacies than Canadian pharmacies.
Generic medicines are manufactured after the brand name medicine's patent has expired. Most FDA-approved generic medicines are almost identical to their brand name versions. They may be a different color or shape but can be safely used in place of the brand name medicine.
When the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finds a generic medicine to be therapeutically equivalent to the brand name medicine, the FDA assures the physician, pharmacist, and patient that they can expect the same benefits and safety profile. Your pharmacist will know when the FDA has found a generic medicine to be therapeutically equivalent to the brand name medicine.
If there is no generic version of a medication you are taking, ask your pharmacist or doctor if you can safely switch to a different drug that has a generic equivalent.
Over-the-counter medicines
Sometimes a lower cost over-the-counter medicine will work just as well as prescription medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if an over-the-counter medication will meet your needs.
Several drugs that used to be available only by prescription can now be purchased over-the-counter. Examples include ClaritinR (the allergy medication) and PrilosecR (a drug used to treat stomach ulcers and acid reflux disease).
The over-the-counter versions of these drugs often cost much less than the prescription versions.
Make sure both your pharmacist and doctor know that you are taking over-the-counter medications.
Buying strategies
When starting a new medication, you may want to order a small quantity the first time you have the prescription filled. To save money in the long run, be sure that any new medicines work for you before buying larger quantities. Try a week's worth. That way, if the medication doesn't help you or you have a reaction, you will have spent only a fraction of the money. You can usually buy a smaller quantity of a medicine at your local pharmacy than you can buy through the mail. Most prescriptions shipped by the Canadian pharmacies on this website will be in manufacturer-sealed containers. This is an important safety factor. At the same time, it means there may be fewer choices available in terms of quantity per package.
If you are on a medication that works for you and that you expect to take for a long time, you might save by buying a larger quantity. Medications are usually cheaper per dose if you buy a larger quantity, such as a three-month supply instead of a 30-day supply.
In some cases, you can save by splitting higher dosage pills. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you can buy your medicine in a higher dosage pill that you can divide with a pill splitter. The cost per dose can be less when buying a higher dosage. Some pharmacists will even split the pills for you. Taking the right dosage is important. You should never split pills without approval from your doctor or pharmacist.
Comparison shop. Different pharmacies charge different prices for the same medications. Sometimes the difference in price is fairly significant. It can pay to shop around.
Help for people with low incomes
State and federal programs can help people who have low incomes and need health insurance or prescription drug coverage.
Prescription drug manufacturer patient assistance programs
Many prescription drug manufacturers offer help to people who cannot pay for their medications. Some programs are only for people with low income; in which case, prescriptions may be provided at no cost. Other programs offer discounts on prescriptions for qualified individuals.
*Content from Minnesota state website used with permission
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