A new report from the federal government said that prescription drugs account for nearly 10 percent of our health-care costs, and that percentage is expected to rise.
Politicians have plans to ease the cost of prescriptions, but you may think that you need to save money now.
"The costs (of prescriptions) have basically skyrocketed," pharmacist Fred Pane said.
Pane said that you can now bring your pharmacy bill down to earth if you ask for a review of all your medications, even vitamins and herbs.
Maybe your cardiologist prescribed a drug that causes a side effect.
"And they call their family practice physician and he prescribes a drug to take care of the side effect. You've basically added another drug to the regimen, which increases the cost also," Pane said.
Pane said to make certain that your doctors talk to each other and to your pharmacist. If all of your medications are compatible, ask if you can get generic versions of those drugs. Many drugs are the same, but the generic is usually dramatically less expensive, Your 23 reported.
"The key is for people to understand that generic medications are safe. A lot of generics are made by companies that make brand-name medications," Pane said.
Sometimes buying a larger dose of pills than you are prescribed and splitting it saves money, which makes a $2 pill splitter a good investment, according to Your 23.
But many pills are not effective when split, so ask your pharmacist first.
For drugs that you take every day, see if your insurer lets you buy in bulk through the mail, Pane advised.
"Three 30-day supplies may actually cost more than what it would cost for a 90-day supply of medications," Pane said.
Some Internet pharmacies offer significant discounts. Pillbot.com will even comparison shop for you. Pharmacies just a few blocks away from your usual one may charge different prices, Your 23 reported. So a few phone calls or a click of the mouse could save a lot of money.
If you do find a better deal at a pharmacy across town, you can ask your pharmacist if he or she will match the price. If they cannot, you can ask them to list the medication on your records so that they have all of your medical information.
Also, some drug companies give doctors free samples of some drugs -- usually their newest and most expensive ones. So the samples may be good in the short term, but if the medication is going to be a long-term therapy, ask your doctor if there is a cheaper alternative -- unless they plan to give you free samples indefinitely, Your 23 advised.
For tips on how you may be able to reduce your costs for prescription medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. For general information on prescription drug costs, you can check out the following Web sites:
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