Ways to reduce prescription costs

Alternative Ways to Discount Prescriptions

Are you one of the millions of Americans searching for options to lower the cost of prescriptions? Discount options abound if you look at all the alternatives.

Prescription drugs play an important role in many people's lives, but if the cost of the drugs is a burden to your bank account, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you really need the prescription? If you've been on a prescription for a while, it might be a good idea to talk with your doctor about why the medicine was originally prescribed and if it's still needed. This is a good conversation starter in the review of your overall health as well.
• Does the drug manufacturer offer a discount prescription program? Some pharmaceutical companies will offer low-income individuals direct discounts on brand name drugs.
• Does the medicine have a generic? Many drugs have a generic counterpart, and are often one-third of the price.
• Is there an over-the-counter alternative? Many drugs that were once popular prescriptions, such as Claritin and Zyrtec, are now sold over the counter at a significant savings.
• Is pill splitting an option? If a medicine is prescribed in a larger dosage, it may be able to be split in two, cutting costs in half. However, pill splitting can be extremely dangerous with certain medications. Be sure to consult your doctor before considering this option.

You can find prescription discounts in a variety of ways. If the options above aren't feasible, you may want to consider a prescription drug discount card that provides immediate discounts on your everyday medicines.