Medication savings: How to lower your prescription costs

Prescription bills can add up fast. Want practical ways to pay less without risking your health? This page gives simple, real tips you can use today to cut drug costs and keep the medicines you need.

Start by checking if a generic exists. Generics contain the same active ingredient and usually cost much less. For example, tamsulosin is the generic for Flomax and often costs a fraction of the brand-name price. Ask your prescriber to write the prescription as "dispense as written" only when a brand is truly necessary.

Compare pharmacies and use price tools

Prices vary a lot between pharmacies. Use online price-comparison tools or pharmacy apps to see which store has the best price for your exact dose and quantity. Don’t forget independent local pharmacies — they sometimes beat big chains on price or offer free delivery.

Consider mail-order or 90-day supplies for stable, long-term meds. Many insurers and retailers give lower per-pill costs for 90-day fills. If your medicine is stable and your doctor agrees, a 90-day supply can cut both price and trips to the pharmacy.

Use coupons, cards, and assistance programs

Coupon sites and pharmacy discount cards can shave off a lot. Search for manufacturer coupons if you take a brand-name drug — companies often offer savings programs or copay cards. Services like GoodRx (or similar price-comparison coupons) can be worth checking before you pay at the counter.

If a drug is expensive or you have low income, look into patient assistance programs. Many drug makers and nonprofit groups offer help for people who qualify. Your clinic’s social worker or pharmacist can point you to programs for specific meds.

Ask about therapeutic alternatives. Sometimes a cheaper drug in the same class will work just as well. For antibiotics, blood pressure meds, or ED drugs, clinicians often have multiple options. A quick conversation with your prescriber can save you money without losing effectiveness.

Review your insurance options. Formularies change each year. If you refill a costly drug regularly, compare plan options during open enrollment. A plan with a slightly higher premium might save you more if it lowers your drug copays.

Finally, check expiration rules and dosing. Avoid throwing away partially used meds by storing them correctly and checking expiration dates. Never split pills unless your doctor or pharmacist says it’s safe. Splitting can help stretch some prescriptions when dosing allows, but not all tablets are safe to split.

Saving on prescriptions takes a little legwork, but the payoff can be big. Try one or two tips this month — compare prices, ask about generics, and hunt for coupons. Your wallet will notice the difference, and you’ll still get the medicines you need.