What If I Still Can't Afford My Medicine?

Other ways to save on your meds:

Options:
1. If you are taking a medication that ends with "XL", "XR", "CD", or "SR"- then you are probably taking a long acting version of your medicine. There is probably a short- acting generic version of your medication available. The trade off would be that you might have to take a pill two or three times a day instead of once or twice a day. IF YOUR DOCTOR THINKS THIS IS APPROPRIATE FOR YOU, it could save you big bucks.(all examples based on prices from Costco on 5/29/09)
Example 1: Rythmol SR 225, #60 tabs (taken twice a day)- $367/month VS propafenone 225 (generic version of Rythmol) #100 tabs (taken three times a day)- $34/month.

2. If you are taking a medication that is a combo pill, consider taking them as two separate meds. If you are not sure if you are taking a combo pill try Googling the name to find out. Usually you can save money by taking the meds separately, even if there is a generic version of your combo med.
Example 2: Generic Lotrel 10/20, #30 tabs - $81/mo VS amlodipine 10 mg, #30 tabs + benazepril 20mg #30 tabs= $8 + $6 = $14/mo.

3. Try to get free meds from the pharmaceutical company that manufactures the medication. I know I have said this before but it bears repeating! Check out NeedyMeds at http://www.needymeds.org/ and see if such a program exists for your medication.

4. Consider using mail order pharmacies. See some of the reader reviews on LesliesList for recommendations.

5. Pill splitting- ask your pharmacist if it is safe to cut your type of medication. Usually coated pills or controlled-release pills and capsules may NOT be cut. However many pills can be and you can save money by getting the stronger dose and cutting it in half. Example 5: Lipitor 20 mg, #30 tabs- $122/monthVS Lipitor 40 mg, #30 tabs- $123 (but lasts for TWO months because you are taking a 1/2 tab per day)- $62/mo