Are your prescription medications costing you a fortune? The cost of physician issued drugs is rising at an alarming rate, so here are our top 10 tips to save on the cost of your meds. However, if you’re in any doubt about any issue with your medications, always check with your doctor.

1. When you go to the pharmacy to fill your prescription, ask if there is a generic brand equivalent of your drug available. They are usually much cheaper and with hardly any differences.
2. Buy in bulk if possible. If the drug is one you’re going to take long term, you could save a lot of money by purchasing three months supply rather than a month at a time.
3. New drugs may be recommended by your doctor, but if the drug you’re already taking works for you, and is cheaper than the new one, ask if there’s any good reason to change. If not, don’t!
4. With many purchases, it’s good advice to shop around and buying medication is no different. You may also find that buying online saves a lot, but be sure you trust the seller. Use only reputable sellers who are backed by a recognized authority.
5. Sometimes, the strength of a tablet alters its price. For example, a 10mg tablet may be cheaper than a 5mg one, so buy the 10mg and split it in half. This of course only applies to solid tablets; it wouldn’t work for capsules or dissolvable drugs. Always check with your doctor though because your drug may be different.
6. If you can, try buying in Canada or Mexico. You will find that you can save hundreds.
7. Some pharmaceutical companies offer drug assistance programs to people with certain conditions or to those in financial difficulties. Find the website or customer service number of the manufacturer of your drug and ask if you might be eligible.
8. Check if your state offers a drug benefit program through Medicaid. If so, find out what they can do for you.
9. Many drug companies offer free trials of certain drugs and some pharmacies offer coupons toward the cost of some medications also. Checking out the websites of pharmaceutical manufacturers or calling will let you know if you can take part in these trials or free offers.
10. Check the details of your insurance to find out if your drug is listed on their formulary. You could be paying for it yourself but find that the insurance company should be paying for it. If your current provider doesn’t pay for your particular drug, consider changing to one who does.

Finally, never change anything about your meds without checking with your doctor first.