Content Overview 
- Overview
- Free Samples From A Doctor Or Other Health Care Provider
- Bulk Purchases Of Drugs You Take For An Extended Period Of Time
- Drug Expiration Dates
- Test Supplies
- How To Shop For The Lowest Drug Price
- Generic (or Sister) Versions Of A Drug
- Lifestyle or Therapeutic Substitutions
- Older Alternatives For A Drug Or Over-The Counter Versions
- Government Programs That Provide Drugs
- Patient Assistance Programs (Manufacturer Free Or Low Cost Drugs)
- Pill Splitting
- Pharmacy Discount Programs
- State Or County Purchasing Groups To Help Residents Save Money
- Drug Discount Cards and Clubs
- Online and Mail Order Sources Of Drugs
- Local Pharmacies Including Hospitals
- Military Benefits
- Clinical Trials
- Outside Of The United States
Drugs: How To Save Money When Buying Or Using
How To Shop For The Lowest Drug Price
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Drug prices are not standardized. In fact, you may be surprised by how different prices can be from different suppliers. The only way to find out about the drugs you take is to compare the various available sources which are described in other sections of this article.
Internet and mail order prices are generally less than local pharmacies -- but not always, so do your homework -- and consider doing it again every 6 months.
Internet prices: One web site which compares online prices is: http://www.pharmacychecker.com/
Local drug store prices:
- GoodRx
coupons are useful at walk-in pharmacies. They are free at either GoodRx.com or via the GoodRx app. At certain pharmacies, you can save up to 80% of the list price of generic drugs. The web site and app also helps you compare prices at local pharmacies. GoodRx was founded by veterans of Facebook and Yahoo.
Big box stores such as Walmart and Target offer drugs at a lower price. They also charge a minimal price such as $4 for a 30 day supply of many generic prescription drugs.
Every six months, it is advisable to repeat the process to compare the total cost for your drugs with other means of purchasing them. A few minutes of phone calls or typing on the computer keyboard can save you a lot of money.
NOTE: If the web sites mentioned above do not include all your options or a drug you are considering, we provide a chart to help make price comparisons. See How To Compare Prices -- A Chart.
P.S. It cannot hurt to ask your local pharmacist for a discount - particularly if you can show you can purchase the medication elsewhere at the lower price. Even if you don't have a price comparison, it 's worth asking - especially if you are a repeat customer.