How to save money on your prescription medications.
‘œHealth care is a ‘˜luxury good”. ‘“ Charles Wheelan, Ph.D.
Here’s the health care hint of the week: use a pill splitter. This tip and others courtesy of RN Central’s post on how to: Get Better, Cheaper Health Care without Insurance (25 Tips, Tricks and Resources). It’s actually a pretty comprehensive list of ideas and I learned something about doubling up and pill splitting when it comes to medications.
Double up. Medication often comes in a wide variety of dosages to suit the needs of patients, but depending on what you need to take, you may be able to save money by taking more of a lower dosage pills than just one of a higher dosage. While this may not be possible in every case, it’s an option worth checking out if you need to pinch pennies.
Cut it in half. Likewise, some medications are cheaper to buy in higher dosages and split into the smaller dosages you need. Most medications that come in tablet or pill form (not capsules) can easily be split in half. Of course, always make sure to check with your doctor before altering any medication to make sure it’s safe and effective for you.
How do you cut it half? Buy a pill splitter:
An accurate pill cutter or pill splitter has become a necessity for many people who use high-priced prescription drugs to maintain health and want to reduce their monthly expenditure on medicine. Cutting pills is particularly appropriate for several pills due to their flat pricing structure.
On this list are:
- Imitrex
- Proscar
- Propecia
- Finasteride
Lipitor and Viagra have their own special cutters along with its cost savings analysis. So fellas’¦ if you’re using Viagra on regular basis then pill splitting is the money-saving ticket. Cut away!
I use the pill splitter on my Finestaride. I find it’s easier to just sit down and cut all my pills at once that way I have a supply for the month and don’t have to fumble with it before bed.
Many health insurances that have prescription benefit have initiatives to decrease medication costs- like tiered benefits. It often pays to at least trial a lower tiered medication- if it is not as effective or there is some reason why a lower tiered drug can’t be used, you might be able to get the higher tiered drug at lowered tier co-pay price. Contact the prescription benefit department of your health insurer to find out more…