Money Saving Tips #1: Cut Prescription Expenses In Half

Prescription medication prices are rising. Do you have chronic medical conditions that require taking many prescription drugs?  Would you like to save money on your medication expenses? If your answer is YES, then please continue reading.  The following is one way that you can cut your prescription expenses in half.

Many prescription medications come in multiple strengths.  But, here is a secret, many of these medications with multiple strengths cost about the same.  The table below includes the costs of a 90-day supply (and costs per tablet) of the various strengths of the popular cholesterol lowering medication, Lipitor (Atorvastatin).

Brand	Chemical Name	Strength	Costs for 90-Days Supply	Costs Per Tablet
Lipitor	atorvastatin	10mg	$168.85	$1.88
		20mg	$208.91	$2.32
		40mg	$223.94	$2.49
		80mg	$223.94	$2.49

Note: Costs for 90-day supply includes $8.60 dispensing fee and are based on Canadian 2010 pharmacy prices

So, from the table above, if your doctor prescribed you Lipitor 40mg once daily for 90 days, then the cost will be $233.94 if you were to fill 40mg tablets.  But, if you ask your pharmacist to fill Lipitor 80mg and take half of a tablet once daily, then your cost will be $111.97.  You will still be taking 40mg per day, but with a significant savings of 50%, or $111.97 in this case.  This means an annual savings of $447.88!  You can put that extra money towards that special something you’ve been saving up for!

Note: There are certain medications that you cannot cut in half such as (1) capsules, (2) extended or controlled release formulations (“CD”, “XL”,”XR”, “XC”, “LA”, “CR” or “SR”) and (3) enteric coated formulations (“EC”).  Please consult with your pharmacist if you can cut your medications.  If possible, invest in a pill cutter that can cut your medications accurately in half.

For more money savings tips, visit consultpharmacist.com!