Shop For The Best Price
Compare prices to find the lowest cost by calling your local pharmacy or by going in person to check their price list. Consider mail order options and online pharmacies when searching for the best price too.
Ask Your Doctor For Samples
As a short term solution ask your doctor for free samples. This is a particularly good idea if you wish to evaluate a new drug prior to committing to it long term. Remember though that samples are not available for all drugs, nor are they available indefinitely.
Consider making your voice heard
Become an advocate and lobby for future change.
Stick With It
When considering what steps to take to help manage your drug costs, persistence and patience are essential. All of the suggestions require determination and effort, but none are quick solutions.
Don't Skip Or Reduce Medications
It's bad news to skip or trim doses of medications for the purpose of budget-cutting. This scheme may actually backfire since your disease can progress during the times you don't take medications as scheduled. The eventuality may be a need for more medications, resulting in increased cost.
Don't Hold Your Doctor Responsible
Bear in mind that your doctor prescribes the best drugs available to treat your specific case. Beyond that, your doctor cannot miraculously prevent difficulties which you may encounter in obtaining the drugs. Work together with your doctor to find solutions which will bring the drugs within your reach.
Source: "Finding A Way - How To Handle Prescription Drug Costs", Arthritis Today magazine, May-June 2000, by Miranda Hitti.
