Small steps can save you money at the pharmacy

August 4, 2010

By Charlie Culpepper Lake Oconee Breeze Lake Oconee Breeze Wed Aug 04, 2010, 08:00 AM EDT

LAKE OCONEE — There are some things you can do as a consumer that will make a big difference in how much money you spend at the pharmacy. While you are still at your doctor's office, ask questions about what your physician is prescribing for you. If it is a new drug, ask if they have samples. Often when a new drug comes out, the manufacturer will provide samples so that patients can try it. If they don't have samples, ask if they have any discount coupons. These coupons will not only save you money if you are paying full price, but often will reduce your copayment if you have insurance.

If your doctor has no samples or coupons, ask if there is a generic version of the drug. If no generic substitution is available, ask if there is a similar drug in the same class that is available in generic. The difference between the copay for a brand name and generic drug is often substantial.

Always ask your doctor if there is an over the counter product that would successfully treat your condition. For example, getting a prescription for a pain pill is very common. Depending on the severity of your pain, you may be able to take an over the counter pain pill for less cost! If you are prescribed a cold medication, always ask your Doctor if there is an alternative over the counter product that would work just as well.

You've heard it before, and it's true: there are many benefits to getting all your prescriptions filled at one pharmacy. Why? Because your pharmacy can screen for drug interactions with other medicines you may be taking, and, over time, you can build a relationship with the pharmacy staff and feel comfortable asking them about over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and anything else that may affect the prescriptions you take.

TenderCare Pharmacy recently added a Quality Dispensing Machine which will enhance pharmacy productivity and efficiency while freeing up the pharmacy staff to focus on medication therapy, counseling and other patient services. The state of the art Quality Dispensing Machine displays patient, drug and prescription information as well as a full-color image of the drug. It simultaneously counts multiple drugs and pre-counts minimum quantities so they are ready for dispensing. TenderCare Pharmacy is located at 803 South Main Street in Greensboro.

— Charlie Culpepper is a pharmacist with TenderCare Pharmacy.

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