7 ways to save money on prescription drugs in Southwest Florida

1. Ask your doctor about costs and see if there is a less expensive alternative...they are sensitive to your financial concerns.

2. Check the 10 pills that are "approved" for splitting (see list below)

If you qualify as low income, then there are programs to assist you...click guidelines to see income level guidelines

3. For patients under 55, check with the Community Medical Clinic at Sarasota Memorial Hospital

4. For patients 55 and over, check with the Senior Friendship Center

5. For Specific single drugs, check with the manufacturer for a discount program (ie Pfizer, Glaxo, Merck, etc)

6. Consider Mail Order programs where certain name brand drugs are available at considerable discount to US pharmacies because of Government purchasing and the devaluation of the Canadian dollar. Some of these particular programs are backed by AARP and most recently United Healthcare. Although controversial, some of these programs are very popular and can save on some drugs as much as 89%.

7. Order quantities in economy packaging. Most drugs are cheaper per unit when purchased in larger quantities and in numbers consistent with how they are packaged. For example, many are packaged in bottles of 100, so buy in multiples of 100.

I didn't mention generics, but agree that some drugs by off-brand manufacturers are probably adequate. The chemical makeup is comparable usually, but the dosage can vary more than name brands. Also additives or consistency may vary. Generics have a higher profit margin for the pharmacies, but can be significantly less expensive.

10 tablets "approved" for splitting

*consider a prescription for a higher dosage and then cutting pill into equal portions

Cardura 1,2,4 mg

Lipitor 10,20,40,80 mg

Pravachol 10,20,40 mg

Celexa 20,40 mg

Zoloft 25,50,100 mg

Paxil 10,20,40 mg

Zestril/ Prinivil 5,10,20 mg

Serzone 100,150,200 mg

Zyprexa 2.5,5,7.5,10 mg

Viagra 50,100 mg