Cost-Effective Options for Filling Prescriptions Online
From 2015 to 2018, almost half of the US population used at least one prescription (Rx) drug. Over 20% of people even took three or more Rx drugs during that period. Some even had to take more than five in a span of 30 days.
However, some people who need medications can’t or don’t take them. Prescription drugs can get very expensive, after all. In fact, 44% of respondents in a 2019 survey said they skipped at least one Rx drug due to its high cost.
Filling prescriptions online is one way to avoid such a practice that can put your health at risk. Below we’ll discuss how the best online pharmacies can fill your Rx for less, so be sure to read on.
Browse and Compare Medication Prices Online
Before you buy cheap prescription medication, be sure to browse drug prices first. That’s because reputable online pharmacies can help you save up to 70% on your Rx meds. That’s the price difference you’re likely to get if you compare them to your local pharmacy’s rates.
Moreover, comparing prices may help you unlock more savings with a best-price guarantee. This is a formal promise that a pharmacy will beat another website’s price with a lower one. With this, you can rest assured you’ll get your medications at the most affordable rates.
If you can’t find information about your Rx meds, you should be able to call the online pharmacy to see if they can source the prescription medication for you.
Buy the Maximum Allowed Quantity for Your Rx Meds
Maintenance medications are drugs prescribed for chronic health conditions, such as diabetes. They are effective, provided patients adhere to and take them as prescribed. This involves the uninterrupted use of the drug at the right dose and at the right time.
Patient adherence is crucial because failure to use a drug as prescribed can lead to its failure. In fact, studies suggest that non-adherence results in even more preventable healthcare costs. In the US, experts estimate such costs to be at least $100 billion a year.
One way such issues can occur is when patients run out of medication supplies. To help you avoid this, consider buying the maximum allowable quantity for your Rx meds.
Let’s say you need to fill a prescription for Glucophage, a type of oral diabetes medication. Since patients usually take this long-term, doctors often prescribe it in higher quantities. In most cases, you can purchase it in quantities of up to 100 tablets at a time.
Doing so also helps you save upfront as many Rx meds cost less when bought in larger quantities. This can also help you save on pharmacy dispensing and shipping fees. After all, you need to pay these charges each time you fill a prescription online.
So, by buying the most you legally can, you can reduce the number of times you need to pay for those fees.
Consider Buying Generic Versions of Your Rx Meds
Generic drugs mimic the efficacy, quality, intended use, and safety of brand-name drugs. They also have the same dosage types, strength, and administration routes. All these similarities make generics work the same way as branded medications.
In addition, generics need to pass rigorous clinical tests before they make it to the market. As such, you can rest easy knowing that generic drugs are safe and effective. What’s more, generics can cost anywhere from 30% to 95% less than their branded predecessors.
To top everything off, you can fill your prescriptions online with generic versions. Let’s use Glucophage as an example; its generic version is metformin. Generic metformin can cost up to about 50% less than Glucophage.
Glucophage is just one example, though, as many other Rx drugs have generic versions, too. For instance, there’s azithromycin (generic for Zithromax), used for ear or throat infections. There’s also atorvastatin (generic for Lipitor), a treatment for high cholesterol.
In any case, many brand-name drugs that have been in the market for over 20 years have a generic version. That’s because pharmaceutical patents run for 20 years. Once the patent expires, drugmakers can then create a generic form of the brand-name drug.
Before switching to generics, though, it’s still best to speak to your doctor to get approval. This way, your physician can update your Rx to specify details about the generics you can take.
Don’t Forget to Look for Cost-Saving Offers
Some reputable online pharmacies have deals that give you free prescription delivery. For example, you may qualify for free shipping if you refer a friend or a family member to their pharmacy.
Be sure to take advantage of such offers, as shipping fees usually cost about $10. So, if you qualify, you won’t have to pay for shipping the next time you refill your Rx with the pharmacy.
What’s more, there’s usually no cap on the number of referrals you can make. So, the more successful referrals you make, the more you can save on shipping costs. Plus, you’re also doing your loved ones a favor, as you’re helping them save on their medication costs, too.
Start Saving by Filling Prescriptions Online
As you can see, filling prescriptions online is a great way to cut costs while keeping your health in check. Just remember to browse prices and to consider generics for the biggest savings. Lastly, make sure you take advantage of referral programs to enjoy free shipping.
Are you ready to place an order for your prescriptions and enjoy substantial savings? If so, then please know that our team here at Maple Leaf Meds is ready to help! Start by browsing our extensive selection of prescription drugs to see how much you can save with us.
