Save on Prescriptions

There are numerous ways U.S. residents can save on the high costs of prescription drugs. Fortunately, we seem to be the only ones who are plagued with the exorbitant expense connected with the use of proper medication. Sadly, because of this, many Yanks with low and/or fixed incomes forego medications through lack of funds.

There are some ways to cut costs:

· Several drug companies, such as GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer, offer a discount drug card to those who qualify with proof of low income. These cards will save you up to 25% on the drugs manufactured by the company issuing the card. "Low income" is not the same with both companies so it's wise to check out each one.

· If you live near our northern or southern borders, you can shop across the line and purchase your drugs in Canada or Mexico; or if you travel, other foreign countries sell drugs over the counter that require a prescription in the States.

o In Mexico you should take your old pill containers to be filled. They don't really bother with prescriptions but need the information on your labels. Also coming back across the border is a simple process if you have the new pills in your old bottles.

o Canada will work from prescriptions.

o There may be an element of risk. Many say you might not get the medication you ask for, other detractors insist we shouldn't use anything that's not FDA approved. That's a decision for each of us to make. I've purchased prescription medicines in Mexico and also in Europe and receive the same benefits with no side effects.

· Prescriptions can be ordered online from Canada. There's been some publicity recently about this and the same detractors (one begins to suspect they're associated with American drug companies) sound warnings about the quality of medication and the lack of FDA approval. However, the drugs are less costly and it's interesting to note the government hasn't tried to make the practice unavailable. That's not an endorsement; more that Big Brother's looking the other way because he knows the price of drugs in the U.S. is often too costly for many of our citizens, especially the elderly.

Among the online Candian pharmacies are HealthMed, The Canadian Drug Store, Medi Plan Pharmacy and Canada's Internet Pharmacy.

· Another way to curb the price is by pill splitting. For instance, if you only need a 10 mg pill but they come in 20 mgs, quite often the higher dosage is not twice the price. It's possible you may be able to split the pill itself; in fact, some pills are scored for easier cutting. There are also pill splitters sold at dug stores if you want a no mess cut each time. Ask your doctor if he'll prescribe the double dosage, assuming the medication comes that way, and if it's okay to cut the pill itself.

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