Saving money is great, but be careful when you skimp on your healthcare. Sometimes, you may get more than you bargained for...
Becoming a savvy shopper is a sure way to get exactly what you want while saving money to boot. But there’s a difference between the savings you realize when buying generic paper towels versus buying generic prescriptions. One may just refuse to soak up your child’s inevitable spills, while the other could be costly to your health.
The $4 prescription craze is everywhere and appears to be growing in popularity. And while it may seem like a good deal, consider the potential danger to your health. Apollon Constantinides, owner and Pharmacist of Lakeside Pharmacy in Cumming says the most important thing to realize is that by spreading around your prescriptions, you are preventing your pharmacists from performing a crucial job – and that is to prevent drug interactions. “Pharmacies are not connected by some huge network,” he says “so if you take prescription A to a big chain offering the $4 generic price, and you take prescription B to your usual pharmacist, there’s no way for either pharmacist to catch a potential problem.”
It also pays to understand that not all generic drugs are the same. When drug companies have a drug go off patent, other companies are then allowed to manufacture the medication, and typically at a lower cost because they don’t have to recoup research costs, etc. In an effort to regain some of that generic business, many drug companies are now marketing their own generic version of the drug. This is considered a “branded” generic and it is the exact same formulation as the name brand medication. Therefore patients are still taking the original medication with the added benefit of enjoying the generic price.
The other form of generics may not be apples to apples with the branded version and often contains ingredients not present in the original medication. This type of generic may also prove to be slightly cheaper than the branded generic version. And when it comes to large chains and discount stores, their generic programs are often based strictly on price, so in many cases they will purchase this cheaper option. Constantinides says in rare cases a patient may have an adverse reaction to a particular binder or filler not present in the branded generic, thus causing potential health risks.
The bottom line says Constantinides is to think smart. If you do plan to shop your prescriptions, he advises that you at least provide your main pharmacist with a list of all medications, whether filled with him or not, in an effort to best protect your health. Check with your local independent Pharmacist. Many times you will be able to talk directly to the owner and you both can customize your healthcare to fit your needs. Constantinides also pointed out that patients may also save money on their medications by having them delivered to their home. With gas prices approaching $4 per gallon, Lakeside Pharmacy’s FREE delivery service is busier than ever.
