Protect Yourself When You’re Seeking Better Prices on Prescription Medication

March 27, 2015

Patients are always seeking ways to save money on medications and if they’re not careful they can open themselves up to dishonest vendors selling fake drugs. Learn how to save money safely.

Patients are always seeking ways to save money on medications and if they're not careful they can open themselves up to dishonest vendors selling fake drugs. Websites selling non-FDA approved prescription drugs are ubiquitous online. In fact, the National Association of Board of Pharmacy has found that only 4% of online pharmacies meet United States safety standards.

There are, however, ways to save money safely.

Check that your internet pharmacy of choice is VIPPS certified.

VIPPS, Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site, is a certification of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. VIPPS certification is available for both human and pet medication (Vet-VIPPS).

You can verify that a pharmacy meets American safety regulations entering the pharmacy's URL on the VIPPS verification page or you can search a list of VIPPS certified pharmacies on the NABP website.

Compare prices between different brick and mortar or VIPPS certified internet pharmacies.

Many consumers are not aware that prices for medications differ from pharmacy to pharmacy, city to city, and state to state. WeRX.com, LowestMed.com, and GoodRX.com help patients compare prices among brick and mortar pharmacies in their own neighborhoods and across the country.

Pharmahelper can help you find discount online pharmacies that operate legally and can help you save money safely. Pharmahelper's participating pharmacies all meet standards recognized by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®). Visit www.pharmahelper.com to research drugs, find savings, read drug reviews, and price compare safe VIPPS pharmacies. You can also reach them by phone at 1-917-289-0298.

Look for discounts for your medication.

Switch to a generic, if your doctor or pharmacist feel its safe, which will be cheaper than brand name drugs.

Ask your doctor if she can provide you with drug company samples when she prescribes your medication. Ask your pharmacy about senior discounts or 90-day supply purchasing which may be cheaper. Look for coupons for your medication on NeedyMeds.

Look for assistance programs to help pay for your medicines.

You can enroll in a free drug discount program at NeedyMeds, which provides drug discounts to those without insurance or with restrictive insurance provisions. Read more on the NeedyMeds website to find out about this and other programs to help those in need.

In addition, several free programs help patients find prescription assistance programs:

Download our Safe Savings flyer to keep this information on hand. If you're a medical professional or share it with patients. If you're a consumer, share it with friends and family.

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