How Your Pharmacist Can Help You Save Money

We all visit our pharmacies often, from grabbing some over the counter medicine for a sore throat to picking up a prescription from our doctor. All these visits certainly stack up! Healthcare can be expensive, and you’ll often find that medication costs can have you dreading that trip to the pharmacy. But the pharmacy can actually be a place for saving money – with the help of your pharmacist, that is.

Many of us simply pick up our needed items and leave without stopping to consult with the pharmacist. But a scheduled consultation or simple conversation when they are free can actually reveal many opportunities to cut costs. Here are some ways that your pharmacist can potentially help you save money!

Switching from name brand to generic

Some prescriptions or general over the counter medication have a popular name-brand that everyone can recognize. You’ll probably reach for these popular brands immediately, but hold on for just a minute. Generic brands can often work just as well as name-brand, as they are required to contain the same active ingredients. You can get the same service at a fraction of the cost by simply switching to the generic brand.

Ask your pharmacist for their recommendations on generic options for your most common medications, or to clarify any questions you have about switching from the name-brand option. You can also ask if they know of any drugs that work just as well but are not as expensive as certain prescription medication.

Offering health screenings at a reduced cost

Stopping by the doctor’s office for a check-up can include reviews of your blood pressure, cholesterol, and a variety of other health issues. But did you know that most pharmacies also offer these health screenings? By taking the initiative to inquire about your health at the pharmacy, you can be saved the cost and long wait associated with a visit to the doctor.

In addition, many pharmacies also sell equipment and medication that can be used to manage and prevent health issues. Personal cuffs for measuring blood pressure and health-building vitamins and supplements are prime examples of preventative health measures. They are often available also at online pharmacies, such as Canada Drugs. Ask your pharmacist about the best products for you! It might mean spending money upfront, but learning about your health will save you time and money in the long run.

Getting you a bulk supply of medication

Did you know that you can sometimes order a bulk order of medication that will be needed for the foreseeable future, such as birth control? This saves you money spent picking up your medication each month, but it can also help save money by buying in bulk instead of over a 3-month period. Ask your pharmacist to help you calculate the costs of 3 months of medication as opposed to a bulk 90 day order and see the difference.

This will not be available for all medications, but certainly for the ones that you will be using consistently for many months. Don’t be afraid to ask your pharmacist and see what options are available for you!

Save Money While Managing Your Health

By consulting with your pharmacist, many ways to save time and money can be revealed to you! Prioritize your health and take steps to get in front of it, and you will be surprised by how effective the results can be. Pharmacists are friendly professionals who are not utilized enough by their customers. Don’t be afraid to ask a question or schedule a consultation – they are happy to meet with you and help on your journey to wellness!