There are a variety of factors to consider when purchasing drugs including:

• Convenience
  • The corner drug store may not be the most convenient way for you to purchase drugs. Consider such sources as the internet or big box stores you would be in for other reasons.
• Price
  • Tell your doctor about financial concerns. There may be less expensive alternatives that do the same job.
  • If you shop around, you may save 20-60% of the cost of the drug(s) you need. 
  • There are options available to purchase drugs when you can't afford them.
  • Contrary to our instincts about price, the cost of a drug does not relate to its effectiveness.
• Avoiding error
  • Medication erros can literally be deadly. You can help avoid medication errors, as well as overmedication. 
• Avoiding over-medication
  • Over-medication can lead to unnecessary side effects and extra expense.

NOTE: If a druggist says that a particular drug is not covered by your insurance:

• Ask him or her to contact the insurer to find out why. There may be an error or you may be able to appeal the decision. For instance, there may be a denial because the prescribed use is "off label" (not part of the original use approved by the FDA when it approved the drug for use in the U.S.). Medicare, for instance, covers off label uses if they are mentioned in certain compendia. 
• Is the drug available under a Prescription Assistance Program (PAP)
• If you have Medicare, check to see whether the drug could be covered under Medicare Part A or B.

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