Some prescription drugs are not covered by health insurance, so shop around for the drug store with the lowest prices, and then stay with it. The pharmacist will come to know the care receiver's condition and can advise you about problems that might come up. Managed care plans are permitted to change doctor's orders by giving you a similar version that is cheaper. Do not try cutting drug costs without talking to you doctor about it first.
- Find out the highest allowable charge for a particular drug.
- Ask what over-the-counter drugs the pharmacist suggests for the person's condition (it may be necessary to take more of the drug if it is over-the-counter).
- Ask if the insurance company will pay for the drug the doctor prescribed.
- Ask if the doctor will be called to approve the switch to another drug.
- Find out what generic drug can be used instead of the prescription drug.
- Ask if the generic drug can cause side effects and when the doctor should be called about them.
- Ask if using more than one drug can cause unsafe drug interactions.
- Ask the pharmacist about a pill cutter for medications that need to be split in half.
- Ask if the pharmacy's computer will alert the pharmacist about drug-interactions or side effects before the prescription is filled.
- Find out the risks of not taking the medicine.
- Find out the risks of not finishing the prescription.
- If you are caring for someone who will be taking several medications on his or her own, find a drug store that has easy-to-use packaging.
- Ask if the medicine can be put in a large easy-to-open container with a label in large print.
- Ask if an overdose of the medicine is dangerous.
- Ask if the person can drink alcohol or smoke while taking the medication.
- Ask if the medicine must be taken with a meal, with water or milk, etc.
- When the person needs many expensive drugs, find out if you can get a discount or work out a payment plan.
