Home, natural and herbal remedies are usually a great choice but, there are times that we have to take prescriptions for some conditions or ailments for a time. When your health-care provider has recommended that a prescription is necessary below are a few tips that will help save your time, money, stress and just make it easier for you!
- Filling a prescription sounds simple on the surface, but if you’ve ever waited on the phone to speak to your doctor, or waited in line because the pharmacy is way behind on filling prescriptions, you know it’s anything but.
- Add to that the fact that prescription medication can cost a small fortune, and it’s easy to see why so many patients are frustrated with their pharmacist.
You don’t have to be one of those people!
Here are a few things your pharmacist wants you to know so you can get the most out of your prescriptions
1. You Don’t Have to Pay Full Price
First, you have to understand that the pharmacist doesn’t set the prices on your medication. The drug companies do. If you’re outraged at the price on the bottle, don’t take it out on your pharmacist.
Second, you don’t have to pay full price for all of your medications. You may be able to find discounts online. A generic could save you a lot of money too.
You should also look into state and local subsidy programs that can make prescription costs more affordable for people of all ages. You may even be able to contact the drug manufacturer directly. They sometimes have special programs that are designed to make their drugs more affordable.
2. The Expiration Date on the Bottle Doesn’t Necessarily Mean It Has to Be Thrown Out
It’s important for medication to have an expiration date, but it’s not important for the reason you think. It’s a way for the drug companies to ensure effectiveness and protect themselves against litigation. It rarely has anything to do with the fact that the medicine is no longer safe to take.
As a matter of fact, many drugs are just as effective years or even decades after their expiration date! If that bottle just expired, there really isn’t any reason to toss the bottle and buy a new one.
3. Plan Ahead When It’s Time to Refill a Prescription
In a perfect world, you would be able to refill your prescription and pick it up immediately. Unfortunately, this isn’t a perfect world. Filling a prescription takes a little finesse.
- Call in a prescription in the early morning or early afternoon when everyone’s just getting in or returning from lunch.
- Consider refilling your prescription online. You won’t have to wait on hold, and you can refill your prescription 24/7.
- Don’t wait until you’re out of medicine to order refills. Call your refill in a couple of days before it’s due to give your doctor and the pharmacy time to fill it.
- You may be able to fill your prescription a day or two before it’s due. It doesn’t hurt to ask the pharmacist. Just don’t be mad if they say no. Some drugs are highly regulated.
Filling a prescription doesn’t have to cause you any unnecessary headaches. When you follow these tips, picking up your prescription will be as easy as picking up a gallon of milk!
