Prescription Refills

Prescription Medication

Prescription medications are the cornerstone of many treatments for both acute and chronic conditions.  Although some medication, like antibiotics, is meant to be taken over a short duration, others will be needed on an on-going basis.  This means that you will need to refill your prescriptions frequently to ensure that your supply does not run out. 

Most medications are given in either 30 or 90-day quantities.  You can check your dosage and other valuable information by reading the bottle your prescription came in.  The label from the pharmacy will tell you how often to take the medication, how many refills you have available and any special warnings you must heed when taking that drug.  

Filling a prescription is usually quite simple.  Your doctor will either write a prescription for you to bring to the pharmacy or call in the prescription over the phone.  Once the medication has been prepared, you can pick it up from the pharmacist.  To refill that prescription, you can simply return the empty bottle to your pharmacy.  The pharmacist will refill it and provide you with an updated label indicating how many refills are left. 

Prescription drugs can get expensive, and they are not always covered by all insurance plans.  Fortunately, there are a few ways to save money on your medications.  The first is to ask for a generic drug rather than a name brand whenever possible.  These generic medications have the same chemical formula as the name brand but cost significantly less.  Your doctor will be able to advise you on whether a generic option is available and will write the prescription accordingly. 

You can also save money by carefully considering where to fill your prescriptions.  While many clinics have their own pharmacies, you can sometimes get a better rate by going to another store.  Independently owned pharmacies and those affiliated with major chains, like Walgreens and Rite-Aid, can both provide you with potential discounts.  Some discount retailers like Wal-Mart also offer prescriptions.

Finally, there are some prescription drug clubs you can join that will reduce the cost of your refills.  These clubs work based on an annual membership fee.  Once the fee is paid, you will be able to fill all of your prescriptions at a predetermined price.  This can result in ample savings if you have multiple prescriptions to fill. 

If finances are a concern, be sure to discuss your situation with your doctor.  He may be able to alter your drug therapy in a way that will be equally as effective without a high price.  Just be sure not to stop taking any medications or make any substitutions without consulting with your physician.