Categories: Health

How I save 75% on prescription drugs

Michael Timmermann | August 29th, 2019

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When I was reviewing my monthly budget recently, I initially thought that I was doing everything that I could to keep my prescription drug costs as low as possible.

By using a discount prescription app (and taking a generic drug), I already save lots of money.

How tablet splitting can save big money

However, I recently learned from a friend that I could get a higher dose of the drug I take and split the pill into quarters to save 75% on my medication.

So I got the OK from my doctor and headed to the pharmacy to fill my new prescription.

Doctors say that most pills can only be split in half, not into quarters like mine, but you’re going to want to buy a pill splitter either way for a precise cut.

I picked up this one at Walmart for less than a dollar:

Once I got home, I spent about three minutes splitting 30 pills into quarters, which means I ended up with a total of 120 pills. I later read that it’s best to split only one pill at a time.

The bottom line is that with a simple phone call to my doctor’s office, I got a new prescription that’s helping me save more than $120 a year.

BEFORE: $13.16 for a 30-day supply x 12 = $157.92

AFTER: $12.10 for a 120-day supply x 3 = $36.30

The practice of pill splitting has worked out great for me, but it’s important to check with your doctor because not all pills can be split safely.

On its website, the Food and Drug Administration has this to say about it:

“At some point your healthcare or managed care company may have recommended tablet splitting for reasons such as to adjust the dosing of your medication or to reduce costs. In such cases, it is your healthcare professional’s responsibility to monitor the impact of risks associated with the practice of tablet splitting. You should always talk to your healthcare professional before splitting a tablet and not be afraid to ask him or her questions if you are considering splitting tablets.”

Even without pill splitting, you can reduce your prescription drug costs by using apps like GoodRx or RxSaver by RetailMeNot. Both free services will help you find discounts at nearby pharmacies.