If a generic is not available, there may be a cheaper, similarly acting medication, usually an older, well-established drug, which works as effectively as the latest, pricey prescription. You can sometimes cut costs by asking your doctor to prescribe a drug at double dose so you can divide the tablets at home with a pill splitter. However, not all pills can be split without compromising their effectiveness. And pill splitting can be problematic for people who have difficulty using their hands due to arthritis. Free samples can be helpful if what you need is, say, the latest antibiotic to knock out a serious infection.
Drug companies tend to give physicians samples of the newest, costliest brand-name drugs.
If you need to fill a prescription after the samples run out, you may find that it costs far more than an older drug or a generic that would have worked just as well. Some people may be eligible for sharply discounted prescription drugs through their state government. Once you've checked on your medications and have new prescriptions in hand if needed, it's time to go comparison shopping. And to get the very lowest prices, look beyond your local drugstores to national pharmacies from which you can order by mail or on the Internet. However, many pharmacies are now willing to match the best prices from other sources.