Nothing is gained if patients go to the pharmacy and realize they can't afford the prescription. Schondelmeyer said that consumers can have complete confidence in generic drugs. Ask your doctor to prescribe a drug at a double dose and then split it. Not all pills can be split without compromising their effectiveness, so ask a pharmacist first. Unfortunately, some drug companies are hip to this trick and are switching to capsule formulations, which should not be split.
Most drugs when used at half their prescribed dose have little or no effect.
If a drug worked at half the dose, the doctor would prescribe it that way. Always ask a pharmacist or physician before doing it. Doctors may have samples of some prescriptions, especially the newest and most expensive. It's best to ask for samples for short-term ailments such as infections. Consumer Reports warns that the cost savings may be negated if you're using a new drug long-term.