Like most things in health care, shopping for prescription medications is often insurance driven. It is advisable to fill all prescriptions at the same pharmacy so you have an accurate list of your current and past medications. An accurate medication list allows your pharmacist to check for possibly harmful drug interactions which may occur during cancer treatment.
When considering a pharmacy, the following questions are important:
- Does your health insurance dictate where prescriptions can be filled?
- Does the pharmacy maintain patient records and check for contraindications (drug interactions)?
- Is the pharmacy convenient during cancer treatment?
- Will the employees take time to answer medication questions?
- Are licensed pharmacists helpful and available?
- Does the pharmacy have 24-hour service ?
Retail Pharmacies
It pays to shop retail pharmacies for prescriptions:
- Many retail pharmacies may charge a $10 flat fee or less for a 90 day supply of common generic medications. However, prices can vary widely for less common drugs.
- Some retail pharmacies offer discount cards. Ask!
- Chain pharmacies may have lower prices than independent pharmacies. However, they are usually busier so you will wait longer. The pharmacist may not be able to spend as much time with you.
- The busiest times at chain pharmacies are when first open, during lunch hour and from 3:30 -7:30 pm.
- Drug costs can vary significantly from one pharmacy to another. Always check: Costco, Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, CVS, Walgreens and local independents.
- The American Automobile Association (AAA) and AARP membership cards will often provide discounts at pharmacies.
The following helpful websites have price comparisons and drug information but it always pays to call around to check prices:
Destination RX allows comparison of drug prices at thousands of pharmacies.
Drugs.com provides comprehensive information on side effects, dosage, drug interactions, pill identification, etc.
Mail Order Pharmacies
Some insurance companies and some patients choose to use mail order pharmacies for prescriptions. The actual prescription is sent to the mail order pharmacy and may take about a week to arrive at the patient’s home. Mail order is best used for long-term medications which treat chronic problems such as hypothyroidism or high blood pressure. Short-term medications used during cancer treatment like anti nausea pills are best bought at a local pharmacy.
Internet or Online Pharmacies
Online pharmacies are expanding rapidly. Some are legitimate but many are fraudulent. When using an online pharmacy, consider the following:
- Is the pharmacy state-licensed and located in the United States? A state licensing board can give you this information. A list of state boards of pharmacy are available on the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
- The NABP has a list of pharmacies that are licensed to sell medicines on the internet. Web sites which display the seal of this program have been checked to make sure they meet state and federal rules. They also display the VIPPS seal: Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites
- Does the online pharmacy have a licensed pharmacist to answer questions?
- Does the pharmacy require a prescription from your doctor or health care provider who is US licensed to write prescriptions?
- Is there a person you can speak to if you have problems?
- Is your privacy protected?
Problems with Unlicensed Online Pharmacies
Medications may be:
- outdated or expired
- fake
- the wrong dose
- not approved by the FDA and/or do not meet safety standards
- unsafe to use with other medicines you take
- labeled, stored or shipped incorrectly.
Always consult with your doctor before taking a medicine for the first time. Take only medicines which are prescribed. Avoid any website that claims a health care provider can fill a prescription without seeing you.
For more comprehensive information, go to:
US Dept of Health and Human Services, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
for taking and tracking medicines safely. Call: 1-888-INFO-FDA.
US Food and Drug Administration Buying Medicine and Medical Products over the Internet
