Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (summer 2000)

Many people who rely on prescription medicines are finding that rapidly rising drug costs are a bitter pill to swallow.

The elderly, people with chronic illnesses and those who lack health insurance are especially hard hit by soaring prescription prices that often outpace the rate of inflation.

Some end up skipping their medicine entirely.

Eight percent of the people who responded to a  2001 Health District survey say they delayed filling or were unable to purchase their prescriptions because of the cost. One out of every four people without insurance faced a similar dilemma.

Here are some tips that may help ease the sticker shock from prescription drugs:

There can be a downside to getting your prescriptions filled at multiple pharmacies, however, since none of the pharmacies will have a complete record of all the medications you are taking, making it harder for a pharmacist to spot potentially dangerous drug interactions. It may be wise to find a bargain and then see if your regular pharmacy will match that price.

Generic Drugs
On average, generic drugs are 30 percent cheaper than their brand-name counterparts and contain the same active ingredient.
Many doctors routinely write prescriptions that allow for generic substitutions, while some insurance plans will only cover generics.

Because there may be variations in the manufacturing process, some people may respond differently to a generic drug. In most cases, however, these differences are not serious.

Samples
Doctors commonly give free samples of medications that will only be needed for a short time. Often, samples are also available for newer drugs, or drugs used to manage chronic conditions, so if you expect to eventually purchase the drug on your own, find out if there is a generic version or if it is covered by your plan.

Tablet Splitting
You may be able to literally cut costs by purchasing higher dose tablets and splitting them in two. The medications best suited for this usually are scored—or have an indented dividing line—like the antidepressant Zoloft.

"If it is not scored or if there is not a reasonable way to divide the tablet, then we advise against it," Horejs says. Timed-release and specially coated pills are also not suitable for splitting.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before trying this on your own.

Mail-Order Pharmacies
The Internet is making it easier than ever for people to purchase prescriptions by mail. Mail-order pharmacies offer convenience, privacy and savings. They can't fill a prescription as quickly as your hometown pharmacist, though, so they are often a better option for people who have long-term medication needs. 

As with any Internet transaction, consumers should use caution. Be wary of companies that sell unapproved products or offer to provide medications without a doctor's prescription. Also look for a U.S. address and phone number to contact in case of problems.

Drug Company Assistance Programs
Many pharmaceutical companies operate programs that provide limited supplies of free or discounted medications to people with low incomes. Applying for these programs can sometimes be complicated, and each company has its own set of rules and requirements.

"Most programs ask for some kind of income information, but they may or may not require documentation of income," says Marge Boehner, prescription assistance coordinator for the Health District, which helps low-income district residents prepare their applications.

Remember, your doctor won’t know you have concerns about the cost of a medication unless you tell him or her. If you are still having trouble affording your prescriptions, talk it over with your healthcare provider; there may be other options or resources that will allow you to keep taking your medicine.