I am often surprised when a parent tells me that the antibiotic that I prescribed is going to cost them over $100. To save money, Pediatricians and parents need to be more mindful of the cost of the medications that are being prescribed and choose less expensive alternatives when possible. By doing a little homework, you can often save a lot of money.
Make sure that your child really needs a prescription
Antibiotics are one of the most used, and overused medications in children and adults. A common excuse used by doctors that overprescribe antibiotics is that they think parents expect it, so be sure to let your Pediatrician know if you don't. Unless your child has a specific bacterial infection, such as a UTI, ear infection or strep throat, etc., ask if the antibiotic is necessary. And remember that a green or yellow runny nose does not automatically mean that your child needs antibiotics.
Ask if you can substitute a generic for the prescription that was written.
Minocin is a commonly used antibiotic used to treat acne in adolescents. A one month supply can cost between $125 and $177 a month. However, Minocycline HCl, the generic version of the drug, only costs about $25 to $27 a month.
Pill Splitting.
One parent recently asked if I could change her son's prescription for Adderall (a stimulant used to treat ADHD) from a single 10mg tablet twice a day (60 10mg tablets per month), which was costing her $89, to 1/2 of a 20mg tablet twice a day (30 20mg tablets per month), which was only $40. Although he would still be getting 10mg of medicine twice a day (1 10mg vs 1/2 20mg tablet), making this change saved her $49 a month and all she would have to do is cut each pill in half, which is easy since Adderall tablets are scored.
Asking your Pediatrician for a higher strength of a medication and giving it at a lower dose is one good way to save money. It doesn't work with all medications though. Another commonly used ADHD medication that it does work for though is Ritalin. 60 10mg tablets given at a dose of 1 pill twice a day costs about $50. An equivalent prescription for 30 20mg tablets given at 1/2 pill twice a day only costs about $27. You can save even more by changing from brand name Ritalin to generic Methylphenidate HCL, which only costs about $14 for 30 20mg tablets.
Three month supply
For medications that are used for prolonged periods of time, such as allergy or asthma medications, get a 3 month supply of medication from a mail order pharmacy, which can save you an additional $10 to $15.
Ask for samples
If you don't have a prescription card and there is no generic available in the medication that is being prescribed, ask if your doctor has samples of the medication. Many doctors are given free samples of commonly used medications by drug representatives.
