Save 50% on Prescriptions by Buying Larger Does and Cutting Them in Half

A while back I suggested several ways to save on prescription drugs including buying bigger doses and cutting them in half. In the July issue of Business Week, the covered the same topic with the following:

While 30 20-mg tablets of Lipitor might cost $116, 15 40-mg pills can cost just $58.

So, you can get the same dosage for half price. Not bad.

FYI, the article notes that not all pills can be split safely, so ask your doctor or pharmacist before employing this technique.

The article also notes how big the savings can be when large organizations take advantage of them:

U-Mich started a pill-splitting plan for 500 of its employees and retirees last year, saving $195,000 in prescription drug coverage so far. Enrollees have saved a total of $25,000.

So, it's a money saving tip for both enrollees and the university! Seems like a great idea to me.

Comments

[The Digerati Life]

I must admit I hadn't heard of this tip before, and I have a pill cutter! Interesting way to put my cutter to more use....

[GunTrash]

Apologies up front for going a touch OT on this but you mentioned Lipitor, a statin for controlling high cholesterol. Not everyone, but a fair amount of folks could probably reduce use of that drug by changes to lifestyle.

I went from 10 mg a day down to 5 mg (splitting the 10 mg pill) a day by a change in diet. I reduced my total cholesterol count from 210 to 165.

It took a disciplined approach to my diet, but I did it. Cheerios (generic brand) every day and an apple every day plus substituting red meat in my diet with legumes (beans), brown rice and rye bread instead of wheat.

Your mileage may vary, of course.

[Dave]

Gotta ask yourself "why are the dosages so high if I don't need that much".

[Trish]

there is a problem with this idea.
The dr. has to write the Rx instructions as cut table in half. The health insurance company then only allows half the number of tablets for a 30,60,or 90 day supply.
If the Dr. writes the Rx any differently they take the chance of the patient taking the wrong dose.