Comments on: The Changing of the Guard: $4 Generic Presciptions at Wal-Mart and Target http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:44:30 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: How to Get Six Pack Fast http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/comment-page-2/#comment-627274 How to Get Six Pack Fast Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:09:29 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/#comment-627274 The style of writing is quite familiar to me. Have you written guest posts for other blogs? The style of writing is quite familiar to me. Have you written guest posts for other blogs?

]]> By: Irina http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/comment-page-2/#comment-371687 Irina Wed, 10 Sep 2008 01:12:19 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/#comment-371687 I know that this discount prescription card (Luscinia Health Discount card) http://www.lusciniahealth.com/card.aspx. works. You can call them and they will quote you the price for your particular medication. Their card program is free to join. Also, if you you are in Florida or have relatives in Florida who are uninsured or under-insured, we have Florida prescription card for under-insured at http://www.FloridaRxCard.com that allows for significant savings. It is a brand new program, I think launched less than a year ago. I know that this discount prescription card (Luscinia Health Discount card) http://www.lusciniahealth.com/card.aspx. works. You can call them and they will quote you the price for your particular medication. Their card program is free to join.

Also, if you you are in Florida or have relatives in Florida who are uninsured or under-insured, we have Florida prescription card for under-insured at http://www.FloridaRxCard.com
that allows for significant savings. It is a brand new program, I think launched less than a year ago.

]]> By: Jason http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/comment-page-2/#comment-185671 Jason Mon, 18 Feb 2008 03:28:17 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/#comment-185671 $4 drugs are spreading further. Just recently, Sweetbay Supermarkets started selling a list of over 400 generics for $4 for 30 days and $10.99 for a 90 days supply. It's available to anyone, with or without insurace. Generic Zocor and Zoloft are on that list. Despite Wal-Mart's increase in pharmacy business, they are making much less on 40% of their prescriptions. On 40% of their drugs, they are making about a $2 gross profit ($4 list) and the other 60% they are making an $11 gross profit. So, this gives them a gross profit in the $7/prescription range, which is about what it costs them to dispense a medication. That means, at this point, the pharmacy component is barely breaking even (not counting OTC's, of course). $4 drugs are spreading further. Just recently, Sweetbay Supermarkets started selling a list of over 400 generics for $4 for 30 days and $10.99 for a 90 days supply. It’s available to anyone, with or without insurace. Generic Zocor and Zoloft are on that list.

Despite Wal-Mart’s increase in pharmacy business, they are making much less on 40% of their prescriptions. On 40% of their drugs, they are making about a $2 gross profit ($4 list) and the other 60% they are making an $11 gross profit. So, this gives them a gross profit in the $7/prescription range, which is about what it costs them to dispense a medication. That means, at this point, the pharmacy component is barely breaking even (not counting OTC’s, of course).

]]> By: lucille http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/comment-page-2/#comment-183515 lucille Fri, 15 Feb 2008 20:06:59 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/#comment-183515 The $4 scripts are a real life saver since we both take quite a few medications. In talking to the pharmacist at our local Target she said that they will price match other local pharmacies. This is potentially helpful if your getting a good deal on something somewhere else so you can still have your rx's all filled at the same place. Another thing to remember if you do have insurance is to really look close at your coverage for prescriptions. We have new insurance and I found that some are actually cheaper at the pharmacy and others are much cheaper mail order. Blue Cross also has a nifty price checker feature that will alert you if a generic equivalent exists. I found out that one of the very expensive drugs (nasocort) we both take has a generic. The generic is actually the generic of Flonase but we have both used that before. So just switching that dropped us from $35 for 90 days to $10 for 90 days. Our retail copay would have been about $50 for 30 days so there can be some huge savings if you look. We also signed up for Target's pharmacy reward program. They issue you a card that is tied to your regular checking account. You use that to swipe at Target and it runs your purchase as an e-check to your bank. For every 10 prescriptions you fill they give you a 10% off everything shopping day coupon. BTW, I take synthroid also. My doctor is very big on not using generics for thyroid. Luckily we can get it fairly cheap due to the relatively lower retail price and our percentage copay. The $4 scripts are a real life saver since we both take quite a few medications. In talking to the pharmacist at our local Target she said that they will price match other local pharmacies. This is potentially helpful if your getting a good deal on something somewhere else so you can still have your rx’s all filled at the same place.
Another thing to remember if you do have insurance is to really look close at your coverage for prescriptions. We have new insurance and I found that some are actually cheaper at the pharmacy and others are much cheaper mail order. Blue Cross also has a nifty price checker feature that will alert you if a generic equivalent exists. I found out that one of the very expensive drugs (nasocort) we both take has a generic. The generic is actually the generic of Flonase but we have both used that before. So just switching that dropped us from $35 for 90 days to $10 for 90 days. Our retail copay would have been about $50 for 30 days so there can be some huge savings if you look.
We also signed up for Target’s pharmacy reward program. They issue you a card that is tied to your regular checking account. You use that to swipe at Target and it runs your purchase as an e-check to your bank. For every 10 prescriptions you fill they give you a 10% off everything shopping day coupon.
BTW, I take synthroid also. My doctor is very big on not using generics for thyroid. Luckily we can get it fairly cheap due to the relatively lower retail price and our percentage copay.

]]> By: DireRed http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/comment-page-2/#comment-181095 DireRed Wed, 13 Feb 2008 18:53:58 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/#comment-181095 Fabulous tip! I've also used a thyroid supplement for over 10 years now, and although I often visit these stores, I didn't know about the $4 deal. Fantastic! I just started new insurance (where the drug coverage wasn't quite as good) and this will make a great difference! Fabulous tip! I’ve also used a thyroid supplement for over 10 years now, and although I often visit these stores, I didn’t know about the $4 deal. Fantastic! I just started new insurance (where the drug coverage wasn’t quite as good) and this will make a great difference!

]]> By: Eldavo http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/comment-page-2/#comment-181001 Eldavo Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:40:10 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/#comment-181001 Ed - Believe me, I've read the plan literature, asked both the insurance company and my company's HR rep because this seemed too good to be true to me and I didn't want to be charged with committing a crime. The way they see it, my doctor would simply be writing a prescription and I would be refilling it no sooner than 30 days at a time. The fact that I would not be taking my medication as prescribed does not constitute fraud. It would just be a matter between me and my doctor. Ed – Believe me, I’ve read the plan literature, asked both the insurance company and my company’s HR rep because this seemed too good to be true to me and I didn’t want to be charged with committing a crime. The way they see it, my doctor would simply be writing a prescription and I would be refilling it no sooner than 30 days at a time. The fact that I would not be taking my medication as prescribed does not constitute fraud. It would just be a matter between me and my doctor.

]]> By: Ed http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/comment-page-2/#comment-180610 Ed Wed, 13 Feb 2008 06:02:06 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/#comment-180610 jlawrence01- Costco doesn't sell ANY prescription cash price for $4. They don't believe in selling items below cost and/or driving the independent pharmacies out of business. They do sell an average of 3 months worth of a med for less than $4/mo though. jlawrence01- Costco doesn’t sell ANY prescription cash price for $4. They don’t believe in selling items below cost and/or driving the independent pharmacies out of business.
They do sell an average of 3 months worth of a med for less than $4/mo though.

]]> By: jlawrence01 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/comment-page-2/#comment-179508 jlawrence01 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 05:58:47 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/#comment-179508 When Costco sells a drug for $4, they are a good corporate citizen. When Walmart does it, they are driving small pharmacies out of business. Not true. For my many prescriptions, WalMart about $600/yr cheaper than the local Costco and this pricing has remained fairly consistent the past three years. When Costco sells a drug for $4, they are a good corporate citizen. When Walmart does it, they are driving small pharmacies out of business. Not true.

For my many prescriptions, WalMart about $600/yr cheaper than the local Costco and this pricing has remained fairly consistent the past three years.

]]> By: Teresa http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/comment-page-2/#comment-179480 Teresa Tue, 12 Feb 2008 04:57:17 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/#comment-179480 Regarding generic Levothyroxine. Check with your insurance company's formulary. Synthroid is the brand name, and my insurance company considers Levoxyl to be a generic of Synthroid, even though Levoxyl is actually a brand name for levothyroxine. Unithroid is also a brand name for levothyroxine, and can be considered a generic for Synthroid. So, for my cancer treatment, I have been advised to use one of the brand name drugs, as long as I am consistant from month to month. With a generic brand, I could be getting a different manufacturer's generic every month, sending my TSH levels on a roller coaster ride. That is one roller coaster I don't want to ride, thank you. My best advice, is actually read the information you get from your insurance company, and discuss with your doctor and pharmacist. Regarding generic Levothyroxine. Check with your insurance company’s formulary. Synthroid is the brand name, and my insurance company considers Levoxyl to be a generic of Synthroid, even though Levoxyl is actually a brand name for levothyroxine. Unithroid is also a brand name for levothyroxine, and can be considered a generic for Synthroid. So, for my cancer treatment, I have been advised to use one of the brand name drugs, as long as I am consistant from month to month.
With a generic brand, I could be getting a different manufacturer’s generic every month, sending my TSH levels on a roller coaster ride. That is one roller coaster I don’t want to ride, thank you.
My best advice, is actually read the information you get from your insurance company, and discuss with your doctor and pharmacist.

]]> By: Ed http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/comment-page-2/#comment-179473 Ed Tue, 12 Feb 2008 04:46:19 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/#comment-179473 Eldavo-the source for the insurance fraud is your own insurance manual. If it states under prescriptions that your insurance pays for a 30 days supply per copay and you take lipitor 10mg once a day #30 is your monthly amount for $XX copay. If you go to your Doctor and say, Doc, this $45 copay for Lipitor is killing me, how about you write the script for 20mg, once a day #30 and but I will only take 1/2 per day just between you and me. That is insurance fraud because you are billing your insurance for #30 as a 30 day supply and actually getting 60 days for one copay. There have been insurance programs that A) FORCE you to get the higher strength and cut them in have to save money, but that is done as 20mg of lipitor #15, still a 30 day supply or B) the insurance has figured out that getting the generic Zocor for two months is less expensive than paying $5 per month for two months. Example 10mg of simvastatin #30 is $5 cash price, but #30 of 20mg is $5.50, so instead of the insured paying $5/month for two months it is less expensive to offer the insured #30 of the 20mg for $5 and a 60 day supply. This is usually only seen with a very cheap generic. This 2nd program may be what you have seen. Eldavo-the source for the insurance fraud is your own insurance manual. If it states under prescriptions that your insurance pays for a 30 days supply per copay and you take lipitor 10mg once a day #30 is your monthly amount for $XX copay.
If you go to your Doctor and say, Doc, this $45 copay for Lipitor is killing me, how about you write the script for 20mg, once a day #30 and but I will only take 1/2 per day just between you and me. That is insurance fraud because you are billing your insurance for #30 as a 30 day supply and actually getting 60 days for one copay.
There have been insurance programs that A) FORCE you to get the higher strength and cut them in have to save money, but that is done as 20mg of lipitor #15, still a 30 day supply or B) the insurance has figured out that getting the generic Zocor for two months is less expensive than paying $5 per month for two months. Example 10mg of simvastatin #30 is $5 cash price, but #30 of 20mg is $5.50, so instead of the insured paying $5/month for two months it is less expensive to offer the insured #30 of the 20mg for $5 and a 60 day supply. This is usually only seen with a very cheap generic. This 2nd program may be what you have seen.

]]> By: Jake http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/comment-page-2/#comment-179446 Jake Tue, 12 Feb 2008 03:43:09 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/#comment-179446 As a pharmacist I have to chime in. Generics have to be equivalent to the brand and in most cases, they are. I would always recommend switching to generic when possible. In fact, in my state, it is the law for the pharamcist to switch any prescription to the generic unless the doctor or patient say otherwise. That being said, changing from Synthroid to generic levo is a little bit different because it involves taking blood levels. If you've had consistent thyroid levels on Synthroid, there may be a difference when switching so you'll just want to monitor your levels more frequently when switching.... As a pharmacist I have to chime in. Generics have to be equivalent to the brand and in most cases, they are. I would always recommend switching to generic when possible. In fact, in my state, it is the law for the pharamcist to switch any prescription to the generic unless the doctor or patient say otherwise.

That being said, changing from Synthroid to generic levo is a little bit different because it involves taking blood levels. If you’ve had consistent thyroid levels on Synthroid, there may be a difference when switching so you’ll just want to monitor your levels more frequently when switching….

]]> By: Barb Minton http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/comment-page-2/#comment-179138 Barb Minton Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:50:23 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/#comment-179138 I've been on both and if your body can handle it,go for it. K Mart offers generics 90 days for $15 which saves me a dollar and I do not have to hassle with Wal-Mart. Their traffic flow situation is the pits.I used to get them by mail for $20;but this is even better. I’ve been on both and if your body can handle it,go for it. K Mart offers generics 90 days for $15 which saves me a dollar and I do not have to hassle with Wal-Mart. Their traffic flow situation is the pits.I used to get them by mail for $20;but this is even better.

]]> By: Barb Minton http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/comment-page-2/#comment-179136 Barb Minton Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:49:43 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/#comment-179136 I've been on both and if yor body can handle it,go for it. KMart offers generics 90 days for $15 which saves me a dollar and I do not have to hassle with Wal=Mart. Their traffic flow situation is the pits.I used to get them by mail for $20;but this is even better. I’ve been on both and if yor body can handle it,go for it. KMart offers generics 90 days for $15 which saves me a dollar and I do not have to hassle with Wal=Mart. Their traffic flow situation is the pits.I used to get them by mail for $20;but this is even better.

]]> By: Aryn http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/comment-page-1/#comment-179013 Aryn Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:55:00 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/#comment-179013 The active ingredients in generics are the same, but the binders and inactive components can be very different. Anyone with food intolerances needs to be very careful with any medication, so check to confirm that a generic is still safe for you. Also, I've personally had bad experiences with some generics - they were effective, but my side effects were amplified significantly. I've also had good experiences with generics. It really depends on the medication. The active ingredients in generics are the same, but the binders and inactive components can be very different. Anyone with food intolerances needs to be very careful with any medication, so check to confirm that a generic is still safe for you. Also, I’ve personally had bad experiences with some generics – they were effective, but my side effects were amplified significantly. I’ve also had good experiences with generics. It really depends on the medication.

]]> By: GHH http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/comment-page-1/#comment-178968 GHH Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:00:32 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/#comment-178968 My wife (mid-50's) has taken synthroid for around 10 years now. When she asked her doctor about using a less expensive generic equivalent, the doctor replied that with most prescriptions generic is ok... but, with hormonal drugs, such as synthroid, she recommended staying with the higher quality (her words) name brand. The dosage took a few months of tweaking and the extra few dollars a month ($8 co-pay for 30) is worth our peace of mind. My wife (mid-50’s) has taken synthroid for around 10 years now. When she asked her doctor about using a less expensive generic equivalent, the doctor replied that with most prescriptions generic is ok… but, with hormonal drugs, such as synthroid, she recommended staying with the higher quality (her words) name brand. The dosage took a few months of tweaking and the extra few dollars a month ($8 co-pay for 30) is worth our peace of mind.

]]> By: Samantha Koutny http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/comment-page-1/#comment-178966 Samantha Koutny Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:55:11 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/#comment-178966 I almost fell out of my chair when I read this. I too have congenital hypothryodism (diagnosed at birth not later in life) and had taken synthroid my whole life but was benefited by a navy father where prescriptions were free. I've met many why have hypothyrodism but not since birth. When I was married and my benefits were gone it was beyond scary to think that I wouldnt be able to get my medicine that I have to have, it's not just a choice. My doctor finally told me about me the generic version of synthroid and i have to admit I was a bit of a label snob and didn't want to do it but I had to. Theres absolutely no difference! Best thing is it keeps going down on prices. After my pregnancy I plan to go to Kmart who is starting to give 3 month supplies for $15 of generic versions rather than one month at a time for maybe $4. When you take medicine you have to have your whole life you try to stop going to the pharmacy. Thanks Trent for making yourself personable to me. I almost fell out of my chair when I read this. I too have congenital hypothryodism (diagnosed at birth not later in life) and had taken synthroid my whole life but was benefited by a navy father where prescriptions were free. I’ve met many why have hypothyrodism but not since birth. When I was married and my benefits were gone it was beyond scary to think that I wouldnt be able to get my medicine that I have to have, it’s not just a choice. My doctor finally told me about me the generic version of synthroid and i have to admit I was a bit of a label snob and didn’t want to do it but I had to. Theres absolutely no difference! Best thing is it keeps going down on prices. After my pregnancy I plan to go to Kmart who is starting to give 3 month supplies for $15 of generic versions rather than one month at a time for maybe $4. When you take medicine you have to have your whole life you try to stop going to the pharmacy. Thanks Trent for making yourself personable to me.

]]> By: daydreamr http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/comment-page-1/#comment-178914 daydreamr Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:25:45 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/#comment-178914 One thing a lot of people don't realize is that if you are low-income and have no insurance, drug companies will often give you medications for free. You can ask your doctor about these programs or look it up on the manufacturer's web site. Of course the dr. has to fill out paperwork but they often send you a free 3 month supply. I was getting Klonopin thru this program but when I got insurance, I was switched to the generic form. I found that there is a HUGE difference between name brand and generic Klonopin. Since getting the name brand approved was too much BS, I had to switch to a less effective med that didn't have the side effects of the generic. Also, (at least in my state), the pharmacists is required to dispense the generic equivalent if it is available. This has screwed me up before when being prescribed a "combination" med. They have dispensed a drug that only had 1 of the ingredients and got away with it (generic equivalent). One thing a lot of people don’t realize is that if you are low-income and have no insurance, drug companies will often give you medications for free. You can ask your doctor about these programs or look it up on the manufacturer’s web site. Of course the dr. has to fill out paperwork but they often send you a free 3 month supply.

I was getting Klonopin thru this program but when I got insurance, I was switched to the generic form. I found that there is a HUGE difference between name brand and generic Klonopin. Since getting the name brand approved was too much BS, I had to switch to a less effective med that didn’t have the side effects of the generic.

Also, (at least in my state), the pharmacists is required to dispense the generic equivalent if it is available. This has screwed me up before when being prescribed a “combination” med. They have dispensed a drug that only had 1 of the ingredients and got away with it (generic equivalent).

]]> By: Tim http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/comment-page-1/#comment-178903 Tim Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:05:55 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/#comment-178903 My wife takes Synthroid. We asked the doc about generics and he advised against it, on the grounds that generics, while required to be the same ingredients in the same propotions as the brand names, are only required by FDA regs to be within 80-125% bioequivalent. Brand names, by contrast are required to be within Meaning that you can get one generic scrip filled that is 80% equivalent to the brand name, and when you go back for your refill, if the pharmacy has changed the generic they're filling your scrip with, you could get one with 125% potency of the brand name. That's a HUGE difference when you're talking about drugs that affect the levels of hormones in your system. I think that for many medications, cough medicines, antibiotics, pain killers, the generic options are fine, and will likely work just as well, but when it's your brain chemistry or your body's hormonal balances on the line, I wouldn't chance it. Those are areas where you need to be confident that the treatment will be consistent over time. So my wife will stick to brand name Synthroid for her hypothyroidism, but we'll continue to buy generic ibuprofen and cough medicine for the house. Good article, Trent. Keep up the interesting work. My wife takes Synthroid. We asked the doc about generics and he advised against it, on the grounds that generics, while required to be the same ingredients in the same propotions as the brand names, are only required by FDA regs to be within 80-125% bioequivalent. Brand names, by contrast are required to be within

Meaning that you can get one generic scrip filled that is 80% equivalent to the brand name, and when you go back for your refill, if the pharmacy has changed the generic they’re filling your scrip with, you could get one with 125% potency of the brand name. That’s a HUGE difference when you’re talking about drugs that affect the levels of hormones in your system.

I think that for many medications, cough medicines, antibiotics, pain killers, the generic options are fine, and will likely work just as well, but when it’s your brain chemistry or your body’s hormonal balances on the line, I wouldn’t chance it. Those are areas where you need to be confident that the treatment will be consistent over time.

So my wife will stick to brand name Synthroid for her hypothyroidism, but we’ll continue to buy generic ibuprofen and cough medicine for the house.

Good article, Trent. Keep up the interesting work.

]]> By: How to Achieve Your Goals By Surrounding Yourself with Like Minded People » Money Smart Life http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/comment-page-1/#comment-178842 How to Achieve Your Goals By Surrounding Yourself with Like Minded People » Money Smart Life Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:31:25 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/#comment-178842 [...] you’re looking for information on saving money on prescriptions, living within your means, or strategies to reduce your health insurance costs you can [...] [...] you’re looking for information on saving money on prescriptions, living within your means, or strategies to reduce your health insurance costs you can [...]

]]> By: JE http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/comment-page-1/#comment-178834 JE Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:25:23 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/02/10/the-changing-of-the-guard-4-generic-presciptions-at-wal-mart-and-target/#comment-178834 One thing that may seem obvious, but I sure didn't realize for years: make sure that your insurance co-pay is actually cheaper than just paying for the drugs straight out. I obligingly handed over my insurance info at Target and was automatically billed for the co-pay every time I filled a prescription. It wasn't until I was on vacation and had no insurance info on me that I paid for my medication straight out and discovered that it was far less than the co-pay I'd been paying for years. The poor woman at the pharmacy counter at Target got an earful when I got home and asked only to discover that it was less expensive there, too! @Judy Gallegos - Like someone said before, you have to be carefully monitored when switching thyroid meds. It may not be that you can't take the generic; it may be that you need a different dosage for the generic (my dosage is different for Synthroid and the generic, and I feel fine on the generic now that the dosage is correct). One thing that may seem obvious, but I sure didn’t realize for years: make sure that your insurance co-pay is actually cheaper than just paying for the drugs straight out. I obligingly handed over my insurance info at Target and was automatically billed for the co-pay every time I filled a prescription. It wasn’t until I was on vacation and had no insurance info on me that I paid for my medication straight out and discovered that it was far less than the co-pay I’d been paying for years. The poor woman at the pharmacy counter at Target got an earful when I got home and asked only to discover that it was less expensive there, too!

@Judy Gallegos – Like someone said before, you have to be carefully monitored when switching thyroid meds. It may not be that you can’t take the generic; it may be that you need a different dosage for the generic (my dosage is different for Synthroid and the generic, and I feel fine on the generic now that the dosage is correct).

]]>