Consumer

3 On Your Side: Prescription Makeover

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― Are your prescription drugs getting too expensive? You might be able to cut some of those costs and cash in on big savings. 3 On Your Side's Jim Donovan has details on how to get a prescription makeover.

Prescription drugs prices seem to be rising every day. Even if you're insured, co-pays can take a bite out of your budget.

Dale Carmass was getting frustrated with his medication costs.

"They were high. When you get a number of drugs, three or four, then it starts to add up," said Carmass.

He was able to cut some of those expenses with the help of his pharmacist.

"It can range from a couple of bucks a month to several hundred dollars a year quite honestly. The potential is there. It's all about finding someone who is willing to take the time," said pharmacist Dan Asti.

That can mean switching from one name brand drug without a generic equivalent, to another name brand drug in the same family that does have a generic equivalent.

For Dale, that meant switching from blood pressure pill Norvasc, that didn't have a generic at that time to Plendil that did have a generic.

"If drug "A" versus drug "B" will do it, the cost between those can be twenty bucks a month," said Asti.

That adds up to $240 a year.

But it's not always that easy. Sometimes it takes more investigating.

Every insurance company has a different list of drugs that are their preferred drugs. It's called their "formulary."

If you buy a drug that's not on their list, it could cost you.

"With one insurance, Nexium might be $15, even $10, with another insurance as high as $45 or $50 or not covered at all. In that instance, you can recommend some alternatives that will work just as good, hopefully just as good I should say, and be at a significantly lower co-pay," said Asti.

"People should at least investigate or explore it," said Carmass.

Also, if you regularly buy an over the counter medication, check to see if there's a prescription medication that might be cheaper.

And some pills can be cut in half. So you might be able to get your prescription in a higher dose and cut it in half which can save you money.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

---