Many people have turned to other countries or the Internet for their prescriptions, but there are less drastic measures that can help save money.

First, particularly if you are prescribed a medication to take for only a short period of time, ask your doctor if he or she has any samples available. Representative from pharmaceutical companies often give these to doctors, who are usually happy to pass them along. However, you might have to ask, since doctors are understandably busy during your visit and might not think of it.

If you are taking a particular medication for a longer period of tim and have a prescription drug plan, make sure you understand your benefits thoroughly. Your plan may have a list of preferred medications called a formulary. Drugs from this list are generally cheaper than comparable drugs that aren’t on the list. If you find that your prescribed medication isn’t on the formulary, ask your doctor if a drug on the list might be just as effective.

It also pays to use generic drugs if at all possible. If you’re paying out of pocket, the savings can sometimes be significant. Many prescription drug plans also have a lower co-pay if you use a generic drug. Once again, your doctor can tell if you a generic medicine might be just as effective for your condition.

Many prescription drug plans offer a mail-order program. This can be a convenient, cost-effective source for prescriptions. Often a three-month supply is available for approximately the same cost as a one-month supply obtained from a local pharmacy.

If you do choose to get your prescription from a local pharmacy, it may not always pay to use your insurance. If, for example, your insurance charges $15 for any generic drug and the drug normally costs only $10, ask your pharmacist to process the prescription without your insurance.

Another way to save at a pharmacy is to utilize prescription coupons that often appear in grocery store or mass merchandiser ads in the newspaper. Often they will give you a $10 or even $25 gift certificate to their store if you bring your new or transferred prescription to their pharmacy. Transferring a prescription usually only requires a phone call to the new pharmacy in order to give them the pertinent information.

If affording your medication is still a burden, ask your doctor about programs that pharmaceutical companies offer indigent patients. The doctor’s office often has paperwork that can help you apply for this help.