Effective ways to save on prescriptions amid rising drug prices

Duke Beall is frustrated about the increase in drug prices this year. He is retired and on a fixed income.

“When they raise it up $10 or $20, that’s something that I’m not going to go without because I have to have my medicine every month,” said Beall, who takes medication for pain, anxiety and his heart.

Several drug companies raised the prices of hundreds of drugs, according to a study by RX Savings Solutions, which found some prices jumped by 10 percent.

It is not a surprise to Ashley Alvarez, who is a pharmacy technician at San Carlos Pharmacy.

“Drug prices go up about twice a year, usually,” Alvarez said. “Usually at the beginning of the year and the middle of the year.”

She said she sees patients every day who are unable to afford the increasing costs.

“It’s terrible,” Alvarez said. “They don’t take their blood pressure medication, because they can’t afford it.”

Alvarez recommends asking your doctor. He or she might be able to point you toward a generic, which could save you money.

Patients can also ask the pharmacists if the cash price would be less expensive than using co-pay with insurance. It is an option she said many patients do not realize they have because there is nothing that said you have to pay using insurance.

“You don’t want to have to go without food or rent or whatever else you need to do just to buy your medicine,” Alvarez said.