Prescription drugs can be very expensive, especially if you don't have insurance. Fortunately, there are many ways you can reduce the price you pay for the medications you or your family members need.

Generic vs. Brand
Brand-name drugs are expensive. Generics are generally much cheaper. If you have been prescribed a brand-name drug, ask your doctor if there is a generic equivalent available that you could be prescribed instead. Generic drugs approved by the FDA often have the same dosages, strengths, forms, quality, performance, and intended uses as their brand-name equivalents. On GoodRx.com, we list both brand name drugs and generic equivalents.

Split a higher dosage pill

Always check with your doctor first to see if splitting higher dosage pills is a safe option for you.

For many drugs, an increase in dosage does not result in a corresponding increase in price. Many consumers ask their doctors to prescribe a higher dosage and then they simply split the pills in half to take the appropriate amount per day.

In example, if you need to take one 250mg tablet per day, your doctor may be able to prescribe you 500mg tablets and you would then take half a tablet (250mg) per day. 

Mail Order vs. Retail
Mail-order pharmacies are often cheaper than retail pharmacies. This is particularly true if you have insurance — your co-pays may be lower if you order a 90-day supply through your insurance company.

However, you can also save by paying out of pocket and ordering online from sites like Mailmyprescriptions.com or your local pharmacy’s home delivery service. If you have a GoodRx Gold membership that is linked in the GoodRx mobile app, you have access to GoodRx Gold Mail Delivery!

Using GoodRx Gold Mail Delivery, you can order your prescriptions from the comfort and safety of home via the GoodRx mobile app. If free mail delivery is an option for your medication, you will see Gold Mail Delivery on that drug’s price page in the GoodRx app.

Ask the pharmacist
Some pharmacies have price-matching programs, but not all of them advertise it. Many pharmacies will negotiate on prices if you ask.

Discount Coupons
These coupons can reduce your cost up to 75% from the walk-in cash price. Most U.S. pharmacies accept these coupons.

Manufacturer Coupons
Many brand-name drug manufacturers offer coupons (sometimes called co-pay cards) to offset the high cost of their drugs. GoodRx lists virtually all of these. Learn how to search for brand-name drugs on our site.

Pharmacy Discount Programs
Many major pharmacies offer a limited list of discounted generic drugs. In addition, some pharmacies offer additional discounts when you join a free or paid membership program.

GoodRx Gold
Our premium membership program GoodRx Gold allows you to find even better discounts and coupons than our regular free search resource. Try GoodRx Gold free for one month.