Sentry Page Protection
Tip Store: Health: Chemists
Shop Around to Save On Prescription Costs
My tip is to shop around with prescriptions as the price between different chemists for prescriptions is huge. I went to National Pharmacy to get a quote on two scripts and the price was $40.00. After saying no thank you I went to Good Price Pharmacy and the price there was $10.40 for both. Please take note that I do not have private cover or a health care card so with a savings of $29.60 this is huge. Also please be aware these are prescription only medicines and not over the counter ones.
Contributed by Maria Knott
Contributed by Maria Knott
Medicine Cabinet Inventory Saves Hundreds of Dollars
Last night, I could feel the inklings of a headache coming on, so I decided to reach for the Panadol before it took hold. When I pulled down the medicine box out of the cupboard, I decided I should check out the expiry date of the things in there and declutter all the old unused items whilst I was at it. To my horror, there were medicines in there which had expired as far back as 2007! There were unfinished prescription medicines that had been there for so long I didn't even know what they had been taken for in the first place. There were even quite a few medications which I had duplicates of, and they were all past their expiry date. As I started tossing these medicines into the bin, I thought about how much money had been wasted, buying unnecessary medicines, some of which had cost over $40! There was literally hundreds of dollars worth of now useless medicines clogging up my cupboard. I decided to write up a list of all the medications which we were left with and their expiry dates. I wrote this list into the notebook which I carry around with me in the nappy bag. This way, whenever we go to the doctors and are told to buy 'such and such', I can check the list before I head to the chemist and hand over my cash, and see whether we already have that medication at home. This list will also ensure that I can keep track of which staple medications (such as Nurofen, Panadol, Infant Panadol etc) are about to go out of date and need to be replaced. There is nothing worse than having a sick child in need of Panadol at 10pm on a Sunday night when there is no chemist open! So as you can see, taking 10 minutes to check the medicine cupboard at home will not only benefit your health, but also your bank balance!
Contributed by Kelly, Hoppers Crossing, 22nd April 2010
Contributed by Kelly, Hoppers Crossing, 22nd April 2010
Warehouse Prices for Prescriptions
Approximate $ Savings: $100 +
Before filling your next prescription check out the Chemist Warehouse website for prices, I did and I saved $8.20 on the same generic medication that I usually get from my local chemist, you can either go direct to the chemist (which I did) or purchase on the Internet.
Contributed by Christine, Ferntree Gully, 28th May 2009
Before filling your next prescription check out the Chemist Warehouse website for prices, I did and I saved $8.20 on the same generic medication that I usually get from my local chemist, you can either go direct to the chemist (which I did) or purchase on the Internet.
Contributed by Christine, Ferntree Gully, 28th May 2009
Keeping Medications Straight
If you take medications and travel, take an extra watch and keep it always set on home time. You'll never have to wonder when to take your medicine.
Contributed by Julie, Vancouver, 21st April 2009
Contributed by Julie, Vancouver, 21st April 2009
Generic Medicines Just as Good as Branded
I always buy generic medication with complete trust after doing a pharmacy assistant course 3 years ago, i learnt that generic medicines have precisely the same active ingredients of the more expensive brands, sometimes commissioned to be made by the companies that make the original
Contributed by Antoinette, Lysterfield, 27th February 2009
Contributed by Antoinette, Lysterfield, 27th February 2009
Over the Counter or on a Script, Choose the Cheapest Option
Approximate $ Savings: $3 on a $12 tube of cream
Next time you have to get a prescription - check with the pharmacist if the medicine is available over the counter - it is cheaper than with a script! I had a hydro-cortisone cream prescription to fill, and by asking the pharmacist, found it was available and $3 per tube cheaper to buy it over the counter. ($12 with a script, v $9 over the counter). Obviously a lot of scripts are not available over the counter, but it pays to ask!
Contributed by Kerrie, Lambton, 31st July 2009
Next time you have to get a prescription - check with the pharmacist if the medicine is available over the counter - it is cheaper than with a script! I had a hydro-cortisone cream prescription to fill, and by asking the pharmacist, found it was available and $3 per tube cheaper to buy it over the counter. ($12 with a script, v $9 over the counter). Obviously a lot of scripts are not available over the counter, but it pays to ask!
Contributed by Kerrie, Lambton, 31st July 2009
Double Dose Halves the Cost
My doctor saves me heaps! I am on regular medication and he suggested prescribing double the dose tablets - i.e. 20 mg instead of 10 mg - so that I can break them in half - thereby when I get a script made up, I only pay for the lower dose tablets, but as I break them in half, they last twice as long!! 0bviously only works for long term medication and not for capsules!
Contributed by Ann, West Pennant Hills, 27th March 2009
Contributed by Ann, West Pennant Hills, 27th March 2009
Sleep Easy for Less
I have to use earplugs to sleep at night due to a snoring spouse. When purchased in the drugstore, they can get pricey for the ones that work best, which are the soft rubbery ones with a string attached. However, I stumbled upon a three-pack of the same type in the local hardware store in the hearing protection section. The three-pack was the same price as a single pair from the chemist, and they work just as well. Obviously, I sleep better knowing I've saved money as well.
Contributed by Jordan, Vancouver, 30th January 2009
Contributed by Jordan, Vancouver, 30th January 2009
NOVA Pharmacy for Service and Discounts
My pharmacy (closest to my Doctor), has changed to a "Nova" pharmacy and I can't begin to tell you the savings! I have already put away presents for Christmas, e.g. Homyped slippers $15, 120ml Tea-Rose perfume $13 (usually well over $50).VIP club members get $15 vouchers for every $150 spent. A lot of household items are a lot cheaper than supermarkets. All scripts are also cheaper (well everything is cheaper!). I bought all my Easter presents there and will do the same for Christmas. They do have a website (www.novapharmacy.com.au), but look for the catalogue, it comes out at least twice a month. I must declare I am not related, but it is the best run and cleanest pharmacy I have seen, and they delivered my order too when I was immobile. Do check them out.
Contributed by Lilian, Ringwood, 2nd August 2008
Contributed by Lilian, Ringwood, 2nd August 2008
Prescription Savings
Approximate $ Savings: $150
Recently I was placed on blood pressure medication by my GP. Trouble is it's $27 for each script as I don't have a health care card. My chemist said if my doctor wrote a script for double strength then I could use a pill cutter and still get my correct dose. So my $5 investment in a pill cutter to cut tablets in half means I save $150 just by filling my script every 2nd month.
- Contributed by Thrifygal, Cranbourne, 4th July 2008
Note: Please check with your doctor before you try this as your particular circumstance or medication may not suit
Recently I was placed on blood pressure medication by my GP. Trouble is it's $27 for each script as I don't have a health care card. My chemist said if my doctor wrote a script for double strength then I could use a pill cutter and still get my correct dose. So my $5 investment in a pill cutter to cut tablets in half means I save $150 just by filling my script every 2nd month.
- Contributed by Thrifygal, Cranbourne, 4th July 2008
Note: Please check with your doctor before you try this as your particular circumstance or medication may not suit
Cheaper Pain Relief With a Change of Brand
When buying aspirin go for the generic product. Simply ask your chemist for Solprin, it costs around $2.90 for 90 tablets. Similarly, when buying Paracetamol ask for Panamax, it costs around $3.60 for 100 tablets. Heaps cheaper than the brand names.
Contributed by Tania, Ballarat, 16th March 2008
Contributed by Tania, Ballarat, 16th March 2008
Chemist Brands Save 50%
When buying medication, always ask for the generic brand. It's usually half the price but is made up of the same ingredients.
Contributed by Barbara, Sydney, 10th June 2008
Contributed by Barbara, Sydney, 10th June 2008
Takeaway Containers for Travel Pill Boxes
Don't buy expensive, cumbersome pill boxes. This is good for short trips when you don't want to take the whole box. Use the little plastic containers you get from Delicatessens (or take away shops) which they put tartare sauce, mayonnaise etc. into. The advantage is that as you finish your pills you can throw them out. Label correctly so you know what's in them.
Contributed by Lidia, Black Rock, 23rd July 2007
Contributed by Lidia, Black Rock, 23rd July 2007
pharmacydirect.com.au
Approximate $ Savings: 15% PLUS
I have been using this online pharmacy for almost a year now. My husband has kidney failure and is on dialysis, so wounds heal very slowly. I have been dressing a chronic ulcer on his foot (I am a retired nurse) every day for 8 months now, and could not have done it without this online store. My savings to date have been almost $200 on the prices I would have paid at our local pharmacy and supermarket. Had I used other online pharmacies, the savings would still have been more than $100. They also have a much more comprehensive product variety and stock, and delivery is standard. The longest I have waited for delivery is 4 days.
Contributed by Jan, Moe, 18th April 2007
I have been using this online pharmacy for almost a year now. My husband has kidney failure and is on dialysis, so wounds heal very slowly. I have been dressing a chronic ulcer on his foot (I am a retired nurse) every day for 8 months now, and could not have done it without this online store. My savings to date have been almost $200 on the prices I would have paid at our local pharmacy and supermarket. Had I used other online pharmacies, the savings would still have been more than $100. They also have a much more comprehensive product variety and stock, and delivery is standard. The longest I have waited for delivery is 4 days.
Contributed by Jan, Moe, 18th April 2007
E-Pharmacy
I buy all my pharmacy needs from epharmacy (www.epharmacy.com.au)online including prescription medicines. If you have a prescription item in your order postage is free.
Contributed by Shirley, Sarina, May 3rd 2005
Contributed by Shirley, Sarina, May 3rd 2005
Try Before You Buy With Samples
Most pharmacies and department stores will have sample sizes of skincare products, shampoos, sun block etc. Ask if you can try, before you buy, and most are happy to oblige. Then, if the product doesn't agree with you, you haven't had to outlay any money.
Contributed by Denise, Croydon, April 8th 2005
Contributed by Denise, Croydon, April 8th 2005
Cheapest Chemist in Melbourne
I have found the cheapest chemist in Melbourne - it is called Chemist Warehouse. It has just opened at 925 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill, and is fantastic. Currently I can purchase Natures Own Omega 3 fish oil 1000mg - 200mg for only $11.99, Nurofen pack of 96 tablets for $9.69, Listerine - one litre for $7.99, and Panadeine pack of 24 tablets for $2.99, just to name a few! The savings are incredible. I have already told some friends about Chemist Warehouse and they were shocked but very happy to find a chemist that sells such affordable products. Hope this helps!
Contributed by Susan, Kew, March 1st 2005
Contributed by Susan, Kew, March 1st 2005
Ordering Medicines Online
Pharmacy Direct are a great way to save heaps on pharmaceutical products. You can order via a local call number or on the web and the order is delivered to your door in about 7 days. Postage is $5.50 but you save at least that on any one item you buy. Stock up on pain relief and kid's cold stuff for winter and save a small fortune. I place an order every three months roughly and save a packet. website is www.pharmacydirect.com.au Check it out, you won't be disappointed.
Contributed by Stephen, Wembly Downs, March 30th 2005
Contributed by Stephen, Wembly Downs, March 30th 2005
Ice Packs
Make your own flexible ice packs. Pour 3/4 cup water and 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol into a zip-type plastic bag and close. Put zipped bag into another bag, seal, and freeze. You will have a slushy bag of ice whenever needed for sprains, headaches, or whatever.
Consider Generic
Always consider generic. Ask your doctor to prescribe the cheapest form of medicine. In most instances there is no difference in quality or effect.