More consumers abandon prescriptions at the pharmacy counter

More consumers aren’t showing up to claim their prescriptions, according to a new study by Wolters Kluwer Health. And, the more costly the drugs are, the more likely it is that the prescription never makes it home with the patient.

Nearly 7 percent of all prescriptions were left unclaimed last year. That figure has grown 34 percent from just two years ago. Seven percent may not sound like much, but consider that one out of five patients who had to dole out $100 or more for a new prescription never turned up to claim their drug. Conversely, drugs with a copay of $10 or less were only left behind 4 percent of the time.

This isn’t too surprising. Our recent prescription drug survey shows that two-thirds of consumers don’t find out the price of their prescription drugs until they go to pick them up at the pharmacy. Just 4 percent say they find out the cost at their doctor’s office. Besides not filling their prescriptions, people worried about drug costs took other risky actions, like sharing prescriptions, skipping doses, taking expired medicines, or splitting pills without their doctor’s permission.

The bottom line: Don’t take risks with the medications you need. There are better, safer ways to reduce drug costs:

• Talk to your doctor about costs. Earlier Consumer Reports surveys of doctors found that physicians ranked price as their least important consideration when prescribing drugs. (How well the drug worked was their first concern.) In fact, the doctors said they often don't know how much the drugs they prescribe cost. So be assertive and tell your doctor that cost, as well as effectiveness, matters.

• Ask for generics. They're much cheaper—and just as safe and effective—as their brand-name counterparts. If a generic isn't available, ask if your doctor can substitute a different, cheaper drug that works just as well.

• Ask about pill splitting. You may be able to save money if your doctor can prescribe a pill that's twice your normal dose, so you could split it in half. But don't split pills without the permission of your doctor or pharmacist.

• Shop around. Many grocery stores and big-box stores, such as Costco and WalMart, now offer hundreds of generics for $4 or less—though independent pharmacy owners tell us that most mom-and-pop pharmacies will match those prices if you ask.

—Ginger Skinner

Find out more ways to save on prescription drug costs, and for more savings and generic alternatives, check out our free Best Buy Drug reports on 21 of the most common drug classes, including those used to treat hay fever, depression, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Comments

[Alexander Rose]

Good to know!