Drug Coupons
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Drug coupons can help consumers save money and reduce the cost of medications. Drugs and medicines are available either over the counter (or OTC) in nonprescription preparations or by prescription to treat sickness, diseases and health conditions. Medication coupons and discounts can come in many forms, such as free printable coupons, promotional price offers, coupon codes, manufacturer's rebates, prescription discount cards, and patient assistance programs. Printable drug coupons are more commonly available for OTC medications such as aspirin or Nyquil, while prescription medications usually provide vouchers which need to be accompanied by a valid prescription. Savings are provided by manufacturers, government agencies, and third party health discount plans.
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| OTC medications | Nonprescription medicines do not require a doctor's approval and can be bought over the counter.[1] |
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| Prescription drugs | Prescription medications must be prescribed by a physician and must be purchased through a pharmacy.[1] |
| OTC vs RX Drugs | Sixty percent of the medications bought today are over the counter.[2] |
| Most commonly offered | OTC drugs and new RX medications |
| Types of coupons: | Discounts, promotional offers, manufacturer rebates and patient assistance programs |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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Drug Coupons
How to Find Drug Coupons and Discount Programs
Depending upon the type of medicine you want to save money on, there are several places where you may find current printable coupon deals and discount price offers for both prescription drugs and nonprescription medications. The types of offers will vary. Some may be a voucher for a specific dollar amount off of the regular price, while others may take the form of a rebate from the drug manufacturer.
- Doctors may have coupons for prescription medications. They are also a source for free drug samples, manufacturer rebates, and other promotions.
- Online coupon vendors can often provide access to printable medication coupons and pharmacy discount coupon codes. However, these may not be accepted by all pharmacies.
- Over the counter drug coupons, discounts, and discount cards are often included in local newspapers and sent via postal mail. These are also found online on the drug's official site, or on the sites of third-party coupon vendors.
- National health magazines sometimes display pharmaceutical company promotional ads and price discounts. Coupons may also be included in the ads.
- Pharmaceutical companies typically offer printable discount coupons, savings offers, or prescription support direct from their official medication websites.
Patient assistance programs may help consumers get free medications or medicines at a significantly reduced cost. A consumer does not need a coupon to receive the benefit of a patient assistance programs, but they will need to meet certain plan-specific eligibility criteria.
Massachusetts Drug Coupons
Drug coupons are disallowed by law in the state of Massachusetts, the only state with any kind of restrictions on drug coupons, discounts, and rebates.[3] Efforts are underway in the state legislature to change the law to allow coupons.[4] [5] Since free trials are not included, some manufacturers maintain free trial programs in Massachusetts.
Prescription Discount Cards
Drug savings cards can offer patients discounts on a variety of pharmaceuticals, and are provided by several sources. The cards are often available at no cost to consumers, and may be presented at participating pharmacies at the time of purchase to get a percentage off of prescriptions.
In addition, some drug stores provide rewards cards that give money back to those who purchase prescriptions or other goods. For example, the CVS ExtraCare card offers 2% back in Extra Bucks, and one Extra Buck for every two prescriptions bought by cardholders.[6]
About Drugs
Drugs and medicines fall into two classifications, non-prescription and prescription. Your doctor determines a health treatment plan for your condition which may include drugs and medical devices. In order for you to be able to purchase a prescription drug or device, your doctor must first provide a written set of orders (script) to the pharmacist. This written prescription order directs the pharmacist on the drug or treatment to be dispensed, dosage, frequency, number of refills and other instructions to ensure that you receive the proper medications.
According to the FDA, there are over 300,000 OTC drug and medicine products available to the public without a prescription. The FDA has estimated that six out of every ten medicines bought by consumers today are over-the-counter medications.[2] All medicines are capable of drug side effects. Many brands of medications and treatments are produced and marketed in nonprescription and prescription strength products.
Also see: Patient Assistance Programs, Prescription Drugs, Abilify Coupons, Advair Free Samples, Valium Coupons, Ambien Coupons, Flomax Coupons, Plavix Coupons, Lexapro Coupons, Allegra Coupons,
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/QuestionsAnswers/ucm100101.htm
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/HowDrugsareDevelopedandApproved/ApprovalApplications/Over-the-CounterDrugs/default.htm
- ↑ http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter175H/Section3
- ↑ http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/187/House/H02352#
- ↑ http://bostonherald.com.nyud.net/business/healthcare/view/2011_0614special_interest_titansin_drug_coupon_duel/srvc=business&position=recent_bullet
- ↑ https://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/user/extracare/extracare.jsp
