How to save money on drugs

Do not consult with pharmacists

What to hide, often for drugs, we do not run to the doctor, and once in the pharmacy. And ask the pharmacist to sell anything "from the head".

But the seller challenge in pharmacy is not to cure you. And to sell drugs. Pharmacy workers know a lot, but they are not responsible for your health and your treatment. Therefore, no "this is better than cure." Buy only what is appointed doctor.

Ask your doctor to replace the drug on the cheap

Who is not happy to find on the Internet a list of cheap medicines prescribed by a doctor? If only it were that simple, we'd love to give you a list of such drugs.

Pharmaceutical companies spend huge amounts of money to develop the formula, security checks and the effectiveness of the medication. Then get a patent and 20 years selling the drug on their own. After 20 years, the term of the patent expires, other pharmaceutical companies and begin to produce analogs, ie generics. They are much cheaper, because the development does not need to spend money.

The idea is that generics must fully comply with the original drug. In practice, things are not so rosy. Various technologies of production and purification lead to the fact that the rate of absorption of the drug, its concentration may vary in body tissues. Furthermore, additional components may cause allergic reactions.

There are numerous comparative studies that evaluated the efficiency and generics original drugs. As a rule, if the research being carried out by a manufacturer of generic drugs, the results show no differences. In studies of companies producing the original picture opposite.

What this translates into for patients? The fact that the drug can not replace one another thoughtlessly. Part generics actually works better than (and sometimes better) than the originals. Part - does not hold. Personally, I twice got into a situation where cheap generics did not have the desired effect. As a result, the treatment came in several times more expensive than planned.

This does not mean you have to abandon the low-cost drugs. Antipyretics, e.g., work well and inexpensive versions (paracetamol, nimesulide, ibuprofen).

Antiseptic chlorhexidine is inexpensive, effective, and widely used. Expensive analogs (e.g., wipes or small bottles with means for hands purity) lose on all fronts.

However, many drugs with sea water from the cold. Bottled normal saline 200-400 ml is much cheaper, and the composition and operation of the same.

Ask your doctor to indicate the main active ingredient of the drug. Ask whether there is an opportunity to replace it with a cheaper. The doctor already has his observations, based on practical experience. If replacement is real, the doctor will advise the correct medication.

Call your pharmacy

When you are given a piece of paper with the regulations, do not rush to the nearest pharmacy. It is better to ring up several pharmacy chains and ask how much medication. Then go shopping. Sometimes drugs are sold on the stock, so that you can save a few hundred rubles.

Do not take what does not work

Many medications and dietary supplements do not have evidence of effectiveness, and to buy them - just to spend money. This is another reason not to run to the pharmacy, sweeping away everything, and explore more. The well-known drugs such as "Arbidol" or "Oscillococcinum", famous because of the scandals around them, rather than through use.

Do not duplicate drugs

Most often we are treated independently from the cold. And often we wash down with a headache soluble powder that is removed once all the symptoms. they are many. If you look at the composition, we find that inside - paracetamol, a vasoconstrictor (to deal with it nose drops) and askorbinka. Individually, these drugs are less expensive than in a single package.

In general, try not to listen to advertising. Expensive medicines are often so expensive that too much money is spent on promoting them.

Do not drink the drugs "just in case"

Advertising says that after taking the antibiotic needed to fly the probiotics. Firstly, they also belong to the drugs with unproven efficacy. Secondly, not the fact that your digestion will deteriorate after taking antibiotics. Thirdly, if we take eubiotics and, after a course of antibiotics (antimicrobial otherwise would destroy useful flora). So first consider whether you need all the probiotic (or gepatoprotektor) or the case will be solved proper nutrition.

Do not forget about prevention

As is known, the most expensive diseases - those that are in disrepair. Timely evaluation and problem detection will save your wallet. Do you think that the analyzes too costly? Basic examinations can pass free of charge.

Clinical examination - a system of measures aimed at the preservation of health, prevention of diseases, reduction in the frequency of exacerbations of chronic diseases, complications, disability, mortality and improving quality life.

Ministry of Health

If you have a MHI policy, then every three years it is possible to pass without paying a dime. On some tests do have a place for a few weeks in advance. But if you do not bother, why not wait?

And do not assume that such inspections are carried out only for show. The main thing in the medical examination - a basic analysis. Already after you pass the examination, you will go to a therapist. Ask questions, and lists all of the complaints, which you have. Everything. Then you will have a further examination. Again free.

Use the possibilities of physiotherapy

Physical therapy - a treatment using natural and physical factors. Somehow, she did not pay enough attention. But treatments are inexpensive and thus help to prevent exacerbations of chronic diseases. So ask for a referral to fizlechenie to run less per pill.

Return the money for treatment

In some organizations, trade unions operate, which can provide financial assistance if you require treatment. Conditions are different everywhere, so if you pay the membership fee, find out what you should be.

And apply for a refund of income tax. Do not forget to take in a medical facility a certificate of payment services (it does not take long).

Consider operation in another city

Prices for the same service can vary considerably depending on the city and clinic. To such an extent that the difference covers the travel and accommodation expenses. The quality does not suffer. For example, many people come to be treated in the Moscow province and remain in the black.

Which services to pay attention? Dentistry, cosmetology, laser surgery.

Become a regular doctor client

If you are visiting private clinics, go to the same doctor. There is a chance to save on small things. For example, the doctor will not take money for re-appointment, if you just came to announce the successful completion of treatment. Of course, this is not a rule, but it can be.

Unlive

Doctor enumerates the list of drugs, and then adds: "Fried not eat salty, do not eat, do not drink." But the patient only nods and passes recommendations for a walk or engage in physical therapy on deaf ears. And then I think that pills do not help.

It helps, but many diseases are highly dependent on lifestyle. This liver diseases, gall bladder, kidney and heart. Enough wrong meal to expensive drugs course in vain. Diet and mode - this is also a method of treatment. And they need to be strictly followed, as the reception scheme tablets. Otherwise, you risk leaving money in the pharmacy without a visible effect.