Nonprescription and prescription medications can be very expensive. Here are some ways to cut your medication costs:

• Buy generic nonprescription products. They are chemically equivalent to brand-name drugs but are usually cheaper. Ask your doctor if generic forms of your prescription medications are available and appropriate for you.
• Shop around and compare prices at several pharmacies. Prices can vary widely. It may be worth paying a little more if you know and trust the pharmacist.
• Ask your doctor for samples of newly prescribed medications, or ask your pharmacist to fill only the first week's worth of pills. If the medication has to be changed later, you will have saved paying for the full prescription.
• Consider buying expensive drugs that you use regularly from reputable mail-order or Internet pharmacies if they charge less. The only disadvantage is that you will not have a partnership with a local pharmacist.