Many people struggle with prescription costs, but simple changes can save you money

Switching to generic options, searching for discount coupons, and shopping around are practical tactics to save on prescription medications. Combining “bulk” orders (e.g., 90-day supplies) with flat-rate shipping can also help, as it lets you maximize your purchase (i.e., the highest allowed supply quantity) but only pay for a single delivery fee. 

Saving on prescription medications is particularly crucial for individuals who rely on multiple medications, considering their higher drug spending.

Compounding the issue is that taking several medicines simultaneously, also called “polypharmacy” among people who take at least 5 medications, is common. As an article by Medical Xpress notes, a new study found that over one in three older American adults (35.7%) engage in polypharmacy.

What Are Prescription Medications? 

Prescription medications are pharmaceutical drugs with strictly regulated access, unlike over-the-counter medicines that you can simply buy “off the shelf.” They require valid, written authorizations from licensed healthcare professionals (e.g., a medical doctor or dentist) before pharmacists can dispense and hand them over to patients. 

According to the Food and Drug Administration’s “FDA at a Glance” January 2026 edition, there are over 24,000 prescription medications approved by the agency for marketing. They exist as a way to safely prevent, treat, or manage more complex health and medical conditions, provided patients use them under the strict supervision of licensed healthcare practitioners. 

What Is an Example of a Prescription Drug? 

Atorvastatin calcium (brand name Lipitor) is an example of a prescription medication. Doctors prescribe it to help reduce cardiovascular risks and lower cholesterol levels. 

Data analytics and intelligence firm Definitive Healthcare says atorvastatin calcium is the most commonly prescribed drug based on the percentage of claims for the 2026 year-to-date. Other prescription drugs that rank high on the list are:

• Amlodipine besylate, a drug used to help with high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Levothyroxine sodium, used to treat hypothyroidism
• Losartan potassium, which helps relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and slow kidney damage progression in adults with hypertension and type 2 diabetes (T2D)
• Gabapentin, which can help manage specific types of nerve pain and control certain types of epileptic seizures

What Simple Changes Can Save You Money When Purchasing Prescription Medications? 

In an article published in April 2026 by PharmExec, it was noted that the U.S. is on track to surpass $1 trillion in prescription drug spending for the first time in 2026. The primary driver behind this surge is the increase in the number of people taking medications.

However, that figure is also a reminder of how expensive drugs are in the U.S. The good news is that by implementing the following simple changes and tactics, you can save money when purchasing prescription maintenance medications. 

Switching to Generic 

One of the simple changes you can make that can have a big difference in your health maintenance and drug costs is switching from brand-name prescriptions to generic versions, if and whenever available. In many cases, they’re significantly cheaper than their branded counterparts.

As the Maryland Department of Budget and Management notes, most generic drugs cost around 70% to 90% less than their brand-name counterparts. They’re also safe, provided regulatory bodies like the U.S. FDA, Health Canada, and Medsafe have approved them. 

Generic drugs undergo rigorous testing and review processes, ensuring that they’re as effective as the medicines they “mimic” and that they deliver the same clinical and therapeutic benefits. 

Take the Time to Shop Around and Search for Prescription Discounts 

When you take the time to shop around and compare the prices of prescription medications, you might find yourself surprised to see just how much you can save by finding lower prices than what you’d otherwise pay with standard insurance copays.

Many online pharmacies, for instance, offer daily deals on many medicines. You may even get up to a 20% discount on your first order, such as if you shop KiwiDrug online. 

Upping Supply Purchases and Maximizing Flat-Rate Shipping Fees 

If you’ve always just bought one, maybe two weeks’ supply of your prescription medications, know that you may be missing out on cost-cutting discounts on “bulk” purchases. Some pharmacies, for example, charge a lower price per unit if purchased in “bulk,” like a 90-day supply. 

Maximizing each of your prescription medication purchase transactions also helps you save on shipping, delivery, or transportation costs.

Think about it: If you were to buy just a two-week supply of your medicines, you’d have to pay dispensing fees and shell out gas money (if you drive) for each dispensed prescription. Conversely, if you purchase a 60-day, even 90-day supply in one go, you’d likely have to pay just one dispensing fee and a flat-rate shipping cost. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Are Prescription Medications So Expensive? 

Prescription drugs are expensive primarily for Americans, as the U.S. has one of the most expensive healthcare systems. An article published by KOTATV.com even reports that the same prescription medications in other countries cost people in the U.S. around three times as much. 

Prescription prices in the U.S. are high, with one of the top reasons being that the country lacks a centralized price negotiation body. With this lack of control and oversight, pharmaceutical companies are typically free to set what they think is “reasonable” for their products, even though it’s not feasible for most Americans.

What Are Some Mistakes Americans Make to “Save” on Prescribed Medications? 

With prescription medications being so expensive in the U.S., many Americans are feeling the pressure, and one way they’re dealing with it is by skipping their necessary medicines. 

A report published by KFF even revealed that six in ten adults admit to feeling worried about the affordability of their prescription drug costs. Four in ten have already taken cost-saving measures. They’ve skipped doses or intentionally chosen not to fill prescriptions. 

Skipping prescribed medications is never a good idea, as this can lead to the treatment failing, the condition worsening, and the patient’s health further deteriorating. 

Afford Your Prescription Medicines With These Tactics

Switching to generic options, shopping around, comparing prices, and buying in “bulk”  are all good ideas for saving on prescription medications. With these tactics, you’re more likely to spend less on medicines while ensuring you adhere to your doctor’s orders. 

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