Prescription medications are an increasingly costly part of everyone’s budget, and in tight economic times, finding ways of reducing prescription drug costs is very attractive.

Sometimes a terrible choice has to be made, one medication over another, prescriptions or food… insanely expensive but still helpful medications that aren’t covered by insurance and may be out of reach.

Here the online health resource WebMD has come up with ten money saving ways to keep those prescription drug costs under control.

1) Consider Generics - Nothing says you must take the name brand medication; often generic drugs are just as effective options. A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that heart disease patients often do just as well on the generic form of a medication as they do on the brand name variety.

2) Halving Higher Dose Pills - It’s an extra step on your part, you need to carefully break each tablet, but it can save you money in the long run, especially on medications you must take often. The thing is, both high and low doses of most medications cost the same - so you’re getting the benefit of a quantity pricing. Talk to your doctor about this first to ensure it’s a suitable option for you.

3) Higher Doses Taken Less Often - In some cases, a change in dosing schedule can save you money without impacting treatment. Rather than taking small doses twice a day, ask your doctor about a higher dose taken once daily.

4) Switching From Combo Medications - Separate pills can sometimes be less costly than the combination medications, so talk to your doctor if you’re having trouble paying for the medication. You may be surprised by the options open to you.

5) Shopping For The Best Prices - The cost of prescription drugs can vary from store to store, and are sometimes cheaper if you order by mail or online. Don’t be shy about asking for prices; just as you would any other item you buy. All chain drug stores are selling the same medications - it’s up to you how much you’ll pay in profits to the drug store.

6) Investigating Drug Company Assistance Programs - If you meet certain financial criteria, you may qualify for assistance from a drug manufacturer. There will probably be paperwork and phone calls, but the savings can make the effort well worth it.

7) Looking At Medicare Part D - if you’re 65 or older, or have Medicare as the result of a disability, you can change plans every year from November 15th to December 31st. Don’t do this without some investigation… talk with your pharmacist and take a look at your current plan to see if it’s still meeting your needs, if not, plan for a change.

Storing Medications Correctly - Heat, moisture and darkness can affect the potency of a medication, which means don’t store your medications in the bathroom medicine cabinet. After spending so much to get a particular drug, you won’t want to find it impossible to take because of damage due to how it may have been stored.

9) Don’t Save Medications - Once your condition improves the temptation is to stop taking it and keep the rest around for the future - don’t! This can be dangerous, and end up hurting your health (far more costly than the few dollars) in the long run. Finish your prescribed medication (especially those antibiotics) and go back to the doctor if you feel ill again.

10) Beware Expensive Drug Promotions - Especially those one-time deals. Remember, the incredible deal you get as part of a promotion won’t be there when it’s time to refill the prescription. In the long run, you’ll pay more for the same drug.

It’s important to keep in mind that your doctor and pharmacist are here to help you find a prescription drug that you can afford and that will help your symptoms best. Work with them. Confide financial struggles and see what can be done for reducing prescription drug costs - after all, if you don’t ask, no one can help and things won’t get easier.

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