Fortuna Pharmacists: "Walgreens No Big Deal"
I must have missed news that a new Walgreens was going to be opening in Fortuna. Apparently, at least some of the existing pharmacies in Fortuna aren't all that concerned about the added competition.
You can hardly blame them. We have not just one, but two, Walgreens in Eureka and I haven't heard of any of the other pharmacies going out of business, at least not yet.
As an aside, I found the comment the one pharmacist made about all stores charging pretty much the same for drugs interesting.
Back when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, the doc asked me where I'd like to purchase my medication so they could write up the prescription. I told them I wasn't sure but somewhere close to home and from whomever had the best price. I suggested Rite- Aid (at the Eureka Mall) figuring they'd have the best deal, being a chain store.
The nurse made a few calls right there to compare prices and it turned out Henderson Center Pharmacy (now Redwood Pharmacy) in Friendly Henderson Center offered the same medication for a lower price.
I've been going there ever since.
posted by Fred Mangels @ 8:43 AM
8 comments
8 Comments:
I go to a locally-owned pharmacy a couple blocks from a chain pharmacy because of service. I know an impoverished mom who does the same. She needed an expensive breathing-related device for her child (who has severe allergies). They told her to come back at 5 p.m., when the owner gave it to her for free. Let's see a chain pharmacy try caring for its neighbors.
Pays to shop around. Costco is pretty competitive also.
Used to use a Providian Drug Card that I bought after seeing it advertised on late night TV. Gave really big discounts and for only $7.95 a month and covered anyone living in same house.
Target and Walmart offering some drugs at $4 for a 30 day supply.
And keep in mind, as I've mentioned before, you can save even more by buying your medications in 100 count. The savings can be substantial.
I usually pay cash for my prescriptions. I pay less by paying cash for lots of 100 than I would buying in a 30 day supply (which is the only way the insurance company allows) and making the co- payment.
An example I usually give is the wife used to take water pills for high blood pressure. She paid something like $10 for a one month supply. I paid around $15 for 100 pills, a three and a third month supply.
Ask your doctor about any generic substitutes available for what you're taking as well. There's supposed to be little, if any, difference between generic and name brand.
I find that curious, if only because one time I found a note to my physician from the pharmacist asking if he wanted to keep me on the generic version of my medication as opposed to switching to the name brand.
Since they're basically the same I wondered why he'd ask that. That is, unless he makes more money on the name brand? I don't know. I'll have to ask one of these times.
Its so sad to hear your addicted to prescription drugs fred.
Yes, it's very sad.
One thing, though, 3:57: Your, should have been you'RE.
I understand there's a shortage of pharmacists nationwide, so if you're young, and looking for a career...
Sorry, I only deal in illegal drugs.
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