Seniors who are prescribed expensive medications from their doctors often don't know they can save lots of money with cheaper alternative drugs. The pharmaceutical industry is huge, with seniors paying out more than $92 billion in drug costs in 2010. Why not save money to get the medications you need to be healthier and more comfortable? We've reviewed several of the most expensive and commonly prescribed medications to bring you the three with the cheapest alternatives. These drugs are Coumamdin, Benicar and Avodart. If you've been prescribed one of these medications, then it's time to talk to your doctor about saving money with an alternative. Read on for more information about the top three most important pharmaceutical drugs with cheaper available options.
Coumadin is the brand name for warfarin, a drug that has been in use as a blood thinner for decades. A person in need of 30 Coumadin tablets can often save around $25 by purchasing warfarin instead.
Benicar is available in its generic form as olmesartan. This medication is often sold for as high as $180 per bottle. Opt for its generic alternative and you can save more than $150 with each trip to the pharmacy counter.
Avodart is similar to the drug Proscar, which is known in its generic form as finasteride. A clinical study found both medications reduced the size of enlarged prostates while also alleviating associated symptoms. Also, this medication is much cheaper than Avodart.
Avodart is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that is prescribed for men with enlarged prostates. This is a common condition in older men.
Coumadin is an anticoagulant that keeps the blood from clotting. This medication is often prescribed to people who are at risk of developing blood clots -- this includes people who've been injured or who have undergone surgery. Coumadin can also be helpful for people who have suffered heart attacks or strokes.
Two cheaper alternative medications to Benicar are valsartan and losartan, both of which are generic drugs. These medications can be just as helpful as Benicar for people with high blood pressure.
Warfarin isn't only available as Coumadin. Look for it as Coumadine, Belfarin and more than a dozen other brands.
Benicar is an angiotensin receptor that many elderly Americans take for managing their blood pressure.