Cost of medication

[farmguy1115963]

We have good insurance through my work. Normally a $7 co pay on drugs in the Blue Cross Formulary. My doctor at the VA requested a drug not in the formulary. I went to our local drugstore and the cost was approximately $30 per capsule. I then went on line and purchased the same pill from a reputable supplier from another country for $1.26. What is the deal?

[KNAPPer]

Some discussion here: http://theincidentaleconomist.com/wordpress/what-makes-the-us-health-care-system-so-expensive-drugs...

However, be very aware that time and time again mail order drugs have been proven to be either placebos or not what is advertised. If you know the name of the drug, you should look it up once your shipment arrives and see if it is exactly the same looking or not. You can easily do this by googling for example, "H S1 pill" that is written on the pill in this example. You can read about the drug and see a picture at websites like this one: http://www.drugs.com/imprints/n-s1-16251.html

Be very careful, I am concerned that you may be getting a fake if the price is really that different. Good luck and best wishes.

[FARM4EVER]

My wife is a pharmacist and has done some research on this.  I don't think she has ever seen this large of a variance, but she does see where people buy it from other locations for cheaper.  I don't think it is legal though. 

I will ask my wife to draft something and I will post it. 

www.farm4ever.com

[r3020]

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@KNAPPer wrote:

Some discussion here: http://theincidentaleconomist.com/wordpress/what-makes-the-us-health-care-system-so-expensive-drugs...

However, be very aware that time and time again mail order drugs have been proven to be either placebos or not what is advertised. If you know the name of the drug, you should look it up once your shipment arrives and see if it is exactly the same looking or not. You can easily do this by googling for example, "H S1 pill" that is written on the pill in this example. You can read about the drug and see a picture at websites like this one: http://www.drugs.com/imprints/n-s1-16251.html

Be very careful, I am concerned that you may be getting a fake if the price is really that different. Good luck and best wishes.

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One thing I have found out about diabetes test strips you buy on line. They show up, they are what they said they would be, the only problem is they hit the expiration date before you use them all. Could be the same on medication, check for the expiration date.

[farmguy1115963]

We have done this in the past. My wife is having knee replacements and an effective pill was again not in the formulary but very good. The cost was very high but on line good results and good price. It would nice to hear comments from a pharacist. thanks

[gough whitlam]

That is exactly what I have been harping about how the health and drug companies are ripping you all off.  But if you like it - keep up your insurance and they will keep it up to you.  Good luck.

[Snooky1953]

If you can see a VA Dr, why can't you use VA pharmacy?

[farmguy1115963]

The drug was not in their formulary.  They had other drugs but not as effective. So I said I will just use my work insurance.