For years now, the everyday working man has looked to Viagra as a panacea for his inability to get rock hard erections and/or climaxes from traditional sexual activity with a partner. What started out as little more than a humble drugstore discovery has turned into an international phenomenon, as Viagra and its associated medications have been prescribed to approximately 60 million men worldwide! With such a large audience comes a wide range of prices, from a couple of dollars a day for a mid-priced pharmaceutical version to life-changing savings for those on long-term medication. So, how does one go about purchasing this golden elixir of life when not on the payroll of a large pharmaceutical company?
The Simple Way
If you can find a good online pharmacy, you can get the original Viagra brand medication for less than the cost of a movie theater ticket these days. The key is to know what you’re buying, as some online pharmacies use substandard medications to cut corners and maximize profits, resulting in dangerous side effects or no effect after all. To ensure you’re getting what you pay for, research the company that produces the drug or medication you’re purchasing, as well as checking out reviews from prior customers to see if there are any negative trends associated with the brand. If you want to cut some costs further, you could try contacting a pharmaceutical manufacturer to see if they offer a cash rebate or discount for your particular medication. Most pharmacies will even give you an online pharmacy discount if you’re purchasing a multi-dose package of the same medication.
The More Traditional Way
If you’ve been searching for a way to save money on your prescriptions for some time, you might consider looking to community pharmacies for assistance. These pharmacies tend to get the medication at a cheaper rate than private ones, as they are not as concerned about maximizing their profits as much as they are about keeping their prices low in order to provide exceptional service to their customers. The only downside to this route is that you have to visit a pharmacy and physically receive the medication. So, if you’re looking to save money but don’t want to leave the comfort of your home, this is a viable option. For those who prefer to stay at home while still seeking to save money on their meds, one solution is to purchase a pill cutter, which many pharmacies will provide for free if you ask for one. This device allows you to cut any extended-release tablet or capsule into several smaller pieces, enabling you to take the required dose more easily and sparing you from choking on large tablets that you might otherwise take manually. The great thing about this option is that it requires very little effort on your part, as you just have to ask for the cutter and take the pills as prescribed by your physician. The only downside is that it is not a permanent lifestyle change and could potentially lead to careless driving or other mishaps if you are not careful enough.
The Professional Way
If you’re looking for the most cost-effective way to fill your Viagra prescription, you might consider talking to your doctor about speaking to a pharmaceutical representative about obtaining a corporate discount. Most doctors will not object to this as long as it doesn’t hurt the patient, as they know that high-income patients are more likely to pay for physician services and out-of-pocket medication costs are a common cause of bankruptcy in the United States. It’s important to keep in mind that this is a service that is offered by pharmaceutical companies, so your physician will need to keep their professional hat on at all times when interacting with a company rep. While this option can be effective in lowering your costs, it is not without its downsides. For instance, you have to remember to bring your prescription each time you visit the doctor, as well as having to find a way to pay for all the medication at once. If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop solution and would like to avoid any long-term financial implications from taking too much medication, this is the option for you.
Which One Is Right For You?
There are a number of reasons why you might want to consider investing in some of the above options, such as saving money on your prescriptions or getting a good deal on quality meds. In some cases, you might even want to do both! Ultimately, it depends on what is most convenient for you and what you can afford. If you have insurance, chances are your pharmacy will negotiate a good price with the manufacturer or distributor, so doing business with a national chain pharmacy is generally a good idea. If you don’t have insurance or if you want to save money for other expenses, such as college tuition or retirement, trying an online pharmacy or purchasing a generic brand might be the way to go.