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Daily Living > Consumer Guide to Health Care > How to Save on Arthritis Drugs
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Save on Drugs

By Wayne Kalyn

The high cost of prescription drugs has left many patients in financial and medical despair. Here are some small ways to save big on drugs.

  • Lifestyle changes first, meds second. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise and weight loss are an effective first-line defense against arthritis pain. “People who take care of themselves have better outcomes with their condition, develop fewer health problems, and spend less money on medical services,” says Daniel Clauw, MD, a rheumatologist and professor of medicine at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
  • Newer isn’t always better. “Studies show that inexpensive diuretics are as effective as pricier meds at lowering high blood pressure,” says David Nganele, PhD, author of The Best Healthcare for Less (John Wiley & Sons, 2003). For relief of Osteoarthritis pain, many experts recommend that you start off with good ol’ acetaminophen – at about $12 for 500 generic pills – before requesting a prescription for the newer, pricier treatments you see advertised.
  • Make use of your insurance plan. Most health plans have mail-order pharmacies that save you money if you buy in bulk. Buying three months’ worth of medication at one time costs one or two months’ worth of co-pays instead of the usual three for separate prescriptions. If your monthly co-pay is $20, that’s a savings of $80 to $160 a year, depending on the plan.
  • Know your health plan’s formulary. Get a copy of your plan’s formulary – the list of drugs it will cover – from your health insurance company. Share the list with your doctor so he can prescribe the most effective drug that costs the least. Insurance plans charge a hefty fee for nonformulary drugs, if they pay at all.
  • Ask for free samples. Don’t commit to and pay for a 30-day supply of a drug you’ve never taken before. Instead, ask your doctor for at least a week’s worth of samples to see if the medication agrees with you.
  • Know the inside tricks. If you are taking methotrexate pills for RA, you could save money by opting for liquid methotrexate. A four-month supply of pills can cost more than $500; a four-month supply of liquid is around $25. You can either inject the liquid or, if you’re squeamish about syringes, take it orally. (Note: Some experts question whether liquid methotrexate taken orally is absorbed as well as pills or injections. Monitor your symptoms to see if it works for you.)
  • Use generic meds. You’ll get the same compound but save substantially.
Faith
22 Aug 2010, 05:28
I am on a Medicare Advantage Plan and every year go to Walgreen's and give them my list of required medications (at least 8). They do all the work and pick the top 5 best plans for your meds. Now you must check also with your doctor to see if he/she accepts that insurance plan. It takes all the guess- work out of it for me and makes my decision alot easier. I too, suffer from multiple illness'- RA, OA, FM, deg. disc. dis., restless legs, Sjogren's Syndrome, herniated discs in my neck, so this is an important decision for me every year because they keep changing the rules and coverage every year. A quick note to the person who could not tolerate Lyrica-try gabapentin. My Dr. thinks Lyrica is better, but the side effects leave me like a zombie, but the gabapentin is much more tolerable and many of the side effects lessen in time. Besides, I'd rather be sleepy than in the horrible pain of fibromyalgia; it is a living hell. And if Lortab, Percocet, etc. don't help; ask for methadone. It is much longer lasting and easier on the tummy. If your Dr. won't prescribe it, GET another doctor. I have been on the same amount for years now and take it with dextromethophan cough syrup; an NMDA agonist, which will help "kick-in" your methadone and also keep you from requiring higher and higher doses. Twenty to thirty mg. per day is all I have needed for 5 yrs now and it is my lifesaver. I also found that quercetin/bromelain supplements really take away the pain in my constantly burning, painful feet. I swear by it and many times can avoid taking the methadone (or take less) because of this supplement. Try it, it helps with circulation (neuropathy) in my feet. Hope I've helped someone out with this info. as it seems like we are all alone in our constant battle against pain.
Charles
14 Aug 2010, 12:11
I have had problems with a few generics, but I only pay $10 for a months worth. One thing that everyone on medicare advantage should carefully in November go through every plan listed for your area, and match their drugs to every plan, to see what the differences are. I have had people complain about their drug costs and have never did anything but sign up for a plan, not checking these plans every year, and get hammered by their plans drug formulary.The medicare site for advantage plans should be everyone's first destination every November, you can save a tremendous amount of money if you do the work. If nothing else, Contact The Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)and they will help you for free.
Susan
05 Aug 2010, 19:20
I have OA - knees - low back - neck. Also suffer from GERDS which has been under control with medication and diet. My insurance company recently refused to pay for the Celebrex and only pay for a generic sub. After about 2 weeks on the genric I began to have problems with my GERDS to the point of having to increase that medication.
Went to the doctor and discussed with him the possibality of the generic Celebrex could be the cause of the increased problem with GERDS since nothing else could be causing the problem. he wrote another script for "Celebrex only no subs" within a week I was feeling better. Some gernic are fine some need to be questioned.
Kay
05 Aug 2010, 18:14
I have RA and Scoleosis. I live in pain every day. I am on methotrexate and recently put on hydroxychlor. I have read all your comments and I think you all are brave.We all deal with different pains but yet we get up another day and put a smile on and thank God for another day. GOD BLESS YOU........
tonie
04 Aug 2010, 15:28
Shaaka:
Good for you. I also have the headaches and dizziness with my RA and FMS and OA. However, I am still able to work at this time. I pray that everyone can obtain an attitude that you deal with each day as you come to it and with Gods help you will get thru it.
I have found that I can get my perscriptions cheaper at Sams without my insurance, the generics. I am now on the injectible MTX and it is wonderful ! I only have one med that requires a $45 copay and next visit I am going to try and deal with that.
I thank God for my job and that I am most days able to be here.
God Bless
TOnie
Celeste
04 Aug 2010, 09:37
I have found that even though I have insurance coverage some of my meds cost less by getting them from Walmart Pharmacy, because they are on their $4/mo or $10/3mo drug list. Some generic drugs are cheaper to buy through them than the insurance mail order pharmacy. To save money you really have to check things out yourself and be very firm with your doctor that they only prescribe generic whenever possible.
I wasn't aware of the Enbrel Co-pay assistance program thanks for the info, I will definately look into it.
Caveat Emptor
03 Aug 2010, 19:53
Getting three months at one time will _ONLY_ save you money if you have a set co-pay per RX filled. Under my plan, through Walgreens Initiatives, I pay a percentage of the cost for whatever the number of pills my RX is for. That means getting a three month supply would cost me three times as much, and the money would go out all at one time instead of being spread over three months.

I _strongly_ suggest everyone find out exactly what their policy coverage is before following advice like that in the article above. You absolutely do NOT want to find out that because you spent all your available funds for just one medication in a month that you can't afford to get any of the others you need to take.
EDIE
03 Aug 2010, 11:11
MY SON TAKE ENBREL FOR ENTHESITIS RELATED-ARTHRITIS AND IS ENROLLED IN THE ENBREL COPAY ASSIST PROGRAM. IF YOU DO HAVE INSURANCE COVERAGE,THEY WILL PAY THE BULK OF THE COPAY AND THE PT PAYS $10 MONTHLY. I AM ON HUMIRA, AND AM ALSO ENROLLED IN THE COPAY ASSIST PLAN-I PAY $5 MONTHLY. FOR BOTH OF THESE MEDICATIONS, IF YOU HAVE INSURANCE COVERAGE, THERE IS 1 COPAY BUT IF YOU HAVE NO INSURANCE COVERAGE-THEY WILL ALSO HELP YOU OUT. THEY DO NOT ASK YOUR INCOME- EVERYONE IS ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE.
Wanda McClenithan
03 Aug 2010, 10:36
I have been on Enbrel for years, the first years my insurance paid for it all, then my employer changed pharmacy plans, and my co pay was out of reach. I went online to the Enbrel website and applied for asst. & for the 1st 6 months I paid nothing, Now paying $10.00 copay. The moral is contact the Drug manufacturer, they may be able to help you.
peggy
15 Nov 2009, 17:51
In response to Shaaka, my first symptom was also light-headedness. Auto immune diseases make us more sensitive to meds, so we need to take much smaller doses. Meds I had taken for years suddenly made it worse. The biggest culprits were the anti-depressants. I had to go off all meds and then try one at a time, in much smaller doses. I finally found that I could handle small doses of Pristiq and Buproprion, but I miss the Trazadone which used to help me sleep. The hardest part for me was having to quit work, and then my husband divorced right after I did. I hope this helps!
Barbara Scott
12 Nov 2009, 15:17
I am taking twelve prescriptions daily, some generics but lots of tier 3, such as benicar, & celebrex. My BP has been out of control for the last couple of years. My daughter has RA and is on methotrexate. One of her friends suggested she try Mangosteen juice. She did and it has done wonders for her. She then told me that it was good for BP. I tried it, and my blood pressure is under control for the first time in years. I was taking three prescriptions for BP and I have eliminated one so far, hoping to eliminate all of them. The doctor says whatever you are doing, continue doing it.
Annie
12 Nov 2009, 13:00
I understand there are several medications and some are generic and others are brand drugs. Some drugs that are for chronic conditions should not be expensive to buy because most chronic conditions are not rare. So the medication cost vs demand should offset one another.
I live with mild RA and right now because I had to change jobs. I can not pay for all my medications so I buy the necessary meds and use over the counter for other medical conditions that I have which are becoming worst because I can not afford to buy prescription too.
Yes, I eat well and excercise but there are days I am in so much pain I wish I could be on steady medication to control ALL symptoms.
Paula
29 Jun 2009, 14:19
This message is for Connie, Humira has a plan that you sign up for and your drug is free, if you qualify. I am sure you will.
Your rheumatologist has the paper work.

Hope this helps!
Gae
20 Jun 2009, 20:22
I saw Becky's comment and tried www.freemedicinefoundation.com. They wanted a $40 fee, I stopped immediately and did not proceed farther. Please be very careful, I have been told that valid programs do not charge a fee. Before using one of these sites, try goggling the name and follow it with the word complaint. Example: Free Medicine Foundation Complaint, you will find out the experience of others. Try www.patientassistance.com, so far this has brought me directly to valid drug company programs that really are trying to help you. You pay nothing to apply, one of my 4 prescriptions requires a $10 a co-pay, but you pay the pharmacist for the actual prescription when you pick it up. Granted I have not been approved yet, but so far so good. I certainly do not mean to criticize anyone on this board, because I'm sure you are trying to help, but just to warn people of some things I have come across.
I.M.Kornholio
04 May 2009, 11:53
A few additional thoughts
Becky
28 Apr 2009, 20:36
I've had RA for 6 years now and am taking Humira. I am unemployed but pay for my own private insurance. Even if I was working, I wouldn't be able to afford the high copay for Humira. I am looking to get help with the copays. The Humira Protection Plan would NOT pay for my copays!!! They did refer me to other foundations that would help with the copays.
www.freemedicinefoundation.com, Patient Access Network Foundation, Health Well Foundation might be able to help you get your medicine.
Barbara
19 Apr 2009, 22:08
I have RA and have taken everything. Now I am on Orencia. I have been on it for about 6 months. It really has helped me and I can still work. ( I need the insurance)! The company that makes the drug has a plan to help with the cost of the medication. Check with your drug companies to see if there is any help from them.
Anna
18 Apr 2009, 11:54
I have RSDS, type of nerve damage that has pain similar to phantom pain of amputations. Anyone know of anything better than Neurontin to help control the muscle cramps?
Helena
18 Apr 2009, 08:27
I have fibromyalgia,lyme disease, arthritis in both knees, and in the joint of my big toe. So, walking is a chore. I'm in pain all the time and moreso when I walk. I go to a specialist and take a wide aray of meds. I even give myself B12 shots several times a week to give me energy. I'm tired of being tired and sick, but I wake up each morning glad to be alive and looking forward to being able to walk down the aisle next April for our daughter's wedding.
Kim
17 Apr 2009, 00:46
To Pat if you know of a pool thats at 94 degrees that will help you boyfriend it did me. Also Im taking humira and I dont have RA I have osteo. but it is helping. Im walking without cane. Tell him not to give up.
Kathleen
16 Apr 2009, 22:40
RA & ankylosing spondylitis are just a part of my everyday life. I choose to accept what has been dealt me...could be much worse! Every morning I wake up feeling and probably looking like a pretzel, but I thank God for my ability to breathe, see, hear, talk, listen and my day gets off to a much better start. Didn't used to be that way, used to wake up pretzelized, mad and dwell on the pain and agony. Those days my life was miserable. I stay informed of new treatments, listen to my doc and know my limits (even though I still push them). Exercise, don't smoke, keep weight normal, take your meds, try to have a good, grateful attitude and live to YOUR fullest. I know it sounds sappy, but it worked for me, maybe it will for you. :)
Sharon
16 Apr 2009, 22:37
To Mary Flatt,
Have you tried taking Ultracet for pain yet? I have fibromyalgia and wouldn't be up and walking around without it. By the way it comes in generic and a three month supply costs me $13.50 after Medicare Part D pays it's share.
Diane
16 Apr 2009, 19:55
I have PSA, and Fibro. i lost insurance and Abbott has started supplying me with my Humira until hopefully, i get medicare. I, like about everyone on here has intense pain and I have to try to learn a balance and not let the disease own me. There is a post where someone said they have RA and psorisas - my guess is you have Psoriatic Arthritis that mimics RA but is more progressive. Ask your Rheumy because tendons and nerves become involved with PSA and you usually don't have a Rheum. factor.
Blessings to people who run the drug company Abbott and those like them! i do Yoga and Pilates and it does wonders for me. Kudos to those who can stay off of drugs - I can only say you have not had a real "flare" then and lost the use of your hands and feet like I have. The drugs helped me regain their use. I would suggest vitamins and exercise for pain control along with your pain pills for those who take pain killers. Exercise is a pain killer in itself... just take it slow and work with professionals!
good luck to one and all!
julieann
16 Apr 2009, 18:16
i have ankylosing spondylitis, firbromyalgia and degenerative disc disease, plus other medical conditions. i was on humira and methotrexate until i had a surgery and became septic. the medication compromised my immune system. i am unable to use biologic drugs, and obviously these are the only drugs in research. i take celebrex and lyrica. nothing is helping the daily pain. even a simple walk is painful. i use a muscle relaxant, also. and ambien to get to sleep because even laying down in bed is painful.
any suggestions?
Erinn
16 Apr 2009, 17:21
Connie.....ask you Rheumatologist about the Humira Protection Plan. This is a financial assistance plan through Abbott who makes Humira. The phone 1-888-HUMIRA3.
Connie
16 Apr 2009, 17:09
I currently inject Humira for RA. It is used every 2 weeks at a cost of close to $1500.00 per month. The insurance that helps to cover this cost will be ending soon, because my husband's plant is closing. Any suggestions for the name of a good insurance company to contact for coverage of preexisting conditions such as this? ANY suggestions will be appreciated.
Connie
16 Apr 2009, 17:09
I currently inject Humira for RA. It is used every 2 weeks at a cost of close to $1500.00 per month. The insurance that helps to cover this cost will be ending soon, because my husband's plant is closing. Any suggestions for the name of a good insurance company to contact for coverage of preexisting conditions such as this? ANY suggestions will be appreciated.
james
16 Apr 2009, 15:15
Is there somewhere I can get Plavix cheaper.Right now it is costing me $150.00 a month.
kay
16 Apr 2009, 13:32
I HAVE RA,OA, ON BLOOD THINNERS, ON PREDISONE
TRAMODOL (FOR PAIN- DOESN'T CLOUD MY BRAIN), HEP C (in remission), bad lungs, 9 FRACTURES
IN MY BACK ( HAD KIFORPLASTY) ON 6- SUPPOSED TO HAVE ANOTHER SURGERY (3 AT A TIME) BUT I HAVE NOW DEVELOPED SOME BLEEDING ON MY COLON ( WHERE I HAVE A BIG SCAR FROM HAVING A KIDNEY.SPLEEN OUT), LOW NOW IN IRON AND LOW RCC, ENERGY, ETC...BUT I KEEP TRYING HAVE TO.
LOST 4-5 " HEIGHT AND NOW AM BENT OVER. NEED TO DO THE BACK THING BUT HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF THE BLEEDING ISSUE,
i TAKE GENERIC PLACOENIL. I ALSO TAKE FORTEO SHOTS DAILY, IT IS THE LASTEST BEST THING. IT WAS ON 60 MINE. OR ONE OF THOSE PROGRAMS
SAYING IT IS GREAT.. U CAN ONLY TAKE IT FOR 2 YRS AND IS EXPENSIVE-HELPS REGROW BONE. I CAN'T STAND ANOTHER FRACTURE.
shaaka wallace
16 Apr 2009, 12:49

I suffer from a multiplicity of medical maladies and have been for the past 7 years.
I was 'forced-into-an-early-retirement" 3 years ago, due to SEVERE HEADACHES & SEVERE
DIZZY SPELLS from my own Gardening Maintenance Business.(that was really hard !!!)

I,too am a sufferer of Rheumatoid Arthritis,and
its gradually worsening,the pain so severe at-times it brings tears to the eyes,daily and often.

One of the monumental gifts GOD gave to
mankind is FREE-AGENCY....the FREEDOM to CHOOSE...as with all gifts, we can use it and be blessed, or "NOT" use it and be the
harbinger of our own demise-wholistically.
Peggy
16 Apr 2009, 12:34
I have RA, fibromyalgia and OA. Had been taking Enbrel and methotrexate with pretty good results but our insurance plan has a cap for Rx and I am no longer covered until 2010. So I am off my meds and feel horrible!!! They(insurances) control our lives-what can you do?
Pat
16 Apr 2009, 12:07
my boyfriend has OA, high blood pressure and cholesterol. His affected joints are lower back, hips, knees and ankles. The doctors tell him to walk but he can barely move without pain. The doctors won't give him any pain medication and he is severely angry even though I would say he is substituting anger instead of saying he is depressed. I have suggested water aerobics but his joints cramp up when he gets into a body of water other than shower. He is now disabled because he can't stand up, walk or bend over without pain. Sitting for long periods hurt his back and hips so he is in a catch 22. Any ideas? Right now he has no insurance because Medicare has not kicked in. At the rate he is going with the anger issue he is about to lose our family because I can no longer stand the arguing.
Mary Flatt
16 Apr 2009, 11:34
I have RA,fibromyalgia,degenerative disc disease,high blood pressure and psoriasis and have been on many medications. Told doctor the pain medicine hydracodone was wearing off way too early. I feel like I am loosing this battle. More medicine,more goofy and the relentless fatigue. Is there a better pain reliever that allows you to still function?Lyrica knocked me for a loop.thank you for any help. Sincerely Dee Flatt
Tonie
16 Apr 2009, 11:11
RA, FMS, has me, I don't have it. However, all of my meds, including methatrexate, I get from Sam's Club in 90 day forms WITHOUT using insurance, much cheaper than with my co-pay. The only med I use insurance for is Cymbalta.
I agree with Irudayam.Y, exercise some way. I cannot walk or lift weights like I did, but I found a class at the YMCA, deep water aerobics, it is great ! Just liek a major workout on land, with the resisitance, and you are weightless. Yoga, stretching, elipticals. Oh it makes you feel better and have less pain. FOr those of us who have it all the time even a "turn down on the volume"
is a relief.
God Bless and remember to pray,
Irudayam.Y
16 Apr 2009, 10:24
I have severe arthritis. Lower back,neck and the knees are the affected parts. Daily walking, Swimming three times a week and the exercises for strecthing of the joints and strengthening of mussles are very helpful. If you accidentaly injure you joints, take rest and apply warm and cold compresses and then slowly start walking and exercising. Then start swimming. Yoga also helps a lot.Remove stress by Yogic Meditation, which includes breahing in different ways.God bless you ann with good health.
Lisa G
16 Apr 2009, 10:19
They left out the fact that some meds are not available in Generic Form yet which makes for high co-pays
Gail
16 Apr 2009, 10:08
I have RA,OA, and high blood pressure.After the one pain med was using jumped from a tier 1 drug to a tier 3 drug this year ($7 co-pay to $102 a month) I was put on a different pain med. Not only did the pain med work better for me so that I have significantly decreased pain, I was able to stop taking (except for rare instances) two other as needed pain meds so that was a big savings. We also found that with the increased pain control, my out of control blood pressure became normal and I was able to drop another tier 3 ($102 copay) med! So just having better pain control knocked three meds off my list for a great savings. Pluse with the increased pain control, I am able to do more which keeps me limber, the normal blood pressure is also much better for me and should have a long range cost savings affect.
Pat
16 Apr 2009, 10:04
Take a teaspoon of honey with a teaspon of cider vinegar in 8 oz. of warm water (warm water will help dissolve the honey). It works wonders for arthritic pain.
marion
16 Apr 2009, 09:33
I have athritis.. For the last years I have stayed away from all medications and increased vitamins and continued healthy eating.

I do not feel any different or maybe feel better without any meds. I need to increase my excersize and I know that would help

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