Demonstrating its commitment to customer service, ApothecaryRx provides tips to help Chicagoans struggling financially afford their prescription drugs

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The economy is forcing many Chicagoans to make difficult choices to make ends meet, including foregoing the prescription medications they need to maintain their health and well being. Worried that some patients may be jeopardizing their health and, as a result, their future medical and financial security, ApothecaryRx, which owns and operates 18 community pharmacies throughout the Midwest, is sharing tips on how consumers can save money on their prescription drug costs.

"The faltering economy is affecting everyone differently, but no one should feel they must put their health at risk to makes ends meet," said Lewis P. Zeidner, founder, president and CEO of ApothecaryRx.

According to Zeidner, there are five simple ways that consumers can get their prescription drug costs under control.

• Fill your prescriptions at an independent pharmacy. In general, independent pharmacies have lower over-head and operational costs than the major national chains, allowing them to charge between 10 - 18 percent less on commonly used medications.
• Consult your physician about alternate drugs. Often an alternate medication can offer comparable efficacy at a lower price. Ask your physician if a lower-cost alternate medication is available and appropriate.
• Participate in manufacturer discount programs. Many drug manufacturers offer discount drug programs for qualifying individuals that can provide significant discounts on their prescription drug costs. Because these programs can be difficult to navigate, ask your pharmacist to assist you in the process.
• Set up a payment schedule with your pharmacist. Loyal, long-term customers can often work out a payment schedule with their independent pharmacist that allows them to continue their medications without having to pay the total bill at the time the prescription is filled.
• Request a generic alternative. Generic medications cost on-average 15 to 20 percent of what brand name drugs cost. Although generics are not available for every medication, they are generally available as an alternative treatment for many common ailments.

"These are simple measures that can save consumers money today-and tomorrow," Zeidner said. "By following their doctors' orders and maintaining their prescription drug regimens, consumers can help prevent more complex and costly health care issues down the road."

ApothecaryRx operates 18 independent community pharmacies throughout the Midwest, including five in Illinois: Parkway Drugs in downtown Chicago (two locations); Parkway Drugs in Glencoe, Ill.; Parkway Drugs in Wilmette, Ill.; Rambo Pharmacy in Decatur, Ill.

About ApothecaryRx

Golden Valley, Minn.-based ApothecaryRx, LLC buys and operates strong, independent retail community pharmacies. The company provides pharmacy owners who wish to retire or transition into retirement an alternative to closing their doors or selling to a chain. ApothecaryRx makes no changes to consumer-facing aspects of a pharmacy yet provides sophisticated back-end processes and procedures. The company currently operates 18 community pharmacies throughout the Central United States. To learn more about ApothecaryRx, visit www.ApothecaryRxLLC.com.

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SOURCE ApothecaryRx