Prescription costs in Southern Colorado
Everyone has had to go to their local pharmacy to pick up medication whether it be for a cold, pain relief, or for treatment. Those who have to purchase prescriptions often know just how expensive it can be and for some not being able to afford their medication isn’t an option.
That’s why KRDO is comparing the costs of the top five most prescribed drugs to tell you the most affordable options.
When it comes to buying and picking up prescriptions, typically we choose the pharmacy closest to our homes. Not thinking that driving an extra 20 minutes to another pharmacy could end up saving us money. We found out that is the case for some prescriptions.
The most commonly prescribed medication for Colorado is Pro-Air, an inhaler used to treat asthma, bronchitis, and coughing. When comparing costs using Goodrx.com for Colorado Springs and Pueblo, it will cost you $71 at Walmart and King Soopers, $73 at CVS and $80 at Walgreens.
The second most purchased prescription, 30 pills worth 500 milligrams of amoxicillin used to treat infections. The drug will cost you $13 at Walmart, $15 at King Soopers and CVS, and $17 at Walgreens.
The third, Gabapentin. It’s used to treat seizures and pain caused by shingles. At King Soopers it costs $34 for 90 pills with a dosage of 300 mg. CVS it costs $62, Walmart at $69, and the most expensive, Walgreens at $74. That is a full $40 difference between King Soopers and Walgreens.
We continue our investigation with Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen which is used for pain relief. The most affordable is Walgreens $34, next is King Soopers with $48 and the most expensive is CVS and Walmart at $58.
The fifth most prescribed medication for Colorado is Levothyroxine which treats enlarged thyroid glands. Walmart charges $4, King Soopers and CVS both sell them at $12. Walgreens is the most expensive at $15.
However, with most of these stores, they do offer discounts to members which could lover your cost significantly.
Health experts do warn customers about buying different prescriptions from different pharmacies. Saying that the customer should let the pharmacist know if they are on other medication. So then the pharmacist can let them know if the medication they are buying at another store will affect the medication they currently buying.
To see the other top prescriptions in Colorado, click here.
