Is OTC cheaper than prescription?

Asked by: Holly Gorczany  |  Last update: September 30, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (13 votes)

OTC medications can cost less than prescription medications, but this is not always the case. You may be able to save money on OTC medications with coupons or by buying a store-brand version instead of a name-brand version.

Is over-the-counter cheaper than prescription?

Normally the price of these over the counter drugs is much much lower than what you would have to pay for a prescription fee.

What is the difference between OTC and prescription medication?

Prescription drugs should be taken only by the patient they are prescribed for. Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are medications available without a prescription. Some medications are available both as a prescription and over-the-counter.

Can you use GoodRx for OTC?

Key takeaways:

Examples include motion sickness pills like Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) and pain relievers like Advil (ibuprofen). GoodRx can help you save money on OTC medications.

Is Walmart cheaper than CVS for prescriptions?

We consistently find that drugs – particularly generic drugs – are far more expensive at CVS and Walgreens than at other pharmacies. The costs at Walmart, Costco, Winn-Dixie and Publix are consistently far lower, as are the costs of most independent pharmacies.

OTC vs. Prescription Hearing Aids

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Where is the cheapest place to get prescriptions filled?

Tips on How to Get Cheaper Prescriptions
  • Online Pharmacies. ...
  • Bulk Buying. ...
  • Prescription Savings Clubs. ...
  • Health Insurance. ...
  • Health Savings Account. ...
  • Benefit Programs. ...
  • Government Programs. ...
  • Nonprofit Organizations. Many nonprofit organizations help people with serious or chronic conditions afford their prescriptions.

Is anything cheaper than GoodRx?

Bottom Line. SingleCare and GoodRx make prescription drug prices more affordable for consumers. Both companies have identical aims, but SingleCare generally offers lower pricing and free delivery.

What is the most common OTC drug?

WHAT IS THE MOST COMMONLY USED OTC MEDICATION? The most commonly used over-the-counter medications include: Pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. Medicines for heartburn and indigestion such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, cimetidine, and aluminum hydroxide.

What pharmacies do not accept GoodRx?

GoodRx Gold is accepted at thousands of pharmacies across the country, including CVS, Rite Aid, Costco, VONS, Publix, and Albertsons. See the full list here. GoodRx Gold is currently not accepted at Rite-Aid, Sam's Club, Walgreens, or Walmart.

Can I use my OTC card for prescriptions?

The OTC card cannot be converted to cash, nor can it be used to purchase Part B or Part D prescription drugs. Certain brands may not be eligible at all locations. The list of eligible items may vary from month to month.

Are OTC meds covered by insurance?

OTC products are almost never covered by insurance. If you have an HSA account they might, but the OTC product has to be filled just like a regular prescription medication. The only way to know before hand is for you to take to your insurance customer service.

What are the new OTC medications in 2024?

Recent additions include Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal nasal spray available since 2023, and Opill, the first FDA-approved over-the-counter oral contraceptive in the U.S., expected to be available in 2024.

What are the two most commonly abused prescription drugs?

Three types of drugs are abused most often: • Opioids—prescribed for pain relief • CNS depressants—barbiturates and benzodiazepines prescribed for anxiety or sleep problems (often referred to as sedatives or tranquilizers) • Stimulants—prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the sleep disorder ...

What if I can't afford my prescription?

Many pharmaceutical companies, state programs and nonprofits have drug assistance programs (PAPs) that offer free or low-cost medicines if you don't have insurance or are underinsured and can't afford your medicine. Programs and program benefits vary.

What is the difference between OTC and RX?

Rx drugs can only be obtained through a prescription from a physician or other licensed medical professional, such as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. These medications are typically stronger than OTC drugs, and can only be used by the intended person to treat a specific medical diagnosis.

What are blacklisted medicines?

The NHS treatments blacklist is an informal name for a list of medicines and procedures which will not be funded by public money except in exceptional cases.

Why do pharmacies not like GoodRx?

“Pharmacies hate GoodRx's system since they lose money from the potential profit, they would have made from cash paying customers and then also lose money when they pay a fee for selling to a patient who might have used their pharmacy anyway,” says Dr. Fein.

Is Costco pharmacy cheaper?

However, some studies show that Costco's pharmacies are often cheaper than those at CVS and Walgreens². One study found that drug prices at Costco's pharmacies were an average of 15% lower than those at CVS and Walgreens².

Can a pharmacy refuse to honor GoodRx?

Are pharmacies required to accept GoodRx coupons? Participating pharmacies are required to accept GoodRx through contracts with their pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). An exception is for controlled medications. Accepting a GoodRx coupon for a controlled medication is always at the discretion of the pharmacist.

What is the strongest OTC medicine?

Naproxen is considered to be the strongest anti-inflammatory medication available over the counter, says Walia.

What is the safest pain reliever for seniors?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually safer for older adults than other pain medicines. Topical pain medicines (also called topical analgesics) can also help. When common pain medicines don't work to manage pain, your healthcare provider may suggest other medicines, such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants.

Why do doctors recommend Tylenol over ibuprofen?

If you're confused which to use, experts generally advise you to choose ibuprofen for inflammation and acetaminophen for just pain. If you aren't allergic and don't have liver problems, acetaminophen may be better for a simple headache than ibuprofen.

What is the catch to GoodRx?

Here's the deal: Paying with a GoodRx coupon is considered an “out-of-network” purchase, and it's up to the insurance company to decide if they'll pay you back — or whether they'll count it toward your deductible.

What is the best prescription discount program?

SingleCare is our top pick for prescription discount cards thanks to their simple price-comparison tool and discounts on telemedicine and other health-care services.

Does Walmart honor GoodRx prices?

GoodRx is accepted at virtually every one of the 70,000+ retail pharmacies in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands — including major chains like CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, Rite Aid, Costco, Walmart and many more!