Four ways to save on over-the-counter meds as prescription prices rise
WITH the price of a prescription rising 30p this month to £9.65, saving on over-the-counter meds matters more than ever.
Thankfully, there are bargains if you know where to look.
Here are some tips to help you spend less on the most common medicines.
PAIN IN THE BACKSIDE: Medications specifically labelled for back pain, say, or period pain, could make you buy multiple items that do the same thing.
Also, stores’ own-label medications cost a lot less than big brands.
For example, a 100ml of Calpol is £3.75 in Morrisons yet the store’s version is £2.15. Each has 120mg paracetamol per 5ml.
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Read the packet and check the active ingredients are the same. Also look at the product licence number.
If medications have the same number, it’s the same formulation, just different packaging.
Check the non-active ingredients too, as these may contain allergens such as lactose.
SHOP SMART: Shop around to get the best buys on branded and generic meds.
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There can be a big difference in price, from Boots, Superdrug and Lloyds Pharmacy, both instore and online, to great-value supermarket buys.
You can also compare prices of online chemists registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council, such as and .
Don’t skip your local pharmacy either. They can have great buys and you can get the pharmacist’s expertise for free.
JOIN THE CLUB: Join reward schemes to earn points that will save you money in future.
Make sure you’re signed up to Boots Advantage and the Superdrug Health & Beauty card to get access to good deals.
Also look on sites such as .
You can currently save ten per cent on cough and cold treatments at with the code COLDS10.
BEAT PRESCRIPTION PRICES: In England, prescription costs rose on April 1.
If you currently get prescriptions for the most common items, like aqueous cream, hay fever medication and painkillers, it may be cheaper to buy them over the counter using the tips above.
Always ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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