Prescription Drugs Now Ranked To Save Money

[jeffrey]

Well known for its unbiased comparison ratings on safety, effectiveness and cost for cars, appliances and other gadgets, the publisher of Consumer Reports is taking on a whole new industry. In what is believed to be a first of its kind, Consumer Reports is now doing the same thorough comparisons for prescription drugs. The new website is free of charge at crbestbuydrugs.org

While the website currently only compares drugs for high cholesterol, pain relief and heartburn, it plans on expanding the types of drugs compared to some 20 categories over the next couple of years. The site rates the different drugs and gives a "best buy" rank in each category.

If the site performs in similar fashion as it has with other product groups they have compared and evaluated, it's likely the information provided will add pressure to drug makers to show the effectiveness of their products compared to competitors. The website is a valuable tool for the growing number patients who want prescription drugs that have a proven track record as well as being cost-effective.

Choosing the "best buy" drug to treat your ailments can save you hundreds of dollars a year on prescription drug costs. In order for a drug to be labeled the "best buy" in a category, the drug must have a safety record equal or better than others in the same category, as well as be priced significantly lower than the most expensive drug.




For example, a patient needing to lower cholesterol a moderate amount can save as much as $1,300 a year by switching from brand-name cholesterol-lowering drugs to lovastatin - a generic brand which is the site's "best buy."