A new Consumer Reports poll states that 66 percent of Americans don’t find out about the cost of their medications until they get to the checkout line of the pharmacy.

And nearly one-third of people polled said

It seems ironic when modafinil/provigil went through clinical trials, funded by its intial creator Cephalon Pharmaceutical, it was hailed as a wonder drug. As is often the case, under our quirky patent laws other manufacturers were soon allowed to synthesise their own version of the worlds most popular narcolepsy treatment and Cephalon lost out to the tune of millions of dollars.

Today, Cephalon are about to bring a new, improved version of the drug to market. Called Nuvigil, its hoped it will go some way to replacing the the lost revenues from modafinil.

So is it only me that finds it strange that, modafinil has gone from wonder drug, to possibly addictive substance in the period just before Cephalon releases Nuvigil?

Dr. John Santa, MD is the director of Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center in Washington, D.C.

He advises people dealing with the sticker shock of prescription costs to talk to their doctor immediately and tell them firmly that it is a priority to get those costs reduced.

Depending on your particular needs, you and your doctor may be able to find the flexibility to alter your regimen without putting your health or safety at risk in order to save some money.

Many expensive brand-name drugs can be replaced with generics for a fraction of the price and some of your medicines may even be able to be reduced or cut out completely if their effects are duplicated in other medicines.

Even pill splitting – as long as it’s only done at the authorization of your doctor – can help cost savings.

Santa also endorses a practice long supported by Carmen: comparison shopping.

Prices on the same drugs can fluctuate a great deal between brick-and-mortar pharmacies, not to mention mail-order pharmacies.

Check DestinationRX.com to compare prices and remember to always do your due diligence – it’s important to save money wherever you can these days, but your health still matters more than cutting a few corners. Consult with your doctor for the best ways to cut costs without putting yourself at risk.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/29741502