How to Switch Your Pharmacy in Three Easy Steps

Prescription Drugs

How to Switch Your Pharmacy in Three Easy Steps

RxSaver Updates
Jennifer Hadley
By Jennifer Hadley
Oct 15, 2019 - Updated Apr 06, 2021
Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS
Medically Reviewed ByCarina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS
How to Switch Your Pharmacy in Three Easy Steps

Drug costs in the U.S. have been rising since the late 1990s. Because of the high cost, millions of Americans skip necessary prescriptions, according to a report from the National Center for Health Statistics. Fortunately, there are ways to save, which include switching your pharmacy and using prescription drug coupons from RxSaver. Here’s how to switch your pharmacy in three easy steps.

Find the Cheapest Pharmacy and Save Up to 80%

How do I find the pharmacy with the best pricing?

Prescription drug prices often vary by pharmacy, even in the same neighborhood or area. Need proof? Visit RxSaver and type in your prescription. You’ll see pricing listed for multiple pharmacies near you.

The difference in pricing may be marginal. But in some cases, it can be significant. If you notice that one pharmacy in your area offers better pricing than your current pharmacy, contact the pharmacy with the best pricing and tell them you want to switch and bring your RxSaver coupon with you when you pick up your medication.

What is RxSaver?

RxSaver is a free prescription drug coupon platform for uninsured and insured individuals that offers up to 80% off of more than 6,000 medications.

RxSaver shows you which pharmacy in your area has the best prices on the medications you need. So, if you’re looking to save big, you may want to change pharmacies. Here’s how to switch your pharmacy in 3 easy steps.

Step 1: Look Up Your Medication On RxSaver

The RxSaver app is user-friendly and makes it really easy to find the pharmacy with the lowest price for your medication.

Just download the app, or go to the RxSaver website. Then type in the name of your prescription drug (e.g., atorvastatin), put in your zip code, and the maximum distance you are willing to travel. The pharmacies will be listed from the lowest to the highest price.

You can also edit the details of the drug, such as the form (i.e., tablet, capsule, liquid, etc.), strength, and quantity.

Step 2: Contact the Pharmacy with the Best Pricing

Call the pharmacy that offers the best pricing, and give them the information they need to get your prescription transferred from your current pharmacy. The information they will need to complete the transfer will include:

  • Your name and date of birth
  • The name of the current pharmacy and their phone number
  • The current prescription number on your bottle
  • The name and strength of your medication

Some state laws restrict certain types of prescriptions from being transferred, so it is important to let your pharmacist know the name of your medication. If your state law allows the prescription to be transferred, the pharmacist will call your current pharmacy to get the prescription transferred to their location. Once the prescription is successfully transferred, the pharmacist will give you an approximate time when your prescription will be ready.

Step 3: Pick Up Your Prescription at the New Pharmacy

You will need to show your RxSaver coupon when you pick up your medication at your new pharmacy. You can show the coupon through the app on your phone or bring a printed copy.

You can also call ahead and give coupon details over the phone if you plan on picking it up in person, at the drive-through, or if you’re planning to have it delivered.

"If it was not for RxSaver, I would not be able to afford my medication."

Jacqueline

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Avoiding Delays in Prescription Refills

To eliminate the possibility of running out of medication before the new pharmacy has transferred your prescription, make sure you call the pharmacy in ample time to get your prescription transferred and filled.

This will ensure that the new pharmacy has the medication stocked in time, and prevent delays if your current pharmacy is busy, and it takes a day or so to make the transfer. To be on the safe side, make sure to call the new pharmacy to start the transfer at least three days before you are due for a refill.

Prescription Delivery May Be Available

Many national pharmacy chains now offer delivery of prescription medication. In addition, online pharmacies such as geniusRx offer delivery of some medications. When you type the name of your medication into the RxSaver app or website, geniusRx delivery pricing will appear along with other pharmacies, if your medication is available for delivery.

Jennifer Hadley

Jennifer Hadley

Jen Hadley is a freelance writer and journalist based in Los Angeles, who writes extensively about the medical, legal, health care, and consumer products industries. Jen is a regular contributor to RxSaver.

Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS

Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS

Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS., is a pharmacist who earned her PharmD from St. John’s University in Queens, NY. She maintains an active practice, serving as a Board-Certified Pediatric Pharmacotherapy Specialist at a large metropolitan teaching hospital in New York City. Carina has also published in pharmacy journals and works as a consultant reviewing medical articles for publication.

The information on this site is generalized and is not medical advice. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard seeking advice or delay in seeking treatment because of something you have read on our site. RxSaver makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of this information.

If you are in crisis or you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.