In order to keep medication costs down when budgets are tight, periodically compare the prices of prescriptions as they can vary widely. Recently, I repeated this effort-in part due to a price hike at my current pharmacy and in part because AARP membership (with my husband's 50th birthday) offered participation in their mail-order pharmacy plan. Typically I call seven to 10 pharmacies, including a couple of grocery stores, Wal-Mart, and several chain pharmacies. I also include two or three reputable long-distance prescription services. You may wish to take your time and place the calls over several days.

In 1999, I priced my hypertension medications, Claritin and Neurontin. To give an example, one month's supply of Claritin ranged from a low of $60.62 to a high of $83.00, while my current strength of Neurontin started at $138.46 and peaked at a whopping $217.00 per month. AARP, while reasonable, could not beat the best price at a grocery chain.
Susan Dion, Carneys Point, N.J.

For many months, I have suffered from irritable bowel syndrome in conjunction with chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS). Recently, I changed my primary care physician. My new doctor suggested that I take a glass of water with Metamucil at bedtime, as my irritable bowel is worse in the morning. I have found that the generic equivalents, such as American Faire by K-Mart, are just as effective and much less expensive. They are available in a variety of texture and flavor combinations.
Timothy Hrehocik, McKeesport, Pa.

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