How can I save money on cancer medicines?

There are several safe ways to lower the cost of cancer medicines, and your doctor is the best starting point.

The National Cancer Institute suggests asking your doctor whether a generic version is available, since generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs. You can also ask about the form of the medicine, because pills may cost less than other forms. To avoid paying for a medicine that does not work for you, you can ask your doctor to write only part of a prescription first — though this does not apply to opioids, which cannot be sampled, bulk-ordered, or mailed.

Mail-order pharmacies offered by many insurers are sometimes cheaper than local ones. And discount drug programs and patient assistance programs can help you find medicines at a lower cost; your nurse or social worker can point you to them. One caution: never split or change your doses on your own to save money, as it could be harmful. Only your doctor should adjust how you take a medicine.