Field guide / Last reviewed July 2026
Compare the exact prescription—not the headline price.
Drug prices can change by pharmacy, dose, quantity, payment route, and date. A useful comparison holds every one of those fields constant.
Comparison file
Keep these six fields identical.
- Drug name and whether it is brand or generic
- Strength, dosage form, and quantity
- Pharmacy location and whether membership is required
- Cash, plan, coupon, or assistance-program route
- Refill limits, prior authorization, step therapy, and expiration
- Current total—not an undated ‘starting at’ claim
Generic check
Ask whether an FDA-approved generic is available.
FDA-approved generic medicines use the same active ingredient and must meet applicable quality and bioequivalence standards. The prescriber or pharmacist must decide whether substitution is appropriate.
FDA generic-drug facts ↗Assistance check
Use the manufacturer's official program source.
For a brand medicine, verify whether a current patient-assistance program exists, who qualifies, and which prescriber or pharmacy steps apply. Do not rely on an undated coupon table.
Method note: this page contains no live pharmacy inventory, drug-specific quote, savings estimate, or paid placement. Confirm the current total and restrictions before paying. General information, not medical advice.