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Painless Tips on Shopping for Headache Medicine

By Nadine Cheung Posted 10:00AM 08/14/12 Savings Experiment |
Savings Experiment: Vitamins

When you have a headache, what do you reach for?

Did you find our video on headache medicine helpful?

Headaches are no fun, which is why many of us reach for over-the-counter pain relievers to help ease the discomfort. But, the price of products like Advil and Aleve can add up quickly, especially if you're purchasing a lot over time. Here, our experts show you how you can save on these go-to drugs.

First, read the labels -- what's stronger is not always better. For example, Advil makes 24-tablet bottle of 200 milligram pills for $3.48. However, Advil Migraine comes in a 20-tablet bottle, has the same units of ibuprofen (200 milligrams), but costs $4.12. In this case, purchasing the migraine brand gets your less of the same size pills at a higher cost.

Second, go generic. The FDA requires that generic brands offer the same quality, strength, purity and stability as name brand drugs, so you're better off grabbing these over the higher-priced offerings. For instance, Aleve liquid-gels cost $5.89 for 20 220-milligram tablets of naproxen, while the generic brand has the same size bottle of the drug for just $3.79.

Headache medicineIn short, generic medicine is equally as effective, but at a lower price. So, the next time you're about to purchase a pain reliever, keep these wallet-friendly tips in mind.
Tagged: advil, aleve, best deals, drugstore deals, generic drugs, generic ibuprofen, generic naxoproxen, lifestyle, medicine, saving on headache medicine, Savings Experiment, SavingsExperiment

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estimatorone

I have used the generic equivelent of Excedrin migrane headache releif for
years. I find it has always worked the same as the original. What the key
is here is to look at the active ingredients on the box. As long as they are
the same as the original, you have no problems. Also, if you feel more
comfortable to do so, use a familiar name brand like CVS, Walgreens, etc.
Again, no matter what brand you use, always compare the active ingredients
listed on the label.

December 18 2012 at 11:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
louise0972

The FDA requires generic medications to only be 80% as effective as a name brand therefore it can be 20% less effective or 20% more effective (120%). It is also important to look at what country the generic was compounded. ALL GENERICS ARE NOT EQUAL TO BRAND DRUGS.

December 18 2012 at 6:59 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Steve Schiffman

The example given in the article is somewhat misleading. Extra-strength is one thing; repacking is another. The Advil comparison was NOT regular vs. extra strength. Read carefully what was quoted: " Advil makes 24-tablet bottle of 200 milligram pills for $3.48. However, Advil Migraine comes in a 20-tablet bottle, has the same units of ibuprofen (200 milligrams)." So where is the extra strength? Let's use an example that offers some validity about the differences between "regular" dosage and "extra strength" doses.

December 13 2012 at 12:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Steve Schiffman's comment
livingdeadjeni

I can say excedrine does that. Their extra strength is exactly the same as migraine. Same units of aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine, and both bottles say to take the same dose. Granted they also cost the same as each other.

December 18 2012 at 12:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mr832

If you have persistant migraines, go to a headache doctor. I highly recommend "Maxalt" as needed.
It really works and has saved my life. I only use it when I really need it. It is a "tryptan".

December 13 2012 at 11:08 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
DENNISLISA79

I have allways liked OXYCODONE works best

December 13 2012 at 9:51 AM Report abuse +3 rate up rate down Reply
Mack

Dollar Store Asprin is my choice.

December 13 2012 at 8:50 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Mack's comment
livingdeadjeni

The only thing is you have to be careful about that and read the labels because some medicine found in dollar stores aren't fda regulated because they weren't created here

December 18 2012 at 12:56 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Sue Williams

One or cups of coffee always cures my headache!

December 13 2012 at 8:45 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
babebennet

Be very careful taking Tylenol. There is an ingredient in tylenol that causes liver problems over the 2,000 mg limit. One tablet can have 500 mg. So it only takes 4 tables. Check out anything you take with your Pharmacist and keep all your prescriptions at one Pharmacy so your Pharmacist knows what does and doesn't work together.
And anything over the counter run past your Pharmacist, too. People have died combining over the counter with prescription drugs.

December 13 2012 at 8:06 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
wterry55

Can't we all just get along?

December 13 2012 at 5:42 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
philsun73

I find that a couple of shots of warm brandy works wonders. A couple more shots, and your're dancing. A couple more shots and your staggering, Acouple more shots and you pass out. When you wake in the morning, you have a brand new headache. But you still remember the good time you had.

December 13 2012 at 4:44 AM Report abuse +3 rate up rate down Reply

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