Why savvy shoppers are ditching chemists for deals on medications at supermarkets - but is it safe?
- Replies 3
Getting the medications and treatments we need can be a daunting and expensive task for many Australians. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there was a way to save money on the medications we buy?
More and more savvy shoppers are ditching their local chemist for deals on medications at supermarkets.
And given that it's no secret that we are always looking for ways to save money, it's not surprising that this trend has caught on.
It really hit the mark when one woman shared her trick for finding cheap alternatives to pricey ibuprofen products on a Facebook group.
Sharing on the ALDI Mums Facebook group, the mum revealed that she was able to find a cheaper ibuprofen alternative at ALDI instead of her local chemist – and saved almost $5 in the process.
‘I went to the chemist to purchase this product. They wanted to charge me $6. I'm glad I held off because ALDI sells the exact same product for $1.49,’ she wrote in her post.
The post was well-received, with over 2,000 group members praising the woman for her initiative to share information on where they can find cheaper medicine.
One user wrote: 'Good find! Thank you for this.'
'Pays to shop around. Wanted to purchase arthritis item from Wilso chemist yesterday,' another shared.
'I was asked to pay $32, so I went to Woolies instead, exact same item for $15, unbelievable!'
However, it also prompted users to share their opinions about the effectiveness of the medication.
One woman wrote: 'I don't know why but I'm not a fan of Aldi's ibuprofen. Doesn't seem to work for me. I buy the Woolworths brand which is $2.'
Others replied to this comment echoing the sentiment. However, the woman pointed out that Woolworths carries the Nurofen brand while ALDI distributes the Hedafen brand.
She replied: 'Not the same at all. The only explanation I have ever been given (by a doctor) as to why it may not work for me is my body doesn't break it down the way it should.'
Many claimed that it is not as effective compared to other brands.
One user wrote: 'I personally find taking 3 is the best. I also do the same with Nurofen other wise it didn’t help me!'
Some users recommended other budget-friendly brands.
'If you get the generic brand at the chemist it’s so cheap too,' one person claimed.
Interestingly, some people said they find paracetamol more effective than ibuprofen, with one saying: 'I only take ALDI panadol now. They work quicker, I believe.'
Another suggested: 'You can buy Panamax at the chemist, 100 tablets for around $3.'
Some gave tips on how you can score budget-friendly medicines.
'Always ask for chemist brand for all meds, it’s usually much less and they have to be the same product by PBS,' one comment read.
Unfortunately, there are risks associated with purchasing from supermarkets and similar retailers instead of chemists.
While they offer budget-friendly options, they do not have pharmacists who can give expert advice about medication. This puts you at risk of buying medication that may conflict with any current prescriptions.
One person who claimed to work in a pharmacy also gave a detailed explanation as to why there are different brands of the same medication, writing: 'Some people really can’t tolerate the background fillers they may contain or have coatings that can upset their tummy.'
'I work in a pharmacy and always had this mindset until you see a lot of people asking for original brands only or generics only because they react funny to certain ingredients and coatings.'
Pharmacies can also offer higher-dose, modified-release pain relief tablets. All medications will list the active ingredients so next time you’re shopping, compare the cheaper generic brand with your name-brand preference and see if the ingredients match.
So, there you have it, members! Please keep in mind that the effectiveness of medication can vary from person to person and everyone should talk to their GP before purchasing particular medications - never self-diagnose!
It's also best to consult with your doctor about concerns you have about certain medications, especially with their prices, as some of you might have cheaper alternatives.
Stay safe and healthy out there, folks!
More and more savvy shoppers are ditching their local chemist for deals on medications at supermarkets.
And given that it's no secret that we are always looking for ways to save money, it's not surprising that this trend has caught on.
It really hit the mark when one woman shared her trick for finding cheap alternatives to pricey ibuprofen products on a Facebook group.
Sharing on the ALDI Mums Facebook group, the mum revealed that she was able to find a cheaper ibuprofen alternative at ALDI instead of her local chemist – and saved almost $5 in the process.
A savvy shopper took to Facebook to share that she managed to purchase ibuprofen for $1.49 at ALDI instead of $6 at her local chemist. Credit: Facebook/ALDI Mums.
‘I went to the chemist to purchase this product. They wanted to charge me $6. I'm glad I held off because ALDI sells the exact same product for $1.49,’ she wrote in her post.
The post was well-received, with over 2,000 group members praising the woman for her initiative to share information on where they can find cheaper medicine.
One user wrote: 'Good find! Thank you for this.'
'Pays to shop around. Wanted to purchase arthritis item from Wilso chemist yesterday,' another shared.
'I was asked to pay $32, so I went to Woolies instead, exact same item for $15, unbelievable!'
However, it also prompted users to share their opinions about the effectiveness of the medication.
One woman wrote: 'I don't know why but I'm not a fan of Aldi's ibuprofen. Doesn't seem to work for me. I buy the Woolworths brand which is $2.'
Others replied to this comment echoing the sentiment. However, the woman pointed out that Woolworths carries the Nurofen brand while ALDI distributes the Hedafen brand.
She replied: 'Not the same at all. The only explanation I have ever been given (by a doctor) as to why it may not work for me is my body doesn't break it down the way it should.'
Many claimed that it is not as effective compared to other brands.
One user wrote: 'I personally find taking 3 is the best. I also do the same with Nurofen other wise it didn’t help me!'
Some users recommended other budget-friendly brands.
'If you get the generic brand at the chemist it’s so cheap too,' one person claimed.
Interestingly, some people said they find paracetamol more effective than ibuprofen, with one saying: 'I only take ALDI panadol now. They work quicker, I believe.'
Another suggested: 'You can buy Panamax at the chemist, 100 tablets for around $3.'
Some gave tips on how you can score budget-friendly medicines.
'Always ask for chemist brand for all meds, it’s usually much less and they have to be the same product by PBS,' one comment read.
Unfortunately, there are risks associated with purchasing from supermarkets and similar retailers instead of chemists.
While they offer budget-friendly options, they do not have pharmacists who can give expert advice about medication. This puts you at risk of buying medication that may conflict with any current prescriptions.
One person who claimed to work in a pharmacy also gave a detailed explanation as to why there are different brands of the same medication, writing: 'Some people really can’t tolerate the background fillers they may contain or have coatings that can upset their tummy.'
'I work in a pharmacy and always had this mindset until you see a lot of people asking for original brands only or generics only because they react funny to certain ingredients and coatings.'
Pharmacies can also offer higher-dose, modified-release pain relief tablets. All medications will list the active ingredients so next time you’re shopping, compare the cheaper generic brand with your name-brand preference and see if the ingredients match.
So, there you have it, members! Please keep in mind that the effectiveness of medication can vary from person to person and everyone should talk to their GP before purchasing particular medications - never self-diagnose!
It's also best to consult with your doctor about concerns you have about certain medications, especially with their prices, as some of you might have cheaper alternatives.
Stay safe and healthy out there, folks!
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