The short answer
Copy the full medication name, strength, dosage form, release type, and quantity from your prescription. Ask the pharmacist to confirm package size and days supplied when they are unclear.
Copy the complete name
Include all ingredients in a combination product. Keep suffixes such as ER, SR, XL, and DR. These details distinguish products that may look similar in a search result. Do not substitute a different product just because its benchmark is lower.
Keep the units attached
Milligrams and micrograms are not the same unit. Quantity can mean tablets, milliliters, grams, or another dispensing unit. An inhaler or injectable package can contain multiple measured units. Ask for a complete package quote when appropriate.
Use the NDC as a reference
A National Drug Code identifies a specific drug product and package record. Our data selects one representative NDC for each description, which may not match the manufacturer your pharmacy stocks. A different NDC is a reason to confirm the product, not to assume the quote is wrong.
Write down the terms with the price
Record the date, pharmacy, total price, supply length, and whether the quote uses insurance, a discount, or a membership. Quotes can change between the search and the actual fill.
Common questions
Should I choose the lowest-cost strength?
Use only the prescribed strength and form. Any medication change belongs with your clinician or pharmacist.
Sources & further reading
Source links checked 2026-09-22. Cost information only; this content has not been clinically reviewed.