RX DRUG SMARTS

using meds wisely

Doughnut Hole Calculator

If you have the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit, find out how you can avoid the coverage gap now.

Tools

Compare Drug Effectiveness and Costs

This guide from Consumer Reports Health Best Buy Drugs describes medication alternatives for common conditions. You'll also find information about generic medications and other money-saving tips.

Drugs A-Z

Look up your meds with this drug-search tool.

Drug Interaction Checker

Check for food and drug interactions among your drugs with this tool.

AARP Programs

Rx Watchdog Reports

AARP Watchdog reports on the pricing, legislative and public policies of the world's pharmaceutical manufacturers.

 

Create the Good: Health Opportunities

Help others get fit, start personal medication records, and more, through Create the Good.

Divided We Fail

The Divided We Fail effort advances the idea that partisan gridlock should not stand in the way of affordable health care and long-term financial security for all Americans.
 

Voices

Elinor Ginzler

Help Loved Ones With Meds

By Elinor Ginzler

Elinor Ginzler gives advice on how to protect loved ones from prescription-drug mishaps.

AARP Books

Book: the aarp guide to pills

The AARP Guide to Pills

Information on more than 1,200 prescription and nonprescription medications, including generics, side effects, and drug interactions.

The ABC's of E-Prescriptions

From My Generation

computer mouse surrounded by medication

Electronic prescriptions can help cut down on potentially harmful medication mistakes and save you money. Find out how.

juicer surrounded by fruit

Meds Not Working? It Could Be Your Juice

By Katharine Greider

Grapefruit isn't the only fruit juice that could mess up your meds. Two other top juices also pose problems, research indicates.

medication with coffee

Toss Your Meds
the Right Way

From Prime Time Focus

Ready to get rid of old pills? Use this easy method to trash them safely. Heads up! It involves a sandwich bag and coffee or kitty litter.

From the Online Community

Group: Medication Issues
Group: Medicare Part D

Join the the conversation about drug costs. What's your take on generics? 
Join Group

Journal: Cherry

Journal: Meds
User Cherry wants to save money on meds. Should she try Canada?
Read Journal

Free Antibiotics …
at the Supermarket

By Sid Kirchheimer

Some supermarkets are offering a free two-week course of antibiotics through March 21. Find out which ones.

Avoid These Risky Drug Combos

By Lindsey Tanner

At least two million older Americans are taking a potentially harmful combination of drugs, a new study warns. Here's what to watch for.

Drug Offers a Ray of Hope
for Alzheimer's Patients

By Barbara Basler

A new drug appears to help people with Alzheimer's get better, at least at first. Researchers are investigating how long the effect is sustained. 

Are Million-Dollar Meds
Busting Your Budget?

By Barbara Basler

New "specialty" drugs command prices 10 to 100 times higher than other prescription drugs because patients have few alternatives.

AARP Health Benefits

AARP Health Insurance Benefit

Affordable Healthcare? Consider it Done

Insurance & Plans: From Major Medical to Medicare Supplement, find the right health insurance plan for you.

Discounts & Savings: Pharmacy, Vision & and even Fitness discounts provide everyday savings for you.

More to Explore

senior woman and neighbor

Create The Good
AARP is calling on its members to Create the Good in their neighborhoods. Get involved.

Benefits QuickLINK
Find out what public or private benefits are available for older adults and families with children.

More From AARP

Member Discounts

beautifully wrapped presents

Find great gifts at a great price with the AARP® Member Discounts Holiday Guide!

Driver Safety Month

older driver behind wheel

It's November! Make sure your loved ones travel safely this holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving

turkey illustration on fall leaf motif

Treat friends and family to our new recipes, gift guide, entertaining tips, and more!

Seasonal Savings

ice chest with drinks

Here's how to save dollars on your drive over the river and through the woods.

Health Action Now!

health reform and action now

Help us keep our momentum for legislative action on health care— NOW!

Solo Travelers

woman listening to the sea

Connect with other singles who share your wanderlust. Join the group.

Vegas Adventure

 Las Vegas

Create your own virtual adventure in Sin City—starring you!

Health-Myth Buster

bar of soap in soap dish

Does antibacterial soap prevent more illnesses than regular soap?

Fat 2 Fit

illustration of

Here's how one woman uses the Fat 2 Fit Community to keep herself on track.

Create The Good

create the good logo on red

Got a little time? Find volunteer opportunities that take minutes, hours, or days.

South Carolina News

South Carolina flag

Politically savvy older folks strengthen their online voices with help from tech-savvy kids.

Go Fish

slice of raw salmon

Love seafood? Here's how to buy and prepare several varieties of this healthy protein source.