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

Join the Fat 2 Fit Challenge

Join the Fat 2 Fit Community
Don't go it alone. Join AARP's team effort to shed pounds, with coaching from Carole Carson.

Free, Fun Games for Your Brain
Keep your mind sharp with interactive games and the latest research and tips on boosting your brain power.

More From AARP

Member Benefit

assistance with flat tire

Save on membership fees in AARP® Roadside Assistance from Allstate.

Healthy Couch Potato

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Can watching the Super Bowl actually improve your health?

Our Movie Picks

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The envelope, please: our annual Movies for Grownups® Awards.

Make Clothes Last

colorful t-shirts

What's your oldest garment in your closet that you still wear?

AARP Needs You!

volunteering sign

AARP seeks nine volunteers for its National Policy Council.

Doughnut Hole

doughnut sprinkled with pills

Find ideas for avoiding Medicare's Rx coverage gap.

Driving for Less

Driver Safety Program

Our driver safety course can lower car insurance costs for Montanans.

Tex-Mex Food

breakfast tacos

Willing to share your recipe for tacos? Tell us how you stuff your shell!

Spa Cuisine

chef mixing ingredients

The food served at spas today tastes better and is easy to prepare at home.

Vote for Your Fave!

Heroic Pet Awards

We picked 10 heroic animals. Tell us which one should win $1,000.

Latin Music

Ruben Blades

Latin music has captured hearts and souls all around the world.

AARP Exclusive

grandparent and grandchild

See how grandparents affect the lives of children with autism.