Prescription drugs can be costly. Even if insurance helps cover the cost, you usually pay a percentage. Over time—or with many prescriptions—your out-of-pocket costs can add up.

Can you save money on prescription drugs? You bet! Here are five cost-cutting strategies you can try.

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you can get a less expensive generic drug instead of a brand-name drug. The products almost always have the same ingredients and can save you half the cost or more.
• Shop around for the lowest price. Pharmacies vary. If you find a drug at a lower price, ask your pharmacist if he or she can match it.
• For new prescriptions, ask for samples or a short supply. You may experience side effects and have to switch drugs. By starting with only a few, you won’t be stuck with expensive medicine you won’t use.
• Some pills, such as ones with time-released coatings, should not be split. But depending on what you take, you may be able to cut costs by asking your doctor for a higher-dosage version and splitting the pills with a pill-splitter. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about this.
• If you’ll be taking a drug over an extended period, consider buying in bulk. Medications are often less expensive in quantities of 100 or more. Only buy in bulk, however, if you know you tolerate the drug well.