5 wallet friendly ways to stock your medicine cabinet

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People are more aware of their health and wellness than ever, so saving money on your medicine cabinet has never been more important. Thankfully, there are several thrifty ways in which you can cut the cost of keeping healthy!

Make use of non-branded medication

At first glance, it would not be absurd to assume that branded medicine does a better job at helping to deal with ailments than its non-branded counterparts. However, this is not always the case. In simple terms, when a company discovers a new drug, they take out a patent that grants them exclusive rights to produce and market that medicine. But, when the patent eventually runs out, other companies can produce their own generic versions.

These versions must be ‘bioequivalent’ and thus share the same active ingredients as the more expensive branded product. For instance, if you suffer from recurrent cold sores know that you can lay off the expensive over-the-counter name-brand treatments and replace it with a generic cream that contains the active ingredient of ‘aciclovir’, an anti-viral medication. The same goes for supermarket own-brand painkillers like paracetamol. They’ll likely do the exact same job and will save your wallet a decent sum.

To ensure a generic product is the same, you can find their active ingredients listed on the front and back of the box. If in doubt, speak to your local pharmacist who will be able to advise you.

Avoid expensive skincare

In much the same vein, given the minefield that is skincare, it is not unheard of for people to spend a small fortune on moisturisers and the like, when they could have been opting for similarly effective cheaper alternatives the whole time. Though high-end skincare brands might invest in more extensive research and be visually more appealing, their formulations and active ingredients are often not too dissimilar from lower-end alternatives. Although the concentrations of these ingredients might differ, trial and error are your best friends in these instances. It can’t hurt to opt for the less expensive option first and see how your skin responds, before moving on to a different option if needs be.

Use reusable period products

Many people with periods dread to think of the money they spend on disposable period products each year. However, things have been changing in recent years as people search for cheaper, more sustainable alternatives. Nowadays period-proof underwear, reusable pads, menstrual cups and reusable tampon applicators are on the market, and the ways in which you can save money on your monthly cycle is extensive. Whilst it may take a bit of time and research to find which option works best for you, investing in reusable period products will be well worth it in the end. Not only will your wallet feel heavier, but the environment will thank you also.

Similarly, if you’re a parent of young children and tired of the endless stream of nappies that accumulate on any given day, think about purchasing reusable ones. They’re not as ‘icky’ as they may sound!

Plan ahead

If you know that you suffer from a recurring condition, such as a UTI, with resources like e-Surgery online prescription service and pharmacy available, you can anticipate your needs ahead of time and purchase treatments like Trimethoprim tablets for UTI. As a result, when that UTI inevitable strikes again, you won’t be left at a loss, meaning any discomfort or pain the condition causes will be over before you can say the word ‘infection’. Planning ahead is pivotal in saving arduous trips to your GP or local pharmacist. Thus, you can save time and ultimately (petrol) money too.

Consider a home remedy or two

Whilst the effectiveness of many home remedies can often leave a lot to be desired, some individuals can attest to the effectiveness of the occasional home treatment. After all, what doesn’t work for one person might work for another, you could always give these a go!

If you suffer from hay fever, you might try combining a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda into a pint of boiled water that’s been left to cool, this can be used to sniff through one nostril at a time and help to wash away any irritants.
Similarly, if you have acne, some people report that applying honey to the afflicted area or diluted tea tree oil helps to reduce redness.

Using ingredients that you already have around the house is a resourceful and economical way of saving those pennies whilst helping with simple ailments. Don’t knock it till you try it!