Alternative pharmacies.

Here's your connection to affordable prescriptions

The price tag for prescriptions is steadily rising. According to IMS Health and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), Americans shelled out $103 billion for prescriptions in 1998, an increase of nearly $14 billion since 1997. With prices continuing to move up, mail-order prescription houses, as well as new online sites, may offer you a lifeline to lifelong savings.

If you are required to take medication on a long-term basis, you may want to consider mail-order prescriptions. With Rx Universe Mail Order Pharmacy, customers receive discounts of up to 80% off the retail price. And if you need a supply of medicine while waiting for your mail-order delivery, Rx Universe has over 50,000 participating pharmacies that can fill your prescription at savings of from 5% to 40% off retail price. Vitamins are also available at deeply discounted prices. For a single person, the annual fee for joining the plan is $19.95; it's $34.95 for a family of two or more. To order, call 800-794-6490 or log on to www.rxuniverse.com.

DrugPlace.com (www.drugplace.com) offers discounts of as much as 75% off prescriptions and offers great savings on diabetic supplies, vitamins, and other medical needs. PetDrugPlace.com, a division of DrugPlace.com, offers medications for your pet as well. There is no membership fee. Order your medication online, or call 800-881-6325.

Other mail-order companies offering significant discounts include US Medication (www.usmedication.com) at 877-624-5879 and RxUSA (www.rxusa.com) at 800-798-7248. All companies require that a prescription from a doctor's office be faxed in or called in before the order can be filled.

For additional savings, ask your doctor for free samples.