“Prevention is key,” explains Gault, who is based in Santa Clarita, Calif. But she also keeps her home and suitcase well-stocked with OTC cold and flu remedies just in case.
“However, I never pay full price for any of it.”
We asked Gault her tips for stocking the medicine cabinet this winter–and saving money in the process:
First of all, what are the best ways to prevent flu and cold symptoms? “For prevention, I’m a firm believer in getting to it quick to nip it in the bud,” she says.
As soon as she feels a tickle in the throat or even just fatigue, Gault reaches for an herbal immune-support formula like Airborne.
She is also a big fan of the Zicam products, noting the nasal swabs and sprays can help fight cold and flu symptoms, as well as zinc lozenges and nasal sprays.
“I’m also a firm believer in vitamin C (she likes Emergen-C or Ester-C) and echinacea and golden seal combinations for prevention, and to help beef up the body’s immune system.”
Gault also makes sure antibacterial soaps are present in the bathrooms and the kitchen in her home. And she insists hand sanitizers are a must for purses and backpacks.
What are ways we can trim costs on OTC medicines? Look for coupons in the newspaper and also inserts such as Red Plum.
The Internet is also is in the frontline.
Gault’s website, a paid service but currently offering a free 4-week trial, features an enormous database of coupons. Members can customize their shopping lists by entering their zip codes; specific stores, if desired; and keywords and/or categories to find what offers are available in their area.
Gault also recommends shoppers visit manufacturers’ websites to find coupons. Zicam, for instance, currently features a $2 off coupon for any product in its line. Visit coupons.zicam.com. (The coupon expires Feb. 25.)
Which is typically cheaper: The grocery store, the drugstore or a membership warehouse such as Sam’s Club?
Generally, Gault says, warehouse club stores don’t offer the large variety of OTC medicines that drugstores and grocery stores do.
Furthermore, if you stack deals at supermarkets and drugstores, you also beat prices at club stores on OTC meds, according to Gault.
She defines “deal stacking” as buying an item with a store coupon, for instance, and a manufacturer’s coupon–plus scoring other deals such as register rewards or instant rebates.
Is it OK to buy these medicines in bulk? You should definitely stock up when OTC medications are on sale, advises Gault.
“Plus, you don’t want to have to get up in the middle of the night and go to a drugstore if you or someone in your house is sick.”
How long do OTCs typically keep? “There’s always a date on all medicines, which should be adhered to as a safety guideline for when it’s time to dispose of the medicine,” says Gault.
Most OTC meds are good for two years.
“I like to take a permanent marker and mark the (expiration) date big on the front, so that it’s easy to see when it is time to dispose of it.”
Are online retailers a good place to get medicines? “As far as I’ve seen, none can compete with what you can get when you walk into a drugstore and buy on sale, with coupon in hand,” says Gault, noting any rewards that may come out of the transaction can be used like cash on future purchases.
Is it OK to buy the store-brand product? Gault says the FDA requires generic and store-brand OTC drugs to be as safe and effective as brand-name drugs.
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