With the national debate on the cost of prescription drugs heating up, many consumers are taking a serious look at cost-saving measures for their medications.

Asking for a generic-equivalent medication can help with saving money, said Mike Patton, executive director of the Illinois Pharmacists Association.

“Sometimes, a physician will prescribe a medication and the price will be quoted by the last sales rep that they talked to,” Patton said. “So it’s always a good idea to talk to your physician about it.”

Steve Fleming, owner of Amboy Pharmacy, said people should ask a pharmacist to refer any county or city agency that assists residents with healthcare costs.

“Manufacturers can also be added to that list, because sometimes they have rebate programs,” Fleming said.

It also is good to avoid buying prescriptions from foreign sources, according to a press release.

“We are concerned with the safety and security of our patients,” Patton said. “There are a lot of counterfeit medications out there that are sold on the Internet, which may not give them the right results.”

Illinois has many prescription-drug assistance programs to assist the elderly, people with disabilities or people who are in need of financial aid, Patton said. The best-known programs are the Senior Circuit Breaker program and the new Senior Care program.

People also should be encouraged to talk to their physicians and pharmacists about their prescriptions, he said.

“The patients need to be more informed and are always encouraged to ask questions,” Patton said. “Often, we can speak to the physician about less expensive, but equally effective alternatives.”