• FDA-sanctioned programs help make prescription drugs more affordable.medication and prescriptions image by Tom Oliveira from Fotolia.com
  
  Many Americans have resorted to purchasing prescription medications from foreign countries to cut down on expenses. However, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) experts caution that there could be safety risks associated with this practice. The FDA understands that many people may have a difficult time obtaining their prescription drugs so it has expanded the list of generic drugs to make them more affordable. Some of the pharmaceutical companies also offer programs that allow consumers to obtain discount drug cards. Pharmaceutical companies also sometimes give low-cost or free medications to people in need.
  
  

AstraZeneca

• AstraZeneca, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Nexium, offers the Purple Plus Program for people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. This program makes Nexium more affordable for patients through the use of instant rebates. It provides educational tools that are meant to assist patients to stay on their prescribed therapies.
  
  It is simple to enroll in the Purple Plus Program and does not entail any paperwork. Nexium patients can enroll in this program by: visiting PurplePill.com and activating the Purple Plus Savings Card that patients can get from their doctors, or by calling 888-PurplePill. When a person enrolls, he receives a welcome kit from AstraZeneca in the mail, followed by other mailings.
  
  

VANIQA Savings Voucher

• VANIQA® is the only cream approved by the FDA that you can get through a prescription to reduce the growth of facial hair in women. If you have already received a prescription or are planning to get one from your physician, you should first go to the VANIQA website and fill out the form to receive a voucher via email. You will receive a savings of up to $50 on VANIQA, as of 2010.
  
  

Nasonex

• Nasonex developed another program that allows consumers to save up to $180 every year. Every time you refill your medication, simply download and print a Nasonex coupon. Take it to your local pharmacy and you will save $15 instantly.
  
  

Lunesta

• If you take Lunesta, or if you need it but can't afford it, the "Lunesta Rest For Less Savings Program" is for you. Reducing your co-pay to $0 will give you a savings of up to $50 on the next 12 prescription refills. This gives you a savings that amounts to $600 every calendar year. All you do is show your card to the pharmacist.