12 Pharmacy Items Seniors Should Always Buy in Bulk

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There’s no way to deny the fact that privatized healthcare in the United States is absolutely expensive, whether you’re insured or not. This is true for everyone, but especially for seniors, who typically have greater medical needs in retirement on less fixed income. Along with general insurance costs, pharmacy prices have spiked and steadily increased in recent years, making it harder for retirees to manage everyday health costs.

From over-the-counter medications to essential personal care products, many commonly used pharmacy items can add up quickly if purchased all at once. That’s why knowing which products are worth buying in bulk can lead to significant long-term savings.

To uncover the best deals, GOBankingRates found a dozen pharmacy items seniors should always buy in bulk, whether you shop at major chains, warehouse clubs or online pharmacies. These essentials reduce frequent trips to the store and help you be better prepared all year long.

Over-the-counter pain relievers you use year-round

Aging certainly comes with wisdom, but unfortunately, it also comes with chronic aches and pains. Luckily, there are over-the-counter treatments available at some of your favorite warehouse stores where you can stock up at really low prices. Costco is a great place to buy pharmacy supplies in large quantities.

Here are some Costco options where you can actually steal some money and not feel like anything:

Daily vitamins and supplements with long shelf life

A vitamin a day can hopefully keep the doctor away or at least you’ll have to visit their office less often. The good news for your budget is that these items have a long shelf life, so it makes more sense to buy in bulk for something you use daily. Here are some Sam’s Club items that are great for your health and your bottom line:

• MaryRuth’s Daily Liquid Hair Formula: Hair loss or thinning is common for seniors, but there’s a great dietary supplement that can help with this blueberry pomegranate flavored liquid vitamin. You get a 2-pack of 22-ounce bottles for $44.98.
• Metamucil Psyllium 4in1 Fiber Supplement Powder: It’s important to get your daily fiber intake, and you can stock up on this deal. You get two 55-ounce canisters, which will last you a while and will only cost you $44.98.
• Nature Made Super B Complex: You will get 460 tablets for $18.78. At just $0.04 per pill, that’s a savings that will last you a year.
• 50+ Multivitamin Tablets a Day: This exclusive formula makes taking your daily vitamins a streamlined process. You can get a 300-count bottle of one of these women’s formula Or men’s formula For $19.98.

Cold and flu medicines that never go to waste

Just because it’s allergy season doesn’t mean you’re completely rid of a cold or flu. Luckily, you can stock up low on shelf-stable medications that you can use throughout the year. Here are some Walmart finds where you can’t go wrong when it comes to finding what you need:

• Vicks Dayquil and Nyquil Severe Cold and Flu Liquicaps: There’s nothing better than the one-two punch of Vicks to relieve your headache, fever, sore throat or minor aches. It’s the perfect combination to relieve your symptoms with a non-drowsy and regular formula. You will get 48 capsules for $21.97.
• Alkalol Original Nasal Wash: This bulk deal comes with three 16-ounce bottles for $20.99, which is only $0.44 per ounce. Its patented solution is preservative-free with natural extracts and essential oils, and provides natural relief from nasal congestion caused by colds, flu, and allergies. It also helps dissolve mucus and clear and moisturize your nasal passages
• Theraflu Syrup for severe cough, cold and flu, day and night relief: If you prefer to take a spoonful of medicine rather than pop a pill, you can still find deals like this in bulk pair sets. You get a 2-pack of the day and night formulas for $13.97, which is about $0.84 per ounce.
• Equate Vapor Ice® Severe Cold & Flu Combo Pack: The daytime formula provides relief from minor aches, fever, nasal congestion, sinus pressure, cough and sore throat while the nighttime formula targets minor aches and pains, fever, nasal congestion, sinus congestion and pressure. It also gives you some financial relief, as this set is only $7.97.