Cost Plus Drugs Alternative: Better Options for Cheap Medications

Last Updated on July 9, 2025

Looking for affordable prescription medications but finding Cost Plus Drugs limitations frustrating? You’re not alone. While Mark Cuban’s transparent pricing model helps some patients save money, many Americans discover they need alternatives that offer broader medication selection, even lower prices, and better accessibility.

If you’re ready to buy cheap prescription medications online, understanding your best alternatives can help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually on the medications you actually need.

What is Cost Plus Drugs and Why Look for Alternatives?

Cost Plus Drugs operates on a simple premise: sell medications at cost plus a 15% markup and $3 pharmacy fee. This cash-only model has helped some patients save money compared to traditional US pharmacy chains, but it comes with significant limitations that make alternatives necessary for many patients.

Cost Plus Drugs Major Limitations:

• Severely limited medication selection compared to full-service pharmacies
• Cash-only model that doesn’t work with insurance
• Many common medications simply not available
• Newer medications rarely offered
• No professional pharmacist consultation for complex medication questions
• Still expensive for many brand-name medications

These limitations explain why smart patients research alternatives before making their medication purchasing decisions.

Why International Online Pharmacies Are Your Best Cost Plus Drugs Alternative

International online pharmacies consistently offer the best combination of selection, pricing, and professional service for Americans seeking affordable medications. Here’s why they outperform Cost Plus Drugs for most patients:

Dramatically Lower Prices Than Cost Plus Drugs

While Cost Plus Drugs offers transparent pricing, international pharmacies often beat their prices by 30-60% on the same medications:

• Blood pressure medications like Atacand: 70-85% savings vs US prices (Cost Plus Drugs: 40-50% savings)
• Diabetes medications like Jardiance or Januvia: 60-80% savings vs US prices
• Asthma treatments like Relvar or Flovent: 75-90% savings vs US prices
• Cancer medications: Often 80-90% savings on expensive specialty drugs

Complete Medication Selection

Unlike Cost Plus Drugs’ limited catalog, international pharmacies carry virtually every medication you need, including:

• Brand-name medications when generics aren’t available
• Newer medications not yet offered by Cost Plus Drugs
• Specialty treatments for complex conditions
• Hard-to-find medications discontinued by US pharmacies

Professional Pharmacist Support

International online pharmacies provide licensed pharmacist consultation services that Cost Plus Drugs lacks, helping you understand drug interactions, proper dosing, and potential side effects.

Real-World Cost Comparisons: Why International Pharmacies Win

Here’s how costs compare when you’re ready to buy your medications:

Example 1: Lipitor 20mg, 30 tablets

• US Pharmacy: $180-220
• Cost Plus Drugs: $85-110
• International Online Pharmacy: $35-55
• Your Best Choice: International pharmacy saves you $50-75 more than Cost Plus Drugs

Example 2: Eliquis 5mg, 60 tablets

• US Pharmacy: $400-500
• Cost Plus Drugs: $280-320 (when available)
• International Online Pharmacy: $85-120
• Your Best Choice: International pharmacy saves you $160-235 more than Cost Plus Drugs

Example 3: Xarelto 20mg, 28 tablets

• US Pharmacy: $450-550
• Cost Plus Drugs: Often not available
• International Online Pharmacy: $95-140
• Your Best Choice: International pharmacy is your only affordable option

These real-world examples show that international alternatives consistently offer better value than Cost Plus Drugs, especially for the medications you actually need.

Other Cost Plus Drugs Alternatives (Less Effective Options)

While international pharmacies offer the best value, other alternatives exist:

US Pharmacy Discount Programs

GoodRx and Similar Apps: These programs negotiate discounts with US pharmacies but typically cost 40-60% more than international alternatives for the same medications.

Manufacturer Coupon Programs: Limited to specific medications, income restrictions apply, and savings often temporary.

Generic Drug Programs

$4 Generic Programs: Cover only basic older medications. Most patients need medications not included in these limited programs.

Limitations: Very restrictive medication lists, no brand-name options, limited effectiveness for modern treatment needs.

How to Safely Choose Your Cost Plus Drugs Alternative

When you’re ready to purchase medications online, prioritize safety alongside savings:

Green Flags for Safe Online Pharmacies

• Requires valid prescription verification
• Professional website with clear contact information
• Secure payment processing and data protection
• Proper medication sourcing from approved manufacturers

Red Flags to Avoid

• No prescription requirement
• Fake “FDA Approved” claims
• Impossibly low prices that seem too good to be true
• Poor website security or unprofessional appearance

Making Your Decision: Which Alternative to Choose

Choose International Online Pharmacies if you want:

• Maximum savings on your medications
• Access to medications not available through Cost Plus Drugs
• Professional pharmacist consultation
• One-stop shopping for multiple medications
• The most comprehensive alternative to US pharmacy pricing

Stick with Cost Plus Drugs only if:

• Your specific medications are available in their limited selection
• You prefer US-based ordering (even at higher cost)
• You only need basic generic medications they carry

Consider other US options if:

• You have excellent insurance coverage
• You qualify for specific manufacturer assistance programs
• You only need medications covered by $4 generic programs

Ready to Start Saving? Your Next Steps

If you’re ready to explore better alternatives to Cost Plus Drugs:

1. Research thoroughly: Check that any pharmacy requires prescriptions and offers licensed pharmacist consultation
2. Learn safe online ordering practices to protect yourself
3. Start with a small order to test service quality and delivery times
4. Compare total costs including shipping to ensure you’re getting the best deal
5. Keep your doctor informed about your medication source

The bottom line: while Cost Plus Drugs offers improvements over traditional US pharmacy pricing, international alternatives typically provide even greater savings, broader selection, and professional support for Americans seeking affordable medications.

Don’t settle for limited options when better alternatives exist. Your health and budget deserve the best possible solution for your medication needs.