Table of Contents

I. How Much Does Blood Pressure Medication Cost?

II. Diuretics

III. Beta-blockers

IV. ACE Inhibitors

V. Calcium Channel Blockers

VI. Blood Pressure Medication in the U.S. vs. Canada

VII. The Cost of Blood Pressure Medication with Insurance or Medicare

VIII. The Bottom Line

How much does blood pressure medication cost? It’s a question with many answers—one that depends on the type and brand of medication you’re taking, your prescribed dose and quantity, and where you fill your prescriptions.

These many contributing factors can make it challenging for individuals taking blood pressure meds to find the best price or nail down how their costs compare to other options.

In this guide, we’ll help you get the answers you need. First, we’ll break down the actual costs of blood pressure medications by type and brand. Then we’ll dive into how U.S. consumers can save on their prescriptions by importing them from an online Canadian pharmacy.

Quick Takeaways

• There are many different blood pressure medications. Cost depends largely on the type and brand of medication you’re prescribed.
• The cost of blood pressure medication from Canadian pharmacies like My Drug Center is only a fraction of the U.S. retail prices.
• U.S. consumers can access cost savings of $1000+ per order when purchasing from Canadian pharmacies.
• Medicare and private insurance offset costs for policyholders, but out-of-pocket expenses like monthly premiums, deductibles, and co-pays often surpass Canadian retail prices.

How Much Does Blood Pressure Medication Cost? Types + Brands to Know

Patients are prescribed several types of blood pressure medications based on their symptoms, potential reactions to certain medications, and known side effects. Evaluating the cost of blood pressure medication requires looking at a range of medication types for the most complete perspective.

In this section, we’ll compare average U.S. retail prices* and My Drug Center prices for four of the most-prescribed types of blood pressure medications: diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers.

Diuretics

Diuretic blood pressure medications, or diuretics, help lower blood pressure by increasing urine production and reducing excess fluid volume in the body.

They primarily act on the kidneys to enhance salt and water excretion. By reducing fluid retention, diuretics decrease the overall volume of blood circulating through blood vessels, leading to lowered blood pressure. This helps alleviate strain on the heart and promotes better blood flow, contributing to the management of hypertension.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blocker blood pressure medications work by blocking the effects of adrenaline and other stress hormones on the heart and blood vessels. This results in a slower heart rate and reduced force of contraction, which lowers blood pressure and lessens the heart's workload.

Beta-blockers also help relax blood vessels, allowing for smoother blood flow.

ACE Inhibitors

ACE inhibitors function by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a key player in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. By doing so, they block the production of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure.

This leads to vasodilation, reduced fluid retention, and decreased overall strain on the heart.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers block calcium ions from entering muscle cells in the walls of arteries and the heart. This relaxation of arterial smooth muscles leads to vasodilation, lowering blood pressure. In the heart, these medications reduce the force and rate of contractions, helping to manage hypertension and certain heart conditions.

By easing the workload on the heart and promoting widened blood vessels, calcium channel blockers contribute to improved cardiovascular function and blood pressure regulation.

*Prices in this section are estimates calculated in August 2023. U.S. retail prices sourced from SingleCare.

The Average Cost of Blood Pressure Medication in the U.S. vs. Canada

As you can see in the price tables above, the cost of blood pressure medication at Canadian pharmacies is just a fraction of U.S. retail prices for the very same medications.

Here’s a breakdown of the average dollar amount difference between U.S. retail and My Drug Center prices by medication type:

• Diuretics — $98
• Beta-blockers — $594
• ACE Inhibitors — $1,342
• Calcium Channel Blockers — $1,220

There are many reasons behind this price disparity. Drug prices are high in the United States in general compared to other countries—a whopping 240%, on average.

The pharmaceutical landscape in Canada is different than in the U.S., too. Drug developers and manufacturers don’t have the same level of patent protection, and drugs aren’t marketed in the same way they are to American providers and consumers, which drives prices up further.

Mail-order pharmacies like My Drug Center are able to price prescription drugs even lower because we don’t have the same overhead costs as brick-and-mortar pharmacies. This translates to higher cost savings for consumers.

The Cost of Blood Pressure Medication with Insurance or Medicare

Medicare and private insurance offset the cost of blood pressure medication for policyholders. Still, out-of-pocket expenses can quickly add up.

Many Medicare and private insurance plans come with high monthly premiums, prescription drug deductibles, and co-pays for each refill. For individuals taking blood pressure medication for a long or indefinite period of time, these costs can become a burden.

They can also surpass the retail cost of many blood pressure medications available at My Drug Center and other Canadian pharmacies.

Most U.S. pharmacies also don’t offer the same level of convenience and support you can get from a quality online Canadian pharmacy, including over-the-phone guidance from pharmacists, customer support available 7 days per week, and delivery right to your front door.

The Bottom Line

The retail cost of blood pressure medication is sky-high in the United States. Even with Medicare or insurance, out-of-pocket expenses are often hard to manage over time.

Canadian pharmacies like My Drug Center offer the same blood pressure drugs at a fraction of the price, conveniently delivered to your home.

Visit our website or contact our team today to learn how My Drug Center can help you start saving up to 80% on the cost of your blood pressure medications today.

The information in the article is not meant to be used for treatment or diagnosis. It is designed for general awareness and for information purposes only. Always consult a medical professional for your specific healthcare needs.