Short Hours, Big Volume Keep Cap on Drug Costs

Recently I asked a friend who is on a considerable amount of medication where she got her prescription drugs. With no hesitation she answered, “Super-Rite, of course.”

After checking the store’s prices and comparing them to the major chains, her reasoning became apparent. A popular medication for lowering cholesterol, Lipitor, is sold in a bottle of 100, 10-milligram tablets for $198.99 at one San Fernando Valley branch of a major chain, and $206.69 at another. Super-Rite Drugs’ price is $173.95.

If the cost of your Prozac is depressing, you can save big here. Compare Super-Rite’s price of $239.75 for 100 10-milligram tablets to a chain store cost of $302.69. That savings of $42 could help elevate one’s mood.

Owner Jerry Ludgin opened his store 28 years ago in Van Nuys and bases his low prices on short business hours and volume buying. With the savings he offers on low prescription prices, his volume is understandably high.

Ludgin also shines on vitamin sales. We found 100 Vitamin E (400 i.u.) for $3.79 while other stores charge from $5 to $8 for the same. On over-the-counter medications, figure about a 20% discount.

Comparing the cost of Fosamax, Norvasc and Cipro, prices here were 20% to 25% lower than other sources.

Even Viagra came in at a slight savings--$2 on six 50-milligram tablets--from $59.95 at Sav-on to $57.95. Ludgin, however, will match any San Fernando Valley price that is lower than his.

He also has a delivery service and will mail prescriptions, using UPS or the U.S. mail.

Super-Rite Drugs, 14425 Burbank Blvd., Van Nuys; (818) 787-2552. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Sunday. Major credit cards.

Weekend Super Sale: The mother of the bride never had a better chance to cut down on wedding costs than at the summer clearance at Dressed Up, where reductions range from 40% to 80% off retail.

For the younger attendees at the wedding, or any other special occasion, the same deep discounts apply and the selection is awesome, including major designer names.

Dressed Up, Alley in the Valley, 8000 Reseda Blvd., Tarzana; (818) 708-7238.