Not every sniffle, rash, or mild cough needs a trip to the GP or polyclinic. Sometimes the cure is just lots of rest and common medication. With lives getting busier and cost of living creeping up, more people are brainstorming ways they can save money. And thankfully, light medication are one of the areas you can cut costs on.
We’ve curated some super smart hacks on how you can get cheaper medication and supplements in Singapore. And of course, they’re all safe and legit.
Image credit: Glovida Pharmacy
Here’s one thing many people don’t realise: The same medication or supplement can be priced very differently, depending on where you buy it. In this economy, it helps to compare prices across pharmacies – especially for everyday items you’re likely to restock.
Take common buys like Lactokids Probiotics, Leftose Honey Lemon Lozenges, Ultravite Boswellia and Ginger Complex, or even essentials like Lumecare Hypromellose Eye Drops. For these items, prices can vary noticeably between clinics, retail chains, and online pharmacies.
This is where platforms like Glovida Pharmacy come in handy. Because they operate primarily online, they’re able to offer medications and supplements at up to 20% lower than typical retail prices without cutting corners on professionalism or safety. You still get advice from a licensed pharmacist, just without paying extra for a physical storefront.
For example, a sachet of 60 for Lactokids Probiotics, costs $71.10 on a popular supermarket’s website – but $56.05 on Glovida Pharmacy’s website. That’s $15.05 in savings for just one item. Plus, some platforms like Glovida Pharmacy offer free delivery to your doorstep if you purchase above $30.
We stan CDC and SG60 vouchers vouchers. If you’ve still got some sitting unused, here’s a practical way to stretch them further: use them on supplements at supermarkets. Many Singaporeans already do their grocery runs at places like FairPrice, Cold Storage, Sheng Siong, or Giant – and most of these stock everyday essentials like multivitamins, probiotics, eye supplements, and kids’ formulas.
You’re essentially offsetting your supplement spend with vouchers you’d be using anyway. It’s especially handy for household staples – think calcium tablets for parents, vitamin C for the family, or kids’ supplements – basic, non-prescription items you’ll be repurchasing regularly, not one-off impulse buys.
That said, supermarkets don’t carry prescription medications, and the range of supplements available is usually more limited as compared to pharmacies. You also won’t get professional advice at checkout, which can matter if you’re unsure what to buy. That said, this hack works best only when you know exactly what supplements are best for you.
As Singaporeans, we admit that we do go across the Causeway regularly to makan or go shopping. But let us share another hack: buying medication and supplements in JB is another good way to save some moolah. On paper, prices can look significantly cheaper – and yes, the exchange rate helps. Especially for bigger-ticket items or long-term supplements.
But before you go all-in, it’s worth doing a quick reality check. Factor in travel time, fuel or transport costs, tolls, parking, and the very real possibility of Causeway jams, especially on weekends and during festive periods. If you’re only popping over for a couple of items, the “savings” can disappear pretty quickly.
There’s also the added consideration of authenticity and standards. Not all sources may guarantee that medications or supplements follow Singapore’s HSA guidelines or recommended formulations, which can be a concern for some buyers.
And lastly, the question of convenience and timing. For urgent or minor ailments, heading to JB isn’t always practical – especially if you need something quickly or want the reassurance of professional advice on the spot. This is why some Singaporeans balance this by using licensed local options for everyday needs, and reserving JB runs for planned bulk buys.
On that note, buying one box at a time can add up pretty quickly if you’re taking certain medications or supplements regularly. A smarter move is to buy in bundles – especially for long-term needs like daily vitamins, lozenges, probiotics, eye drops, or kids’ supplements.
Screenshot from: Glovida Pharmacy
Many pharmacies – including licensed online ones like Glovida – offer multi-box discounts or better per-unit pricing when you buy in sets. For instance, a box of Leftose Lozenges costs $8.46 if you buy them individually, but you can get a 3-pack for $24.62, saving you around $0.76.
Bundling also saves you time: fewer repeat purchases, fewer delivery fees, and fewer “oh no, I ran out” moments. Just be mindful of expiry dates, especially for liquid meds or supplements, and stick to items you’re confident you’ll finish.
That said, buying in bulk only makes sense if you actually need it. Stocking up on meds or supplements “just in case” can backfire – especially if the dosage isn’t right or the product doesn’t suit you. You might also end up with half-used bottles expiring in the cupboard.
In short: be kiasu, but be smart about it.
This is where speaking to a licensed professional makes all the difference. Instead of self-diagnosing via Google, you can check in with a pharmacist first to confirm what you really need, how much to take, and whether buying in bulk makes sense for your situation. While you can do this at a physical pharmacy, pharmacists may not always be available when you pop by – and making a separate trip just to ask for advice isn’t always the most time-efficient option.
This is also why more Singaporeans are turning to licensed online pharmacist consultations for everyday health questions, which brings us to our next point…
If you’re dealing with light, everyday issues like colds, coughs, eczema flare-ups, or travel meds, here’s our number 1 hack. Instead of booking a clinic appointment and sitting through long waits, why not consider talking to a licensed online pharmacist first? Pharmacies like Glovida Pharmacy provide free pharmacist consultations via WhatsApp.
Here is how it works, minus the medical jargon. For everyday OTC items like supplements, skincare, or basic meds, you can shop directly on Glovida’s website for Everyday Low Prices up to 20% lower than typical retail RRPs. You can also enjoy free standard shipping for orders above $30. Remember to create an account while you’re at it to earn points and birthday perks!
For pharmacy and prescription medication, all you have to do is WhatsApp +65 8101 5555 for a free pharmacist consultation. If needed, the pharmacists can refer you to their GP for teleconsult at just $18. Same day delivery (as fast as within 90 mins!) is also available at a fee.
We think it’s a genuinely efficient alternative for everyday health needs. Just note that the service is only available from Mondays to Saturdays, 9am to 5pm.
At the end of the day, saving on healthcare doesn’t mean cutting corners. It means knowing your options: whether you’re using licensed online pharmacists for minor ailments, comparing prices before you buy, or being smarter about how much you stock up. Trust us, small shifts in how you shop for medication and supplements can add up to meaningful savings over time.
If you’re looking for a convenient, legit way to do just that, it’s worth checking out Glovida. They’ve got free pharmacist consultations via WhatsApp, everyday low prices, and same-day delivery, making them a practical option for Singaporeans who want to stretch their dollar without compromising on safety.
This article is brought to you by Glovida Pharmacy.
Photography by Eldora Chong.
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