Why monthly subscriptions are mathematically cheaper than ad-hoc runs
Ad-hoc pharmacy visits cost you 20–40% more than a monthly subscription when you factor in transport, price spikes, and emergency top-ups. Here's the breakdown.
The hidden costs of ad-hoc medication buying add up to 20–40% on top of the drug price. Here's where your money actually goes:
| Cost category | Ad-hoc (monthly) | With subscription | Annual difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medication (example: Amlodipine + Metformin) | ₦8,000–15,000 (fluctuates) | ₦8,000–12,000 (locked pricing) | ₦12,000–36,000 saved |
| Transport (2–3 pharmacy visits) | ₦3,000–6,000 | ₦0 (delivered) | ₦36,000–72,000 saved |
| Time cost (3–5 hours/month) | Opportunity cost | 0 hours | Priceless |
| Price spikes (stock-out markup) | ₦2,000–5,000 extra when scarce | ₦0 (locked pricing) | ₦24,000–60,000 saved |
| Emergency top-ups | ₦3,000–5,000 when you run out mid-month | ₦0 (7-day buffer) | ₦12,000–24,000 saved |
| Total annual hidden cost | ₦84,000–192,000 | ₦0 | 84k–192k/year |
For a patient spending ₦10,000/month on medication: the 5% discount alone saves ₦6,000/year. Add free delivery and locked pricing, and annual savings easily exceed ₦50,000.
How subscription pricing works
When you subscribe to a Famasi care plan for 3, 6, or 12 months:
- Free delivery on every refill cycle (normally charged per delivery)
- Locked pricing: your medication price stays the same regardless of market fluctuations
- 5% discount on every order for the duration of your subscription
- 7-day buffer: refill notice triggers early, preventing emergency top-ups
When subscriptions make the most sense
Chronic conditions: If you take the same medication every month (BP, diabetes, thyroid, asthma), a subscription locks in pricing and eliminates gaps.
Multiple medications: If you're on 3+ drugs, the transport and time cost of pharmacy visits multiplies. One delivery instead of three visits.
Price-volatile medications: Import-dependent drugs that fluctuate with the naira benefit most from locked pricing.
Ready to switch to a subscription? Speak with a Care Specialist to calculate your savings.