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Sam’s Club vs. Costco: Which Warehouse Has the Best Deals on Medicine?

Can you find better deals at Costco or Sam’s Club for all of your generic medications?

sams club vs costco-adobe
Ariel Taranski
By Ariel Taranski
Kristi Pahr
Edited by Kristi Pahr
Updated Aug. 14, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

Both Costco and Sam’s Club are known for offering customers incredible prices on everyday items. But did you know you can find a huge variety of over-the-counter and pharmacy meds for less at both of these superstores?

You can unlock the true value of your membership when you price compare these superstores for your must-have medications.

Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

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Member’s Mark Acid Reducer Capsules vs. Kirkland Signature Acid Reducer Capsules

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz acid reducer capsules

Price: $12.98 vs. $14.99

Each of these acid-reducer capsules is comparable to Nexium, with a 24-hour delayed release.

At Sam’s Club, you’re spending $2 less for 42 20 mg capsules. Both packages come with three bottles of 12 capsules, meant for two weeks of treatment.

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Member’s Mark NSAID Pain Reliever vs. Kirkland Signature NSAID Pain Reliever

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz nsaid pain reliever

Price: $12.98 vs. $12.99

These non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers have the same ingredients as Aleve to help reduce fever and inflammation.

Since the prices are only a penny apart, you’re getting a good deal on this pain reliever either way. Each bottle comes with 400 caplets in a small size for easy swallowing.

Sam’s Club Losartan vs. Costco Losartan

Courtesy of Med-Vet International losartan potassium

Price: $21.50 vs. $10.79

Losartan is the generic for Cozaar, a popular prescription drug that lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke.

With Sam’s Club, you can get 90 50-mg tablets for $21.50 or use the Costco pharmacy for the same amount and dosage for half the price. While you could save $5 with a Sam’s Club Plus membership, Costco easily takes this deal.

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Member’s Mark Laxative vs. Kirkland Signature Laxative

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz kirkland signature laxative

Price: $20.68 vs. $24.99

Both of these laxatives have the same active ingredients as Miralax at a much more affordable price.

Though the prices may look comparable, with Costco’s stool softener, you get 100 doses, while Sam’s Club only has 90 doses for just a few dollars cheaper.

Member’s Mark Mucus Relief vs. Kirkland Signature Mucus Relief

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz kirkland signature mucus relief

Price: $14.98 vs. $19.99

Combat those seasonal illnesses with this extra-strength mucus relief, similar to Mucinex.

While the Sam’s Club medicine may seem cheaper, you actually get just 56 extended-release tablets in that pack. At Costco, you can grab a box of 84 tablets for just a few dollars more.

Sam’s Club Celecoxib vs. Costco Celecoxib

Courtesy of HealthWarehouse 90 200 mg capsules

Price: $30.00 vs. $22.79

Celecoxib, or Celebrex, is an NSAID that can help manage pain, swelling, redness, and inflammation caused by some forms of arthritis.

Costco has 90 200 mg capsules for just under $25, while the same amount and dosage at Sam’s Club is over $7 more. With both stores, however, you can save hundreds by buying generic over name-brand.

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Member’s Mark Allergy Relief vs. Kirkland Signature Allergy Relief

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz allergy relief

Price: $12.23 vs. $11.49

These generic OTC medications are comparable to non-drowsy Claritin for allergy relief.

Though the Costco deal may look cheaper, you only get 365 tablets in a bottle compared to Sam’s Club’s 400 tablets. That means you’re spending less than a dollar more for 35 tablets.

Member’s Mark Pain Reliever vs. Kirkland Signature Pain Reliever

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz kirkland signature pain reliever

Price: $13.97 vs. $9.99

These acetaminophen tablets are a must for offering pain relief, much like brand name Tylenol.

And though Sam's Club offers fewer for a higher price, the extended-release formulation is more targeted for arthritis pain and inflammation. The Kirkland medicine provides 1000 easy-to-swallow caplets, while Sam’s provides 400.

Sam’s Club Atorvastatin vs. Costco Atorvastatin

Courtesy of drugsdepot atorvastatin

Price: $28.76 vs. $9.99

Atorvastatin, otherwise known as Lipitor, can help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reducing the chance of heart attacks and strokes.

Each store offers the same dosage and 90-day supply, but Costco’s will cost you just under $10. Even with a Sam’s Club Plus membership, you’d still be spending $23.76.

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Member’s Mark Antacid Tablets vs. Kirkland Signature Antacid Tablets

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz antacid tablets

Price: $8.78 vs. $9.99

Get fast relief from an upset stomach or heartburn with these dupes for Tums.

Both stores give you two packs of 530 total antacid chewable tablets for instant relief, each in berry flavors. That means this deal is much more affordable at Sam’s Club, being over a dollar cheaper.

Member’s Mark Pain Relief/Sleep Aid vs. Kirkland Signature Pain Relief/Sleep Aid

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz member’s mark pain reliefsleep aid

Price: $12.98 vs. $12.99

These capsules are comparable to extra-strength Tylenol PM for nighttime pain relief and sleep aid.

Each deal includes 375 rapid-release gel caps, with Costco costing just a penny more. That means you can’t go wrong at either store when you grab a bottle of this handy medicine to help you sleep more soundly.

Bottom line

JacobLund/Adobe female pharmacists assisting male client

You can save money shopping by utilizing both of these superstores and their pharmacies for your medication needs. A Sam’s Club or Costco membership will pay for itself in no time with these savings. 

You can also find other everyday essentials at these stores, like vitamins and supplements, to keep your health in check.

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