Most drug coupons are printed by consumers using their personal computer and printer. Drug coupons reduce out-of-pocket costs for consumers in a variety of ways such as instant savings offers, free trial offers (also known as buy-before-you-try offers),copay reduction or rebates. Some drug coupons may only be used once, while other drug coupons may be reused.

Besides getting drug coupons from doctors and from the Internet, some drug manufacturers fulfill the consumer requests for coupons by telephone. Regarding telephone offers, manufacturers can mail the coupon to the patient or tell them the coupon codes over the phone.

Generic drug companies rarely offer coupons, though insurance companies occasionally offer discounts on generic drugs.