TUCSON, Ariz. - Millions of people have downloaded the GoodRx app. The price comparisons and coupons it provides can save money on prescription drugs that otherwise could be unaffordable for many patients, especially those without insurance. That’s why Consumer Reports and other organizations have recommended GoodRx in the past. But, while people are saving money with the GoodRx app, a Consumer Reports investigation finds the app is sending personal details about its users to more than 20 other internet-based companies.
“Our investigators in the Consumer Reports Digital Lab looked at GoodRx, and found the app and the company’s website sending personal information, including the names of drugs that consumers were looking at to Facebook, Google and a company called Braze, along with other details that could be used to identify individual people," says Consumer Reports Tech Editor, Thomas Germain.
Braze told CR the data collected isn’t shared with data brokers or advertising companies. Both Google and Facebook deny using prescription information for targeting individuals with ads.
After CR published its findings, GoodRx says it would not share personal medical information with Facebook. GoodRX also said it was careful with consumer data, and that it makes most of its revenue through referral fees collected when consumers fill prescriptions using a GoodRx coupon, rather than advertising.
Consumers may still want to use GoodRX to save money. But if you’re worried about using it, there are other ways to find more affordable prescription drugs. You can ask your doctor about generic options, and be sure to ask your pharmacist if they have coupons that might get a lower price.
Click here to see some other ways to save money on prescription drug costs.
