When you're sick, you're focused on getting well. Few people ask the doctor how much that'll cost. The sticker shock usually comes at the pharmacy.

"I am seeing more and more people come to me as a pharmacist and asking me 'How can I save money?' on their prescription meds?" said pharmacist Stefanie Ferrerri.

Consumer Reports found only four percent of patients ever talk about the cost of medicine with their doctors.

"Patients to some degree need to have a heart to heart when cost is an issue," said Dr. John Santa of Consumer Reports. "It doesn't make much difference if they're not going to be able to afford the medicines that are prescribed."

Instead, Consumer Reports found, patients are cutting corners by skipping doses, cutting pills in half, taking expired medicine and even sharing prescriptions. A few spend less on groceries, put off paying bills, or apply for government help.

Experts say asking for generics could save many patients a lot of money. The poll found, however, that almost half don't think generic medicines are safe or effective.

"The FDA approves generic medicines, providing the same medicine, and ensuring that they are safe and effective for their intended use," said Kathleen Jaeger from the Generic Pharmaceutical Association.

Consumer Reports Best Buy drugs

Consumer Reports put together a guide so patients can compare popular drugs and generics and add up the potential savings. Not every drug has a generic, and not every generic works for every patient. That's why consumer groups say you need to talk with your doctor.