Vitamin B12: Mail Order vs Local Pharmacy — Which Is Cheaper?
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin/Methylcobalamin) costs different amounts depending on where you fill it. Mail order saves ~30% on 90-day refills. Local pharmacies offer same-day service. Script Unlock matches the lowest price either way — from $3.
| Factor | Mail Order | Local Pharmacy | Script Unlock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Convenience | High — home delivery | Medium — pickup required | High — choose either |
| Price (90-day) | ~30% off (~$23) | Varies ($32) | Lowest bid (~$8) |
| Same-day pickup | No | Yes | Yes |
| Pharmacist counselling | Phone only | In-person | In-person available |
| Emergency supply | No | Yes | Yes |
| Controlled substances | Restricted | Allowed | Allowed at partner pharmacies |
| Auto-refills | Yes | Sometimes | Yes |
When mail order wins for Vitamin B12
- Maintenance medications. Vitamin B12 is a stable long-term medication for you — mail order's automatic 90-day refills cut hassle.
- 90-day supply pricing. Mail-order pharmacies discount 90-day fills ~30% ($23 vs $32 retail).
- Rural areas. If the nearest pharmacy is 30+ minutes away, home delivery saves hours per month.
When local pharmacy wins for Vitamin B12
- Acute illness. Antibiotics, painkillers, anything you need within 24 hours.
- Controlled substances. ADHD stimulants, opioids, benzodiazepines — federal rules limit mail order.
- First fill. Pharmacist counseling matters most the first time — local lets you ask questions face-to-face.
- Dose adjustments. If your prescriber is fine-tuning Vitamin B12, 30-day local fills beat being stuck with 90 days of the wrong strength.
Script Unlock: best of both
Upload your Vitamin B12 prescription once. Local and mail-order pharmacies in our network bid against each other. You choose the lowest price, the format you want (30-day or 90-day), and where to pick up or have it delivered.
Compare Vitamin B12 PricesFAQs
Is mail order Vitamin B12 cheaper than a local pharmacy?▼
Often yes for 90-day supplies — mail-order pharmacies offer ~30% off, bringing Vitamin B12 from ~$32 down to ~$23 for 90 days. But Script Unlock partner pharmacies routinely beat both with cash bids starting at $3.
Can I get Vitamin B12 same-day from mail order?▼
No — mail order Vitamin B12 typically takes 2-7 business days. If you need Vitamin B12 today, use a local pharmacy or Script Unlock's same-day pickup network.
Does mail order work for controlled substances like Vitamin B12?▼
Vitamin B12 is not a federally controlled substance, so mail order is generally available with electronic prescriptions.
What if I lose my Vitamin B12 or need an emergency refill?▼
Mail order cannot help in emergencies. Local pharmacies — including Script Unlock partners — can provide emergency supplies, often without waiting for insurance approval.
Should I use mail order for Vitamin B12 long-term?▼
If Vitamin B12 is a stable maintenance medication and you live far from a pharmacy, mail order saves trips and ~30% on 90-day fills. For active dose adjustments, new prescriptions, or controlled substances, local pharmacy wins.