How Much Is Gabapentin Without Insurance

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Gabapentin (Neurontin) is a prescription medication that's FDA approved to treat nerve pain from shingles and certain types of seizures. It may also be used off-label for a variety of conditions, including fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, insomnia, and alcohol use disorder.

Gabapentin can be taken in various ways, including tablets, capsules, and an oral liquid solution. It also comes in two extended-release versions. Gralise is approved for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, and Horizant is approved for postherpetic neuralgia and restless leg syndrome.

Your out-of-pocket costs for gabapentin will depend on factors like your insurance coverage, dosage, and pharmacy. Gabapentin is available as a brand-name and generic medication, but Gralise and Horizant are brand-name only. There are ways to save money when getting your prescription filled.

How much does gabapentin cost?

The retail price of gabapentin depends on the dosage, form (tablets, capsules, or liquid), and other factors. Without insurance, a monthly supply of brand-name gabapentin 600 mg tablets costs around $507.86. But you may pay about $273.90for a 30-day supply of 300 mg capsules.

A 30-day supply of generic gabapentin capsules can cost around $35.21without insurance. The exact price you pay will depend on factors like your location, pharmacy, and dosage.

The liquid form of brand-name gabapentin has a concentration of 250 mg/5 mL. It costs about $226.01for a 180 mL bottle. Gabapentin has a broad dosing range, and finding the right dose can take time. A healthcare professional may start you on a once-daily dose, but a typical dosing schedule is 3 times a day.

What factors affect the cost of gabapentin?

In general, the cost of your medication will depend on the following factors:

• Brand versus generic: If you buy generic gabapentin, you'll pay less than you would for the brand-name version.Brand-name medications have a higher price tag than generics.

• Geographic location: Prescription medication costs vary across the country. According to GoodRx research, you may pay more for prescriptions in Lexington, Kentucky, and Little Rock, Arkansas. Residents of Houston, however, pay much less than the national average.

• Pharmacy: Prescription costs can also vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. Even pharmacies in the same neighborhood may charge different amounts.

• Insurance: Even if your insurance covers gabapentin, you may have to pay some out-of-pocket costs, like copays or coinsurance.

• Dosage: Your gabapentin dosage will depend on the condition being treated. You'll typically pay more for a higher dosage. For example, the average retail price for 60 capsules of 100 mg gabapentin is around $39.35. For 300 mg gabapentin, you can expect to pay around $65.85for 60 capsules. Typically, you'll begin with a low dose, which may be increased as needed.

• Form: Gabapentin capsules cost significantly less than the tablets, even at the same dose. For example, 30 capsules of 300 mg gabapentin can cost $35.21. Yet the same prescription for tablets is about $308.38.

Does insurance cover gabapentin?

Insurance plans often cover generic gabapentin, but it depends on your specific health plan. It's also less common for brand-name gabapentin to be covered.

For example, Medicare may cover generic gabapentin if you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage. You can use Medicare's online tool to learn more about coverage for your prescriptions.

Here are a few steps you can take if gabapentin is not covered by your insurance:

• Ask about alternatives: Some medications, including gabapentin, may not be covered under your plan's formulary. If this is the case, ask a healthcare professional if there are alternatives you can take that are covered under your plan.

• Request a formulary exception: If your prescriber cannot find a suitable alternative for gabapentin, consider discussing a formulary exception with your insurer. This could get you coverage for your medication.

• Get a prior authorization: Though unlikely, your insurance provider may require prior authorization for gabapentin. If so, your prescriber can send your insurer a letter of medical necessity. The letter will explain why gabapentin is necessary for your treatment.

• File an appeal: If your insurer denies coverage, you and your prescriber can appeal the decision. More documentation may be needed to support your need for gabapentin.

Ways to save on gabapentin

Whether or not you have insurance coverage, here are six ways you can save on brand-name and generic gabapentin.

1. Use a GoodRx coupon

With a GoodRx coupon, you may be able to lower the price of generic gabapentin. You could pay as low as $7.47for 90 capsules of generic gabapentin 300 mg at certain pharmacies. For the same 300 mg capsules of brand-name gabapentin, it may cost you $7.47for 90 capsules.

Here's how to get a coupon:

• Visit www.goodrx.com or install the GoodRx app on your mobile device.

• Type "gabapentin" in the search field. Choose the generic or brand name.

• Press return on your keyboard, or click on "Find the lowest prices."

• Receive your coupon via text or email.

• Show the coupon at the pharmacy when you pick up your gabapentin prescription.

2. Apply for a patient assistance program

If you are uninsured or government insured and can't afford your copay, you may be eligible to receive your medication for free. Neurontin's patient assistance program can help you save on brand-name gabapentin. If you're prescribed Horizant, you can save on this brand-name-only medication with Horizant's patient assistance program if you are eligible.

3. Take advantage of manufacturer savings cards

If you're prescribed Gralise or Horizant, manufacturer savings cards can reduce your out-of-pocket costs for these brand-name-only medications. With the Gralise copay card, you could pay as little as $20 per month for Gralise once-daily tablets. You could pay as little as $0 for a 60-tablet supply of Horizant with a copay savings card. You must meet eligibility requirements to qualify for the savings cards, such as being commercially insured. If you have questions, call 1-855-700-2990.

4. Request a 90-day supply

Ask your prescriber to order a 90-day supply of gabapentin instead of a 30-day supply. This may help lower your overall costs and limit your trips to the pharmacy, which can also save you time and money. If your insurance covers gabapentin, inquire about discounts that are available through your plan's mail-order pharmacy.

5. Use GoodRx to compare prices at various pharmacies

Along with providing discount coupons, GoodRx can help you compare costs to find the lowest price for gabapentin in your area. Simply use the website or app to check prices at various pharmacies.

6. Use your HSA or FSA funds

If you have money in a health savings account (HSA) or a flexible spending account (FSA), you may be able to pay for your gabapentin prescription using tax-free dollars. Generic gabapentin and other prescription medications qualify as eligible expenses for HSAs and FSAs. FSA funds must be used before their deadline, but HSA funds can be used anytime since the money rolls over yearly.

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