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Key takeaways
Belsomra is a prescription sleep medication that costs about $615 per month without insurance.
Currently, no generic version of Belsomra is available in the United States, but one may become available after the patent expires.
Many insurance plans may cover Belsomra, but coverage details and costs vary.
Consider using discount cards, comparing pharmacy prices, or discussing alternative medications with your healthcare provider to reduce costs.
Belsomra is a brand-name medication used to treat insomnia. It belongs to a drug class called orexin receptor antagonists, which help regulate sleep and wakefulness. Belsomra is a prescription drug that is considered a controlled substance, meaning it may carry a risk of abuse or dependence. Still, for many people, Belsomra may help them fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer, leading to better sleep overall.
Belsomra is a brand-name drug manufactured by Merck that contains the active ingredient suvorexant. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Belsomra in 2014, making it a potential treatment option for patients struggling with sleep issues. Without insurance, the most common dosage of Belsomra may cost more than $600 per month. To help manage costs, patients can explore various savings options, such as coupons and discounts.
Is there a generic for Belsomra?
A generic drug is an exact chemical copy of a brand-name drug that must meet the same strict FDA standards for safety, effectiveness, and quality. Generics may offer substantial cost savings compared to brand-name drugs. They can make treatment more accessible and affordable for many people.
Currently, no generic version is available for Belsomra in the United States. Patent protections for this brand-name medication prevent generic manufacturers from producing a less expensive alternative. The patent is expected to expire soon, possibly opening the door for a generic oral tablet.
Is Belsomra covered by insurance?
Many private health insurance plans typically cover Belsomra. However, coverage can vary depending on the insurance company and plan. It’s important to check with your health insurance provider to confirm whether Belsomra is included in your plan’s drug formulary (list of covered drugs). If it is covered, you may be required to pay a copay, depending on which drug tier Belsomra is on in your drug formulary.
Medicare also covers Belsomra, but this can depend on the specific Medicare plan. Medicare Part D plans often include prescription drugs like Belsomra, though the details, such as copays and coverage limits, can differ. Again, it’s best to check with your Medicare plan provider directly to understand the specifics.
Several factors can affect insurance coverage for Belsomra. These include the dosage prescribed, whether the medication is on the insurance company’s formulary, and if a prior authorization is needed. Some plans may require patients to try other treatments first—a process called step therapy.
How much does Belsomra cost without insurance?
Belsomra can be costly if you don’t have insurance. The average retail price for a 30-day supply may be around $615. With this price in mind, you could break down the monthly and yearly costs as follows:
- Per pill: Around $20 per tablet
- Per month: Around $615 for 30 tablets
- Per year: Roughly $7,200 for a year’s supply (12 boxes)
Prices can vary depending on the pharmacy location, dosage, and quantity prescribed. Higher doses may increase the cost. For instance, you might pay more if you’re prescribed higher-strength tablets.
Saving coupons may offer discounts on each prescription and can help reduce the cost. Comparing prices at different pharmacies and using available financial assistance programs may also affect overall costs.
Compare Belsomra prices to related drugs |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance of brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Belsomra (suvorexant) | $615 per 30 tablets | $390 per 30 tablets | See latest prices |
| Ambien (zolpidem) | $794 per 30, 10 mg tablets | $6 per 30, 10 mg tablets | See latest prices |
| Lunesta (eszopiclone) | $1,130 per 30, 3 mg tablets | $10 per 30, 3 mg tablets | See latest prices |
| Sonata (zaleplon) | $101 for 30, 10 mg capsules | $13 for 30, 10 mg capsules | See latest prices |
| Restoril (temazepam) | $1,241 per 30, 30 mg capsules | $3 per 30, 30 mg capsules | See latest prices |
| DayVigo (lemborexant) | $436 per 30, 10 mg tablets | $293 per 30, 10 mg tablets | See latest prices |
| Quviviq (daridorexant) | $633 per 30, 50 mg tablets | $489 per 30, 50 mg tablets | See latest prices |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see the latest drug prices.
How to get Belsomra without insurance
If you take Belsomra or other brand-name prescription medications and don’t have insurance, it may be difficult to manage your treatment costs. However, there may be alternatives to paying the full price of your Belsomra prescription without insurance. Manufacturer coupons and patient assistance programs are sometimes available, but not everyone is eligible for these discounts. Here are some different ways to potentially save money on Belsomra:
1. Use a SingleCare discount card
A SingleCare discount card may help reduce the cost of Belsomra. For example, the cash price of Belsomra may be as high as $615 for a month’s supply, but with a SingleCare discount card, you might only pay around $391. The SingleCare card is widely accepted at participating pharmacies throughout the United States, making it convenient to access these savings wherever you go. When you get prescription refills, simply show your card to potentially receive a lower cost at the pharmacy counter.
2. Compare prices at different pharmacies
Prices for Belsomra can vary from one pharmacy to another. Take the time to compare prices at local pharmacies, mail-order pharmacies, and online platforms. You might find that one pharmacy offers a better price, helping you save money. You can also use the SingleCare website or Belsomra coupon page to compare Belsomra costs at pharmacies near you. By exploring these options, you can make sure you’re getting the best possible price for your medication.
3. Seek medical advice for potential alternatives
If you’re concerned about the price of Belsomra, make sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider. They might suggest other medications that can help with insomnia but may be more affordable. Some examples could be Ambien or Lunesta, which are also used to treat sleep troubles. In addition to medications, your healthcare provider might recommend lifestyle changes to improve your sleep, such as a regular sleep routine or relaxation techniques. Over-the-counter options like melatonin or diphenhydramine may also help some people fall asleep.
4. Try a generic alternative of another medication
While no generic version of Belsomra exists, other brand-name insomnia medications may have generic alternatives that may cost a fraction of Belsomra’s price. However, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider about changing your treatment plan. Some alternatives may have different dosing recommendations or potential side effects, so it’s important to seek guidance.
By exploring these options, you may be able to find more affordable ways to manage insomnia without compromising on quality medications.
Sources
- Belsomra highlights of prescribing information, Merck & Co., Inc. (2023)
- Belsomra, Merck & Co., Inc. (2023)
- Healthy sleep habits, Sleep Foundation (2024)
