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Key takeaways
Gabapentin is a generic prescription drug used to treat partial seizures and nerve pain and is sometimes prescribed off-label for other conditions.
Without insurance, a 30-day supply of gabapentin averages $78. Using a SingleCare prescription savings card can significantly reduce the cost.
Cost-saving alternatives to gabapentin may include other generic anticonvulsants, antidepressants, or opioids, which might benefit patients without insurance.
Strategies make gabapentin more affordable without insurance include using a SingleCare discount card, getting a 90-day prescription, price shopping across pharmacies, enrolling in Medicaid, seeking help from local health departments, and discussing alternative treatments with your healthcare provider.
Is gabapentin covered by insurance | How much does gabapentin cost without insurance? | How to get gabapentin without insurance
Gabapentin is a generic prescription drug that is FDA approved to treat partial seizures and nerve pain due to shingles (postherpetic neuralgia). Though considered an anticonvulsant, gabapentin is often used as an analgesic or nerve pain medication. Many times it is prescribed off-label for nerve pain (neuralgia), fibromyalgia, alcohol dependence, or to relieve pain after surgery.
Gabapentin is taken by mouth as a tablet, capsule, or oral solution three times per day. Doses vary between 300 mg and 1200 mg depending on the medical condition being treated. Although available in brand-name versions, Neurontin and extended-release Gralise, most people are prescribed generic gabapentin as it is a reasonably affordable drug. Gabapentin is not a controlled substance like many other analgesics which may contribute to its affordability. Unfortunately, it can not be found as an over-the-counter option and will require a prescription from your healthcare provider.
RELATED: Gabapentin side effects
Is gabapentin covered by insurance?
Most health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid drug plans, cover gabapentin prescriptions. Although an affordable option with insurance coverage, quite often gabapentin is prescribed off-label for conditions not approved by the FDA. In those cases, insurance companies may refuse to cover the prescription or require prior authorization.
How much does gabapentin cost without insurance?
At full cash price, a 30-day supply of 300 mg gabapentin capsules taken three times per day—90 capsules in total—averages $78, or about $0.86 per capsule. Dosage strength has little effect on the price, so expect to pay about this amount for any one-month prescription for generic gabapentin. The copay cost for generic gabapentin with insurance ranges from $0 to $30 for that same prescription.
If paying for gabapentin is difficult, ask the prescribing healthcare provider about alternative prescription medications. Although gabapentin is a relatively low-cost medication, some alternatives may be less expensive. For partial seizures, other generic narrow-spectrum anticonvulsants that cost as much or less than gabapentin include carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, and phenobarbital. Healthcare professionals often use other drugs off-label to treat nerve pain including generic anticonvulsants (such as carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, or topiramate), antidepressants, or opioids.
Compare gabapentin prices to related drugs |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance of brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Neurontin (gabapentin) | $486 per 90, 300 mg capsules |
$5 per 90, 300 mg capsules of generic Neurontin |
See updated prices |
| Lyrica (pregabalin) | $194 per 30, 75 mg capsules |
$10 per 30, 75 mg capsules for generic Lyrica |
See updated prices |
| Phenobarbital | $44 per 60, 16.2 mg tablets |
$44 per 60, 16.2 mg tablets for generic phenobarbital |
See updated prices |
| Epitol (carbamazepine) | $80 per 60, 200 mg tablets |
$11 per 60, 200 mg tablets for generic Epitol |
See updated prices |
| Topamax (topiramate) | $90 per 60 25 mg tablets |
$6 per 60 25 mg tablets for generic Topamax |
See updated prices |
| Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) | $114 per 60, 300 mg tablets |
$9 per 60, 300 mg tablets for generic Trileptal |
See updated 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. The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see updated drug prices.
How to get gabapentin without insurance
The cost of gabapentin is relatively manageable even for people without health insurance coverage. Over time, however, the cost of using this medication could add up. As a generic, there are no manufacturer coupons or patient assistance programs that can help uninsured patients. There are, however, more surefire options for cutting the price of gabapentin to only a few dollars per month.
1. Use a SingleCare prescription savings card
With a SingleCare discount card, the lowest price for a gabapentin 30-day prescription is only $6.34. Start by going to the gabapentin discount coupon page to choose a free coupon based on price or favorite local pharmacy. The savings card can be printed, emailed, or sent to a smartphone where it can be used immediately.
2. Get a 90-day prescription
With some generic drugs like gabapentin, a 90-day prescription can often be purchased at a significant discount. Combined with a SingleCare savings card, the discount price of a 90-day supply of gabapentin can be as little as $11 at participating pharmacies—less than four dollars per month.
3. Shop pharmacies for the best price
Price-shopping always pays off when buying prescription medications. While the discount may not be too great for lower-priced drugs like gabapentin, the savings do accumulate over time. Start by comparing local pharmacy prices.
4. Enroll in Medicaid
Patients on Medicaid will usually get low-cost generic drugs like gabapentin for free as part of their prescription coverage. If not, the copay will be no more than a few cents or a few dollars. Medicaid insurance plans are available to low-income patients, so visit your state’s Medicaid website to research eligibility requirements.
5. Talk to a local health department
There are a surprising number of resources available in the community including community health clinics and insurance resources. Low-cost generic drugs like gabapentin could be supplied by any of these clinics for free or for only a few dollars. Your county or city’s health department can provide additional information about local community health clinics and other helpful resources.
6. Ask the prescribing healthcare provider about alternative generic treatments
If gabapentin is still too difficult to afford through other means, ask the prescribing healthcare provider for medical advice concerning alternative generic medications. Some of them have a lower retail price than gabapentin, but may not be as effective or tolerable. You can also ask about over-the-counter alternatives for neuropathic pain, but these drugs will probably be less effective than prescription gabapentin.