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Key takeaways
Latuda is a brand-name medication used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with the out-of-pocket cost for a 30-day supply reaching up to $1,776 for uninsured patients.
Many insurance plans cover Latuda, but alternatives and generics for atypical antipsychotics exist that are significantly cheaper, though first-generation antipsychotics are generally avoided due to side effects.
A SingleCare discount card can reduce the cost of Latuda significantly, and other methods such as patient assistance programs, considering health insurance, and shopping for the best price are recommended for affordability.
There are no effective over-the-counter medications for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, making it crucial for those in need to explore various savings options or consider alternative prescriptions suggested by healthcare providers.
Is Latuda covered by insurance? | How much does Latuda cost without insurance? | How to get Latuda without insurance
Latuda (lurasidone hydrochloride) is a brand-name prescription drug approved by the FDA to treat adults and children with schizophrenia and depressive episodes in adults and teens diagnosed with bipolar disorder. As an atypical antipsychotic, Latuda changes brain chemistry to calm overexcited activity in the brain without many of the debilitating side effects of first-generation antipsychotics. Although there are no effective over-the-counter treatments for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, there are some cheaper alternatives that can be taken instead of higher-priced Latuda.
Is Latuda covered by insurance?
Many commercial health insurance plans, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid cover Latuda prescriptions, but some plans may require prior authorizations or for less expensive antipsychotics to be tried first. According to the manufacturer, about 93% of Latuda prescriptions cost less than $100 per 30 tablets, 94% of prescriptions cost less than $8.95 for Medicare beneficiaries, and most Medicaid beneficiaries pay less than $9. However, copays vary by plan and Latuda could cost more if you have not met your deductible. A manufacturer coupon is also available to people with commercial health insurance.
How much does Latuda cost without insurance?
Without insurance, Latuda is an expensive drug. The out-of-pocket cash price for a 30-day supply of 40 mg tablets is $1,776. That’s nearly $60 per pill, but 40 mg is on the lower end of Latuda dosages. The daily dose can go as high as 160 mg per day, which is more expensive than 40 mg tablets. Therefore, even on a low dose, Latuda can cost more than $21,000 per year for uninsured patients.
There are several alternative atypical antipsychotic medications like Latuda that can be prescribed as lower-cost generics. First-generation antipsychotics are even less expensive, but healthcare professionals generally avoid them because of side effects and drug interactions. Side effects of Latuda such as weight gain, movement disorders, and risk for suicidal thoughts are often the principal reason people switch to other antipsychotic drugs. Keep in mind, however, that different antipsychotics may work for some people and not others.
For bipolar depression, antidepressants can be used instead of Latuda, but they are generally avoided because they can bring on bipolar mania.
There are no effective over-the-counter medications or dietary supplements that can adequately or safely control psychosis or the symptoms of schizophrenia or bipolar depression.
Compare Latuda prices to related drugs |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Latuda (lurasidone) | $1,776 per 30, 40 mg tablets of brand-name Latuda | $1,236 per 30, 40 mg tablets of brand-name Latuda | See updated prices |
| Risperdal (risperidone) | $443 per 30, 1 mg tablets of brand-name Risperdal | $2 per 30, 1 mg tablets of generic Risperdal | See updated prices |
| Seroquel (quetiapine) | $255 per 30, 100 mg tablets of brand-name Seroquel | $5 per 30, 25 mg tablets of generic Seroquel | See updated prices |
| Geodon (ziprasidone) | $188 per 30, 80 mg tablets of generic Geodon | $14 per 30, 80 mg tablets of generic Geodon | See updated prices |
| Zyprexa (olanzapine) | $535 per 30, 5 mg tablets of brand-name Zyprexa | $8 per 30, 5 mg tablets of generic Zyprexa | See updated prices |
| Clozaril (clozapine) | $1,476 per 84, 100 mg tablets of brand-name Clozaril | $3 per 7, 100 mg tablets of generic Clozaril | See updated prices |
| Saphris (asenapine) | $245 per 10, 10 mg tablets of brand-name Saphris | $90 per 30, 5 mg tablets of generic Saphris | See updated prices |
| Abilify (aripiprazole) | $1,047 per 30, 5 mg tablets of brand-name Abilify | $11 per 30, 5 mg tablets of generic Abilify | See updated prices |
| Invega (paliperidone ER) | $1,157 per 30, 6 mg tablets of brand-name Ivega | $55 per 30, 3 mg tablets of generic Invega | See updated prices |
| Rexulti (bexpiprazole) | $1,636 per 30, 1 mg tablets of brand-name Rexulti | $1,139 per 30, 1 mg tablets of brand-name Rexulti | See updated prices |
| Vraylar (cariprazine) | $1,680 per 30, 1.5 mg capsules of brand-name Vraylar | $1,144 per 30, 1.5 mg capsules of brand-name Vraylar | 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 Latuda without insurance
For most people, paying for Latuda without health insurance may not even be possible. Even at a low dose, the yearly cost can exceed $21,000 a year and Latuda costs increase with higher dosages. At that price, the drug will still be unaffordable even if the price is significantly reduced. However, antipsychotics are important and even life-saving medications, so finding ways to make treatment affordable is important.
1. Use a SingleCare savings card
A SingleCare discount can reduce the retail price of Latuda by several hundreds of dollars. SingleCare’s lowest price for Latuda is $1,236 for a one-month supply of 40 mg tablets. Free Latuda coupons can be accessed by all pharmacy customers regardless of insurance or income status.
2. Ask the prescriber about patient assistance
Pharmaceutical companies typically offer patient assistance programs for their priciest prescription drugs. Sunovion’s patient assistance program offers only temporary assistance, requires enrollment through a healthcare professional, and does have eligibility requirements. However, enrollees can receive mail-order Latuda for free. If you don’t meet the eligibility criteria, you can still talk to a Sunovion Pharmaceuticals representative who can provide prescription assistance advice. Ask the prescribing healthcare provider for additional information. There are no manufacturer coupons to those without commercial insurance currently.
3. Consider health insurance
If you’re faced with spending thousands of dollars for a life-saving medication, health insurance is always a cost-saving option—even high-deductible plans with low premiums. Not only are most plans considerably less expensive than buying Latuda at full price, but they can also be surprisingly affordable. Being prescribed a long-term treatment with expensive medications is a good time to explore health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. Rather than contacting individual insurance companies, start by visiting your state’s health insurance marketplace for the most affordable plans. If those plans are still too expensive, consider applying for Medicaid health insurance, though most Medicaid plans may not easily approve a Latuda prescription. Additionally, those who are 65 years and older or younger people with certain health conditions are eligible for Medicare.
4. Switch to a generic atypical antipsychotic
Ask your prescribing healthcare provider for medical advice about more affordable antipsychotic medications. These alternatives are effective at treating the same psychiatric conditions as Latuda. Some are affordable, particularly with a SingleCare discount card, and most cost significantly less than Latuda.
5. Shop for the best price
If there is no other choice other than paying full price, then at the very least shop around for the best price. Retail pharmacies charge different prices for prescription medications, and shopping around could amount to hundreds of dollars of Latuda savings. Search for your drug on SingleCare and enter your zip code to compare Latuda prices at local pharmacies.