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Key takeaways
Orilissa is an FDA-approved drug for managing moderate to severe endometriosis pain, but it can cost $1,660 per month without insurance.
No generic version of Orilissa is currently available in the United States, which limits cost-saving options.
Insurance coverage for Orilissa varies, with some private plans covering it, but Medicare rarely does.
To reduce costs, consider using discount cards, comparing pharmacy prices, or discussing alternative treatments with your healthcare provider.
Orilissa is a brand-name medication approved to treat moderate to severe pain from endometriosis. It belongs to a class of medications called gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists and works by lowering estrogen, which fuels endometriosis pain. Although it’s effective for treating pain from endometriosis, it may be difficult for some people to pay for, at over $1,600 for a month’s supply without insurance. We’ll go over the specifics about paying for Orilissa with or without insurance and share some ways to save.
Is there a generic for Orilissa?
Orilissa, known by its chemical name elagolix, is a brand-name drug manufactured by AbbVie Inc. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Orilissa in 2018 to treat endometriosis, a disorder in which tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it. There is currently no generic version of Orilissa available in the United States.
Generic medications often become available after the original drug’s patent expires. Although patents protecting Orilissa may have expired, pharmaceutical companies are not currently producing a generic version.
Is Orilissa covered by insurance?
Some private insurance plans may cover Orilissa. However, coverage can vary between providers, and the level of coverage may depend on the specifics of the plan. Individuals should contact their health insurance company to verify if Orilissa is included in their prescription drug coverage.
Medicare generally does not cover Orilissa, although it may be included in some Medicare Part D formularies (covered drug lists) in uncommon situations. And although beneficiaries who are eligible for the Medicare Low Income Subsidy (LIS) program might have lower out-of-pocket costs, they’re guaranteed coverage for Orilissa.
Even if Orilissa is covered, the amount you pay out of pocket can vary based on your plan’s formulary. In addition, some plans might require prior authorization, which means you need to get approval before the plan will pay for the medication. All these factors may affect how much you end up paying for Orilissa if you are trying to get it with insurance.
How much does Orilissa cost without insurance?
Orilissa prices can vary without insurance. The average retail price for a box of 4, 7-tablet packs is around $1,660. This means each tablet costs roughly $59. Given a standard dosage of one tablet per day, the cost may reach around $19,932 per year.
That’s the price of the standard dosage of 150 mg tablets taken once daily. But Orilissa is also available as 200 mg tablets taken twice daily, which can double the cost.
Another important factor affecting the cost of Orilissa without insurance is the pharmacy you choose and where you live. Prices may vary depending on the city or town. Also, how many people buy the drug in a certain area may change the price. Sometimes, prices might go up or down based on supply or how much it costs to make the medicine.
Compare Orilissa prices to related drugs |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance of brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Orilissa (elagolix) | $1,660 per 28, 150 mg tablets | $1,074 per 28, 150 mg tablets | See latest prices |
| Lupron Depot (leuprolide acetate) | $7,391 per 1, 22.5 mg kit | $5,968 per 1, 22.5 mg kit | See latest prices |
| Zoladex (goserelin) | $1,040 per 1, 3.6 mg implant | $973 per 1, 3.6 mg implant | See latest prices |
| Synarel (nafarelin) | $3,779 per 8 mL of 2 mg/mL nasal solution | $2,960 per 8 mL of 2 mg/mL nasal solution | See latest prices |
| Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone) | $153 per 1, 1 mL of 150 mg/mL syringe | $23 per 1, 1 mL of 150 mg/mL syringe | See latest prices |
| Aygestin (norethindrone acetate) | $86 per 30, 5 mg tablets | $11 per 30, 5 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 Orilissa without insurance
Paying for brand-name medications without insurance may not always be easy. Orilissa is no exception. Still, there may be alternatives to paying the full price of your Orilissa prescription without insurance. The drug’s manufacturer, AbbVie, may offer patient assistance programs or Orillisa coupons, but not everyone is eligible for these discounts. Here are some other ways to save money on Orilissa:
1. Use a SingleCare discount card
Using a SingleCare discount card may help reduce the price of Orilissa. You can use the SingleCare website to search for Orilissa coupons to use at participating pharmacies around the country. With an Orilissa coupon, you may pay as little as $1,074 for a 28-day supply, compared to the average cash price of $1,660. When purchasing Orilissa, you can present the discount card at the pharmacy or show them your SingleCare coupon to see how much you’ll save. With its wide acceptance, the SingleCare discount card may be a great option for managing your medication expenses.
2. Compare prices at different pharmacies
Pharmacy prices can vary. Checking multiple pharmacies may help you find a better deal. Websites and apps can help you compare prices, ensuring you get the best price available. For Orilissa specifically, it may be helpful to reach out to both local and online pharmacies to see what they charge. Services like SingleCare may help you quickly compare prices from different pharmacies in your area.
3. Seek medical advice for potential alternatives
Consult with your healthcare provider about other medications that might be less expensive. Sometimes, a different medication can be substituted that works just as effectively for your condition. In addition to medication, your healthcare provider might discuss other treatment approaches, such as hormonal therapies or lifestyle changes that could improve your health.
4. Try a generic alternative to another medication
While there isn’t a generic for Orilissa, your healthcare provider may recommend a comparable medication. For example, they may recommend Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate), which is available in generic form. Consult your healthcare provider and see if switching medications can save you money.
These strategies may help lower out-of-pocket costs and make your medication more affordable. Always consult your healthcare before making any treatment changes to ensure you continue receiving the appropriate care.
Sources
- What is Orilissa?, AbbVie (2022)
- Orilissa highlights of prescribing information, AbbVie (2023)
- Orilissa patent expiration, Pharsight (2024)
- Factors impacting pharmaceutical prices and affordability: Narrative review, Pharmacy (2021)
