Key takeaways
Propranolol, a beta-blocker for treating high blood pressure and heart issues, is generally covered by insurance, but without it, costs can be high.
The cost of propranolol without insurance is approximately $42 for 60, 20 mg tablets of the generic version, with prices varying for different dosages and formulations.
Alternatives to propranolol, such as other beta-blockers, may offer cost savings for patients seeking more affordable options.
Savings on propranolol without insurance can be achieved through patient assistance programs, manufacturer coupons, using a SingleCare discount card, and comparing pharmacy prices for the best deal.
Is propranolol covered by insurance? | How much does propranolol cost without insurance? | How to get propranolol without insurance
Propranolol is a generic prescription beta-blocker that lowers blood pressure, slows the heart rate, and reduces the force of individual heartbeats. Because of these effects, propranolol is FDA approved to treat high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), heart rhythm problems, as well as to prevent heart attack and migraine headaches. Metoprolol is used in active heart failure and is a part of a regiment of drugs given when an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) is suspected. Most people take propranolol as a tablet or oral solution, but people with life-threatening heart rhythm problems may require intravenous injections. For those taking propranolol orally, doses can vary widely from as low as 10 mg to as high as 320 mg daily. Immediate-release propranolol is taken two or three times a day, but extended-release propranolol, including brand-name Inderal LA, Inderal XL, or InnoPran XL, is taken but once a day.
Related: Propranolol side effects
Is propranolol covered by insurance?
Health insurance typically covers propranolol in both its immediate-release and extended-release formats. This includes Medicare Part D drug plans as well as Medicaid.
Most people avoid paying the full cash price by using health insurance, but the actual out-of-pocket cost will depend on several factors including the insurance plan’s formulary, copay cost, deductible, and, for Medicare Part D, the current coverage phase. Propranolol is a Tier 1 drug—drugs that have the lowest out-of-pocket copay cost.
How much does propranolol cost without insurance?
Expect to pay about $42 for 60, 20 mg tablets of generic immediate-release propranolol, enough medicine to last one month for a low-dose prescription (40 mg per day). For generic extended-release propranolol, the average retail price is $69 for 30, 60 mg capsules. Higher-dose capsules may cost more.
If propranolol’s price is too high, ask the prescribing healthcare provider for medical advice about other blood pressure drugs or antiarrhythmics. Some other beta-blockers, such as Atenolol, are less expensive than propranolol.
When considering cost and whether to initiate or continue treatment, it’s important to remember that high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, and heart attacks are serious and even life-threatening problems. Over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements have not been shown to be effective at treating these conditions.
Compare propranolol prices to related drugs |
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Drug name | Price without insurance of brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
Propranolol hydrochloride | $42 per 60, 20 mg tablets of generic propranolol | $2 per 60, 20 mg tablets of generic propranolol | See updated prices |
Inderal LA (propranolol HCl ER) | $1,930 per 30, 60 mg capsules | $8 per 30, 60 mg capsules of generic Inderal LA | See updated prices |
Tenormin
(atenolol) |
$480 per 90, 50 mg tablets | $0.49 per 90, 50 mg tablets of generic Tenormin | See updated prices |
Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate) | $102 per 60, 50 mg tablets | $0.49 per 60, 50 mg tablets of generic Lopressor | See updated prices |
Toprol XL (metoprolol succinate ER) | $59 per 30, 50 mg tablets | $1.55 per 30, 50 mg tablets of generic Toprol XL | See updated prices |
Acebutolol hydrochloride | $34 per 30, 200 mg tablets | $4 per 30, 200 mg tablets of generic acebutolol | See updated prices |
Betaxolol hydrochloride | $1.24 per 30, 10 mg tablets of generic betaxolol | 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 propranolol without insurance
Some people without insurance may be able to afford a propranolol prescription at the full cash price. If you can’t, some drugs have patient assistance programs, manufacturer coupons, and even the occasional rebate but there are often eligibility requirements. It’s best to manage long-term propranolol treatment by finding more permanent and secure ways to save money month after month.
1. Start with a SingleCare savings card
With a SingleCare discount card, a one-month supply of generic propranolol could cost as little as $2, a savings of over $38. That adds up to $456 in savings over a year on a prescription whose average yearly cost is $504. SingleCare discounted prices can be found at many local pharmacies, but the actual discount may vary by pharmacy.
2. Shop for the lowest price
Like everything else, it’s smart to compare prices on prescription medications. A 30-day supply of propranolol can vary by pharmacy. Check out SingleCare’s pharmacy finder or the propranolol coupon page to compare prices between pharmacies.
3. Fill a 90-day prescription
The lowest pharmacy price for propranolol may be a 90-day supply. Don’t limit the price comparison to 30-day prescription prices. By comparing prices for both 90-day and 30-day supplies of propranolol, you may unlock a substantial price reduction per tablet.