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Several $20 bills and a prescription bottle: How to save on Quviviq
Drug Info

How to save on Quviviq

You may be able to get Qviviq for free for one month with the manufacturer’s savings card program, but there are other ways to save if ineligible
Leandra Beabout
By | Jul. 2, 2024 Medically reviewed by Chad Shaffer, MD

Key takeaways

  • Quviviq is a brand-name prescription drug used to treat insomnia in adults.

  • Quviviq costs about $635 for a one-month supply.

  • Patients can save money on Quivviq by choosing a health insurance plan that covers it, using Singlecare’s free Quviviq coupons, and applying for a QSavings Card from the drug’s manufacturer.

  • There is no generic form of Quviviq yet, but patients can get medical advice on switching to a different insomnia drug that costs less.

In this article:

Quviviq (daridorexant) is a brand-name prescription medicine approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat insomnia in adults. It is not approved to treat narcolepsy, complex sleep behaviors (e.g., sleepwalking or sleep-driving), or sleep apnea.

Quviviq is in a class of drugs called dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs), which target the action of sleep-wake neurotransmitters called orexins. “This medicine blocks the orexins, so it turns off the wake signal, thereby helping us fall and stay asleep,” explained Sid Khurana, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist and medical director of outpatient services at Nevada Mental Health in Las Vegas. 

Unfortunately, Quviviq is not cheap—especially for those without insurance that covers the medication. Fortunately, there are ways to save on Quviviq, reducing the out-of-pocket cost of a good night’s sleep. 

How much does Quviviq cost?

The average retail price of Quviviq, without insurance or any discounts, is $635 for 30, 50-milligram (mg) tablets, which is a typical one-month supply.

Each patient’s cost for Quivviviq depends on several factors, including the pharmacy used, prescribed dosage, and insurance coverage. Not all health plans cover Quviviq. Those that do may require prior authorization, which means they have to pre-approve the healthcare provider’s request for this drug before covering it. Medicare plans don’t often cover Quviviq, but some may. 

Ultimately, it’s a good idea to check your insurance plan’s drug formulary (list of covered drugs) to prevent unexpected billing for Quviviq. 

How to save money on Quviviq

Uninsured or underinsured people can still save on their prescription Quviviq costs. Below, find information about discount programs and Quviviq coupons.

1. Free Quviviq coupons

SingleCare offers free coupons that can help lower the cash price of a Quviviq prescription. With SingleCare, Quviviq could cost as little as $486, which is almost a 25% savings compared to the list price. 

SingleCare prices do vary by quantity, strength, form, and pharmacy, so ask the pharmacist for the exact price to avoid a surprise bill. It’s also a good idea to find pharmacies near you and compare their prices for the best deal.

2. Quviviq copay card

Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd., the manufacturer of Quviviq, offers a savings card (sometimes referred to as a copay card) that allows eligible individuals to pay as little as $25 for 30-day prescription refills. Anyone interested in the QSavings Card program can apply by completing a short form online. When we applied, it took about one minute and we were able to download it instantly. However, there are eligibility requirements in order to use this savings card, so not everyone can get one. You need to be at least 18 years old, a resident of the United States, and have eligible insurance coverage. And you cannot be enrolled in government-funded healthcare programs such as Medicare Part D, Medicaid, Medigap, Veterans Administration, or Department of Defense programs.

Although some medications also have patient assistance programs in addition to copay cards, there is no patient assistance program for Quviviq. 

3. Compare prices

Pharmacy prices vary, even for the same medication, form, and dosage. To get the best price, compare prices at multiple pharmacies in the area.

4. Check your prescription coverage

Insurance coverage has the most significant impact on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. Although many insurance companies will not fully cover the cost of Quviviq, drug formularies can change. It’s important to pay attention to formularies when comparing plans during open enrollment periods. Picking a plan that covers your specific prescriptions can save hundreds or even thousands over the course of a year. 

5. Ask a pharmacist

“Another way to save on the medication, especially if it’s not available generically, is to ask a pharmacist if they have a coupon or [prescription] discount cards in the pharmacy,” suggested Inna Melamed, Pharm.D., a functional medicine practitioner and author of Digestive Reset.

Healthcare professionals are great resources for information about when a brand-name drug may become available in generic form, which local pharmacies have the best prices, and where to apply for prescription savings.

Can I get Quviviq for free?

In some cases, insurance may cover the entire cost of a Quviviq prescription, especially if the yearly deductible has already been met. However, many plans require prior authorization and may only cover part of the cost of this drug. 

Also, if you’re eligible for the QSavings Card, you can get your first 30-day supply of Quviviq for free. After that, prescriptions filled with the card cost $25 or more. 

Is there a cheaper alternative to Quviviq?

Quviviq is a brand-name drug, which means it is more expensive than generic medications. Unfortunately, there is no generic version of Quviviq available, and Dr. Khurana says the two best DORA alternatives—Belsomra (suvorexant) and Dayvigo (lemborexant)—are also unavailable in generic form.

RELATED: Quviviq vs. Belsomra

“There are many other medications to treat insomnia which are cheaper and generic, but none of the orexin family,” Dr. Khurana said. For example, trazodone, a generic antidepressant, is frequently prescribed to treat insomnia, according to Dr. Melamed. Trazodone costs about $33 for 30, 50 mg tablets.

Other generic medications approved by the FDA to treat insomnia include:

  • Zolpidem tartrate (generic Ambien), which typically retails for $99 for 30, 10 mg tablets before discounts or insurance
  • Eszopiclone (generic Lunesta), which typically retails for $324 for 30, 3 mg tablets before discounts or insurance 
  • Zaleplon (generic Sonata), which typically retails for $99 for 30, 10 mg capsules before discounts or insurance

Bottom line 

Patients struggling to afford Quviviq have options. They can ask their healthcare providers about opportunities to save on Quviviq or discuss the option of using a less expensive prescription medication in place of Quviviq.

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