Key takeaways
Slynd, a progestin-only birth control pill with drospirenone, costs about $276 for a 28-day supply without insurance, making it more expensive than other mini-pills due to its unique active ingredient.
There are no generic versions of Slynd available, with the earliest potential release for a generic alternative being in 2031, thus limiting lower-cost options.
Insurance coverage for Slynd varies, with the Affordable Care Act ensuring coverage for hormonal birth control, but Medicaid coverage depends on the state, and Medicare is unlikely to cover it.
Ways to reduce the cost of Slynd include using a SingleCare prescription discount card, comparing pharmacy prices, considering Planned Parenthood or public health clinics, exploring insurance or Medicaid, and discussing alternative mini-pills or birth control methods with a healthcare provider.
Slynd is a brand-name progestin-only birth control pill or mini-pill. Slynd is the only mini-pill containing synthetic progesterone called drospirenone, so the price of Slynd is higher than other alternatives. The advantage of drospirenone over other mini-pills is that it remains active even when doses are taken late. However, it has a higher risk of causing high potassium levels, especially in the first cycle. Slynd must be taken daily like other hormonal birth control pills and comes in a blister pack of 28 tablets. Each tablet is taken at the same time each day according to the blister pack’s numbered order.
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What is the generic for Slynd?
The active ingredient in Slynd is drospirenone, a synthetic progesterone. Currently, there are no generic versions of Slynd. The earliest a generic alternative may be available will be in 2031.
Is Slynd covered by insurance?
Because of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), anyone with health insurance is covered for hormonal birth control, including Slynd. These drugs also qualify for a copay exception, so Slynd’s out-of-pocket cost with insurance may be zero. Medicare drug plans are unlikely to cover Slynd or other birth control pills. Medicaid plans vary by state. All Medicaid plans cover birth control, but premium brand-name products like Slynd may not be approved. Contact your state’s health department if there’s a question about Slynd coverage.
How much does Slynd cost without insurance?
Compared to other mini-pills (progestin-only pills), Slynd is on the higher end of the price scale. A 28-day supply averages about $270 for people paying the retail price. That adds up to almost $3,000 per year.
If the price is hard to manage, ask the healthcare provider about alternative FDA-approved mini-pills. The most common low-priced mini-pills contain norethindrone or norethisterone instead of drospirenone. Most are sold as generics, but often these generics are given brand names. Prices will range between $30 and $60.
Combination birth control pills, which contain estrogen and progesterone, may be an option for some people. However, progestin-only pills may be prescribed for people who are breastfeeding, who have specific risk factors or health conditions, or who experience side effects with combination pills. Other progestin-only forms of birth control may also be an option, such as some types of IUDs, injections, or long-acting implants.
For women without insurance coverage, a prescription discount card from SingleCare is a good way to save money. Instead of paying $270 for a 28-day supply of Slynd, women can purchase that same prescription for as little as $200.
RELATED: How to get free birth control (even without insurance)
Compare Slynd prices to related drugs |
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Drug name | Price without insurance of brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
Slynd | $276 per 1, 28 tablet dispenser pack | $198 per 1, 28 tablet dispenser pack of brand-name Slynd | See latest prices |
Heather | $45 per 1, 28 tablet dispenser pack | $7 per 1, 28 tablet dispenser pack of brand-name Heather | See latest prices |
Mirena IUD | $1429 per 1, 6-year intrauterine device | $1048 per 1, 6-year intrauterine device of brand-name Mirena IUD | See latest prices |
Nexplanon implant | $1454 per 1, 3-year implant | $1056 per 1, 3-year implant of brand-name Nexplanon | See latest prices |
Depo-Provera injection | $200 per 1, 3-month injection | $31 per 1, 3-month injection of brand-name Depo-Provera | See latest prices |
Errin | $47 per 1, 28 tablet dispenser pack | $7 per 1, 28 tablet dispenser pack of brand-name Errin | 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 Slynd without insurance
Because there is no generic version, Slynd is one of the higher-priced mini-pills. At an annual cost approaching $3,000, Slynd may be difficult for people without insurance to pay for. Exeltis, the manufacturer, does not offer a patient assistance program for Slynd, so that’s not an option. Still, there are many good ways to reduce the cost of Slynd or find less expensive or free alternatives. The first place to start is with a SingleCare prescription discount card.
1. Reduce the price of Slynd with a SingleCare savings card
A free discount card from SingleCare can reduce the price of a 28-day supply of Slynd to as low as $198, a savings of $80 off the average retail price. SingleCare participating pharmacies offer a range of discounts. To find the lowest price at the closest local pharmacy, browse Slynd discounts on SingleCare’s Slynd coupons page. You can also find additional savings and drug information in the FAQs section.
2. Shop pharmacies for the best price
Buying at the lowest price is a surefire way to save money, but most people don’t think of price-shopping when filling a prescription. Take Slynd, for example. In SingleCare’s , the lowest pharmacy price is $20 cheaper than the highest.
3. Try Planned Parenthood or a public health clinic
Planned Parenthood, women’s health clinics, and public health clinics may offer mini-pills and other contraception at a low cost or for free. They may not offer premium-priced birth control pills like Slynd, but they will have other mini-pills.
4. Consider health insurance or Medicaid
By law, health insurance plans must cover oral contraceptives like Slynd at no cost. If health insurance is unaffordable, look into Medicaid. They, too, provide no-cost oral contraceptives. Some state Medicaid plans cover Slynd, while others do not. All Medicaid plans, though, cover mini-pills. Check your state’s Medicaid website for eligibility and enrollment information.
5. Ask the prescribing healthcare provider about other mini-pills
Generic mini-pills cost considerably less than Slynd, usually $30 to $60 monthly. They contain a different active ingredient, usually norethindrone or norethisterone. Because of this, they may not be a suitable substitute for Slynd, so ask a healthcare professional for medical advice before switching.
6. Consider switching to another form of birth control
If the cost of Slynd is a major barrier and there are no suitable progesterone-only alternatives, talk to a healthcare professional about the safety, effectiveness, and affordability of other birth control alternatives, including over-the-counter birth control.