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Key takeaways
Vyvanse is a brand-name prescription drug that treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children older than six years. It is also approved for binge-eating disorder in adults.
Insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary for Vyvanse; the generic version (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is more likely to be covered by insurance and Medicare prescription plans.
Contact your insurance provider for up-to-date insurance coverage information. You can save money on Vyvanse using a free SingleCare card.
Cheaper alternatives to Vyvanse may include FDA-approved prescription medications like Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall, Focalin, Focalin XR, Strattera, Kapvay, Intunic, or their generic equivalents.
Vyvanse is a brand-name prescription drug (generic name lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children older than six years. It is also approved for binge-eating disorder (BED) in adults but is typically only used as a second-line therapy. Vyvanse is dosed once daily and comes in both capsules and chewable tablets.
Vyvanse belongs to a class of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants called amphetamines. It improves focus, increases concentration, and reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity. Unlike most other stimulant medications, Vyvanse is a prodrug, which means it has no effect until it’s metabolized by the body into its active form, dextroamphetamine. Vyvanse is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has the potential for abuse and dependence.
While Vyvanse may be an effective FDA-approved treatment for ADHD and BED, it can be quite expensive. Fortunately, there is a cheaper generic version available as well as several other ways to save money on this medication.
RELATED: Vyvanse side effects and how to avoid them
How much does Vyvanse cost?
The cost of a Vyvanse prescription varies depending on your insurance coverage, the pharmacy you use, the dosage and quantity you need, and your location. Vyvanse is a brand-name drug and without insurance, the average cash price is around $546 for 30, 50 mg capsules. Without insurance, Vyvanse could cost more than $6,500 per year.
If you have health coverage that includes prescription drug benefits, your out-of-pocket cost may be lower. However, prescription drug plans can vary widely in terms of coverage and costs. Your plan may have other preferred medications that it covers at a lower price.
Medicare coverage also varies depending on your condition (it does not cover Vyvanse for BED) and the specific prescription drug plan you have. Brand-name medications are not typically covered by Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage prescription plans. Your plan may require you to try the generic version of Vyvanse first or get prior authorization.
The yearly cost of Vyvanse with Medicare, including Part D premiums, starts around $1,758 and goes up from there, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (based on Los Angeles zip code 90011). Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool to enter your zip code and Vyvanse prescription information to compare plans and costs available in your area.
Medicaid coverage for Vyvanse also varies by state; however, it’s unlikely that Medicaid will cover brand-name Vyvanse as there are cheaper generic alternatives available. According to the California Medicaid formulary, which lists covered and preferred medications, brand-name Vyvanse is not a preferred medication. Your doctor may have to submit a prior authorization request to your Medicaid plan for you to get coverage for Vyvanse. If approved, your prescription is also subject to a quantity limit of 30 capsules per month, or one capsule per day.
Commercial and private insurance plans may also have quantity limits on the number of capsules you can get per month. You’re responsible for any monthly premium costs, copays, and/or coinsurance. If you know you’ll need Vyvanse for an extended period, you may want to consider a prescription drug plan with a higher monthly premium but lower out-of-pocket costs. For the best coverage, review all available plans before enrolling.
Can I get Vyvanse for free?
Outside of having insurance coverage that completely covers the medication or its generic, there are limited options for getting Vyvanse for free.
How to save money on Vyvanse
If you don’t have insurance coverage that includes Vyvanse or you’re looking for ways to lower your costs, there are a few options available.
1. Ask for generic Vyvanse
As of Aug. 2023, generic Vyvanse is now available. With a free SingleCare coupon, you could get generic Vyvanse for as little as $116 for 30, 50mg capsules.
2. Free Vyvanse coupons
SingleCare’s free Vyvanse coupon works at most major pharmacies and can save you up to 80% off the retail price of your medications. Simply present the Vyvanse savings card at a participating pharmacy to receive your discount.
Text, email, or print your Vyvanse coupon or use a SingleCare prescription discount card to reduce your out-of-pocket cost. For example, you could pay $546 for 30, 50 mg capsules capsules of brand-name Vyvanse or $125 for 30, 70 mg capsules of generic Vyvanse. Prices vary based on quantity, strength, and your chosen pharmacy.
3. Compare pharmacy prices
Vyvanse prices vary between pharmacies. What you pay at CVS may be different than the cost at Walgreens or Walmart. You can compare pharmacy prices for Vyvanse by searching for your prescription on singlecare.com. The tool allows you to compare prices for the medication at national and local pharmacies. Prices vary based on quantity, strength, and your chosen pharmacy. You can also use SingleCare to search for discounts on your other medications to maximize your savings.
4. Use a mail-order pharmacy
If you have insurance that covers Vyvanse, you may be able to lower your costs by using a mail-order pharmacy. Mail-order pharmacies may charge lower prices for medications than brick-and-mortar pharmacies. Check with your insurance company to see if they offer a mail-order pharmacy option and compare prices before filling your prescription. Most require a 90-day supply to receive the lower price. Eligibility varies based on your health plan.
5. Review your insurance coverage
It’s important to review your insurance coverage for Vyvanse and all of your other medications. Make sure you understand your copayment amounts, deductible, and drug formulary. This information can help you make informed decisions about where to fill your prescriptions and which plan is the best fit for you and your family.
If your insurance plan lacks the coverage you need, consider switching to a plan that better meets your requirements. Review the medication formulary for each plan to see if Vyvanse is covered.
RELATED: How to pay for prescriptions without insurance
Is there a cheaper alternative to Vyvanse?
In some cases, you may not be able to afford Vyvanse, or it may not be the best option for you. If it does work for you, ask your pharmacist if they stock generic and what your copay would be. If it’s still not affordable, your healthcare provider may be able to prescribe a cheaper alternative that is just as effective.
Common side effects of stimulants include anxiety, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, irritability, nausea or vomiting, increased blood pressure or heart rate, and weight loss. Possible side effects of non-stimulants include decreased appetite, dizziness, fatigue, headache, irritability, and stomach discomfort.
| Compare prices of Vyvanse alternatives | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance of brand name drug | SingleCare price for generic equivalent | Coupons |
| Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) | $546 for 30, 50 mg capsules | $116 for 30, 50mg capsules of generic Vyvanse | Vyvanse coupons |
| Ritalin (methylphenidate HCl) | $54 for 90, 20 mg tablets | $19 for 90, 20 mg tablets of generic Ritalin | Ritalin coupons |
| Concerta (methylphenidate HCl ER) | $407 for 30, 36 mg extended-release tablets | $35 for 30, 36 mg extended-release tablets of generic Concerta | Concerta coupons |
| Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) | $323 for 30, 20 mg tablets | $12 for 30, 20 mg tablets of generic Adderall | Adderall coupons |
| Focalin (dexmethylphenidate HCl) | $88 for 60, 10 mg tablets | $22 for 60, 10 mg tablets of generic Focalin | Focalin coupons |
| Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate HCl ER) | $170 for 30, 25 mg extended-release capsules | $57 for 30, 25 mg tablets of generic Focalin XR | Focalin XR coupons |
| Strattera (atomoxetine) | $422 for 30, 40 mg capsules | $27 for 30, 40 mg capsules of generic Strattera | Strattera coupons |
| Kapvay (clonidine HCl ER) | $589 for 60, 0.1 mg extended-release tablets | $28 for 60, 0.1 mg extended-release tablets of generic Kapvay | Kapvay coupons |
| Intuniv (guanfacine HCl ER) | $287 for 30, 2 mg extended-release tablets | $20 for 30, 2 mg extended-release tablets of generic Intuniv | Intuniv coupons |
RELATED: How much does ADHD medication cost?
There may be other, less expensive medications your doctor can prescribe to treat your ADHD. Always seek medical advice from your healthcare professional to find the best treatment solution for you.
Sources
- Does Medicare cover Vyvanse? Medicare.org
- Explore your Medicare coverage options, Medicare.org
- Medicaid approved drug list, Anthem
- Vyvanse prescribing information, Vyvanse label
- FDA approves multiple generics of ADHD and BED treatment, U.S. Food and Drug Administration