6 ways to save money on Vyvanse

How much does Vyvanse cost? | Free Vyvanse | Vyvanse savings | Vyvanse alternatives

The cost of monthly prescriptions add up quickly, and if you’re not careful, they can put a real dent in your finances. It’s no secret that the cost of prescription drugs is on the rise. In fact, nearly 25% of Americans report difficulty affording their medications, according to a report by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), is a once-daily oral medicine that comes in both capsule and chewable tablet form. It improves focus, increases concentration, and reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity in adults and children ages 6 years and older who have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s also used to treat binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. Vyvanse is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has the potential for abuse and dependence.

“Vyvanse is a stimulant medication, which promotes the release of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine from their storage areas in nerve terminals and blocks the process that removes the released neurotransmitters, thereby increasing their overall levels in the brain,” says Je Ajayi, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist in Atlanta, Georgia and founder of Connected Minds, a virtual mental health clinical practice.

While Vyvanse may be an effective FDA-approved treatment for ADHD and BED, it can be quite expensive. Fortunately, there are several 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 $541 for 30, 70 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?

There are limited options available for getting Vyvanse for free outside of having insurance coverage that completely covers the medication or its generic. Takeda, the company that makes Vyvanse, used to offer a free trial offer, but it is no longer available.

Takeda will offer its patient assistance program called Help at Hand through Dec. 31, 2023 for people who’s application was received and approved by Oct. 16, 2023. 

How to save money on Vyvanse

“Compared to other similar medications, Vyvanse is extremely expensive and often cost-prohibitive,” explains Dr. Ajayi. “Its cost is often the reason patients cannot obtain a prescription for this medication and many insurance companies require prior authorization before they will cover it.”

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 to you.

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 $109 for 30, 30 mg capsules.

2. Free Vyvanse coupons

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 $368 for 30, 70 mg capsules of brand-name Vyvanse or $105 for 30, 70 mg capsules of generic Vyvanse. Prices vary based on quantity, strength, and your chosen pharmacy.

3. Vyvanse savings card

The makers of Vyvanse offer a savings card that could reduce your out-of-pocket costs to as little as $30 per month. However, the card only covers a maximum of $60 per refill. You’ll need a valid prescription from your prescribing doctor to redeem the savings offer. Those with Medicaid or Medicare may not be eligible for this manufacturer coupon.

4. Compare pharmacy prices

Vyvanse prices vary between pharmacies. What you owe 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 and entering your zip code. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 you find that 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 doctor may be able to prescribe a cheaper alternative that is just as effective.

Dr. Ajayi notes there are both central nervous system stimulants and non-stimulant medications that may be more affordable for some patients.

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	Coupons
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)	$541 for 30, 70 mg capsules	$105 for 30, 70 mg capsules of generic Vyvanse	Vyvanse coupons
Ritalin (methylphenidate HCl)	$187 for 90, 20 mg tablets	$19 for 90, 20 mg tablets of generic Ritalin	Ritalin coupons
Concerta (methylphenidate HCl ER)	$665 for 30, 36 mg extended-release tablets	$40 for 30, 36 mg extended-release tablets of generic Concerta	Concerta coupons
Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)	$376 for 30, 20 mg tablets	$8 for 30, 20 mg tablets of generic Adderall	Adderall coupons
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate HCl)	$129 for 60, 10 mg tablets	$23 for 60, 10 mg tablets of generic Focalin	Focalin coupons
Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate HCl ER)	$550 for 30, 20 mg extended-release capsules	$58 for 30, 20 mg tablets of generic Focalin XR	Focalin XR coupons
Strattera (atomoxetine)	$560 for 30, 40 mg capsules	$32 for 30, 40 mg capsules of generic Strattera	Strattera coupons
Kapvay (clonidine HCl ER)	$589 for 60, 0.1 mg extended-release tablets	$20 for 60, 0.1 mg extended-release tablets of generic Kapvay	Kapvay coupons
Intuniv (guanfacine HCl ER)	$352 for 30, 2 mg extended-release tablets	$15 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.

Lea este artículo en español aquí.