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Key takeaways
Zenpep is a prescription medication that contains a mixture of pancreatic enzymes. It’s approved to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)–a digestive disorder that occurs when the pancreas does not make enough enzymes (proteins).
Zenpep isn’t available as a generic, and there are no over-the-counter substitutes for the medication.
Zenpep is typically taken with each meal or snack. Without insurance, the average cost of 90 capsules of Zenpep is $1,775.
A SingleCare prescription discount card can lower the cost of Zenpep. Other ways to make the medication more affordable include switching to an alternative drug, comparing prices at different pharmacies, and obtaining health insurance.
Zenpep (pancrelipase) is a prescription medication that contains a combination of digestive enzymes. It’s approved for people with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)–a digestive disorder that occurs when the pancreas does not make enough enzymes (proteins). This can be caused by conditions such as cystic fibrosis. Pancreatic enzymes help break down–or digest–food so nutrients from food can be absorbed by the body. Without enough pancreatic enzymes, food cannot be digested properly, which can lead to uncomfortable gastrointestinal (GI) side effects.
Without insurance, Zenpep costs $1,775 for 90, 40,000-126,000 unit capsules. While there are no over-the-counter substitutes for Zenpep, there are several ways to lower the cost of a Zenpep prescription.
Related: Zenpep dosage | Zenpep side effects
What is the generic for Zenpep?
Zenpep is a brand-name medication that contains a mixture of digestive enzymes, including lipases, proteases, and amylases. Its active ingredient is pancrelipase, but there are no generic versions of Zenpep available at this time.
Zenpep was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009. Drug manufacturers can hold patent rights for up to 20 years. After a patent expires, a generic version of the drug may become available.
Is Zenpep covered by insurance?
Zeppep coverage depends on the specific insurance plan or Medicare plan eligibility requirements. Each plan has its own drug formulary, and some may require prior authorization before Zenpep is covered.
How much does Zenpep cost without insurance?
It depends. Without insurance, the cost of a Zenpep prescription depends on several factors, including the dosage or quantity prescribed, the pharmacy where the drug is purchased, and whether any savings programs or coupons are applied. The average cash price for Zenpep is $1,775 for 90, 40,000-126,000 unit capsules.
RELATED: Zenpep alternatives: What can I take instead of Zenpep?
Compare Zenpep prices to related drugs |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance of brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Zenpep | $1,774 per 90, 40000-126000 unit capsules | $1,268 per 90, 40,000-126,000 unit capsules of brand-name Zenpep | See latest prices |
| Creon | $930 per 90, 12,000-38,000 unit capsules | $681 per 90, 12,000-38,000 unit capsules of brand-name Creon | See latest prices |
| Pancreaze | $101 per 100, 2,600-8,800 unit capsules | $75 per 100, 2,600-8,800 unit capsules of brand-name Pancreaze | See latest prices |
| Pertzye | $643 per 100, 16,000-57,500 unit capsules | $504 per 100, 16,000-57,500 unit capsules of brand-name Pertzye | See latest prices |
| Viokace | $148 per 100, 10,440-39,150 unit tablets | $118 per 100, 10,440-39,150 unit tablets of brand-name Viokace | 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 Zenpep without insurance
As a brand-name prescription without any OTC alternatives, Zenpep can be costly. Fortunately, there are several ways to make a Zenpep prescription without insurance more affordable. While the drug manufacturer has a savings card available, not everyone will be eligible to enroll. Here are other ways to save money on Zenpep:
1. Use a SingleCare prescription discount card
A SingleCare prescription discount card can provide significant savings on a Zenpep prescription. It can lower the cash price from $1,775 to $1,268 for 90, 40,000-126,000 unit capsules. It’s free to sign up for the discount card, and the card is accepted at over 35,000 pharmacies nationwide.
2. Shop different pharmacies
When purchasing a drug without insurance, the price can differ depending on the pharmacy it’s purchased from. To find the best price, shop around at different pharmacies in your area, including local, chain, and independent pharmacies, or easily online at Singlecare.com.
3. Consider alternative medications
While there aren’t any generic or OTC alternatives to Zenpep, switching to an alternative EPI medication may provide some savings. Talk to a healthcare provider about alternative treatment options for your condition. Although most EPI drugs are only available as brand-name medications, the cost of each drug varies widely.
4. Obtain health insurance
One of the most reliable ways to lower the cost of Zenpep is to get health insurance. EPI is a medical condition that typically requires long-term treatment. Obtaining health insurance may help you save on drugs, tests, and monitoring required by your doctor.
Sources
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, Cleveland Clinic (2021)
- Zenpep (pancrelipase) delayed-release capsules prescribing information, Food and Drug Administration (2014
