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Key takeaways
Linzess is a brand-name prescription drug that treats constipation in people with IBS or chronic constipation.
Most insurance plans, Medicare drug plans, and Medicaid plans cover Linzess.
Without insurance, the price of Linzess can be as much as $750 per month.
Linzess (linaclotide) is a brand-name prescription drug prescribed to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). The dosage will depend on the underlying condition, but it should not affect the price. There is no generic version of Linzess, so people without insurance will have to pay the full retail price for treatment. There are Linzess savings options, and the first and most reliable is a SingleCare savings coupon.
RELATED: Linzess side effects
How much does Linzess cost without insurance?
The retail cash price of Linzess is $753 per month without insurance. That’s roughly $25 per capsule. For people on long-term therapy, the total cost can be as much as $9,000 per year.
Alternatives are limited. The active ingredient in Linzess, linaclotide, belongs to a family of drugs called secretagogues. It works by stimulating the lining of the small intestine to secrete more fluids into the small intestine and colon, speeding up the movement of waste products. The only other prescription drug that works just like Linzess, Trulance (plecanatide), is also sold exclusively as a brand-name drug. It costs even more than Linzess.
Although it works differently, another prosecretory treatment for constipation is Amitiza (lubiprostone), a drug with a long history and a lower-priced generic version. Amitiza is also approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
Most patients with IBS-C or CIC have used cheaper, over-the-counter laxatives such as docusate, senna products, and Miralax (polyethylene glycol), but dissatisfaction with these treatments is high.
How much does brand-name/generic Linzess cost?
There is no generic version of Linzess available. A generic version of Linzess is expected to be available in March of 2029. Low-dose linaclotide (72 mcg) will not be available until 2031 at the earliest.
Compare Linzess prices to related drugs |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Linzess (linaclotide) | $753 per 30, 145 mcg capsules | $500 per 30, 145 mcg capsules of brand-name Linzess | See latest prices |
| Amitiza (lubiprostone) | $514 per 60, 24 mcg capsules | $40 per 60, 24 mcg capsules | See latest prices |
| Trulance (plecanatide) | $817 per 30, 3 mg tablets | $506 per 30, 3 mg tablets of brand-name Trulance | See latest prices |
| Dicyclomine | $20 per 20, 20 mg tablets | $3 per 20, 20 mg tablets | See latest prices |
| Kristalose (lactulose powder for solution) | $421 per 30, 20 gm packets | $92 per 30, 20 gm packets | See latest prices |
| Lactulose (oral solution) | $64 per 473 mL of 10 gm/15 mL bottle | $9 per 473 mL of 10 gm/15 mL bottle | See latest prices |
| Motegrity (prucalopride) | $735 per 30, 2 mg tablets | $274 per 30, 2 mg tablets | See latest prices |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in zip code 23666. 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.
RELATED: Linzess alternatives: What can I take instead of Linzess?
Linzess costs by dose
The retail price of Linzess should not vary by dosage strength, though prices will vary between pharmacies. Quantities may also affect prices, but most pharmacies offer only a 30-day supply of Linzess at a time.
Compare Linzess prices by strength |
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|---|---|---|
| Strength | SingleCare price of brand-name Linzess | |
| 72 mcg of Linzess | $492 | |
| 145 mcg of Linzess | $500 | |
| 290 mcg of Linzess | $511 | |
| See our lowest price for Linzess without insurance | ||
Save up to 80% on Linzess with SingleCare
Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.
Is Linzess covered by insurance?
98% of commercial insurance plans cover Linzess prescriptions to some extent, according to the manufacturer. Nearly all (93%) Medicare Part D drug coverage beneficiaries have Linzess coverage. However, some insurance companies may require prior authorization or that other, less-expensive prescription drugs be tried first. Most people with insurance pay $30 or less for Linzess for a one-month supply. Keep in mind, however, that number includes people who use a Linzess copay savings card from Allergan to manage higher copays. Additionally, people on a high-deductible insurance plan or Medicare beneficiaries who are stuck in the donut hole may be looking for additional prescription savings.
How to get Linzess covered by insurance
Although nearly all health insurance plans and Medicare prescription drug plans cover Linzess, the insurance provider may reject a Linzess prescription. The most common reason is that certain requirements have not been met, such as those related to step therapy or prior authorization. Discuss with the prescribing healthcare professional how to meet these requirements or file an appeal.
For people on health insurance plans that do not cover Linzess, ask the prescriber about filing a formulary exemption. The process is similar to prior authorization, but the clinician must submit a letter of medical necessity justifying the prescription. Even when granted, the copay and out-of-pocket costs may be very high.
How to get Linzess without insurance
With an annual out-of-pocket cost of $9,000, Linzess can present a financial challenge for individuals without insurance coverage. Fortunately, there are many savings options to explore, such as manufacturer coupons and patient assistance programs, including the manufacturer’s Linzess savings programs. All these programs require enrollment, and not everyone will be able to meet the eligibility criteria, however. Fortunately, there are more options to save money on Linzess, starting with SingleCare’s prescription savings program.
1. Use a SingleCare savings card
All customers can get immediate prescription savings simply by using a free SingleCare Linzess coupon at a participating pharmacy. Get a free Linzess coupon here and compare discount prices at your local pharmacies. While there, check the FAQs section for additional information about insurance coverage and savings. Make sure to sign up for SingleCare’s loyalty savings program. Each SingleCare purchase earns future savings on refills and other drugs.
2. Ask for a free sample
If you’re in a pinch, your healthcare professional may have free samples available. Unfortunately, free samples usually only cover a week or two. Still, this buys time to find other ways to make treatment more affordable.
3. Switch to lubiprostone
Generic lubiprostone works in a slightly different way than Linzess, but it has the same effects. The average retail cost of generic lubiprostone is about $451 per 60 capsules (at the standard 24 mcg dose). That’s still higher than many common generic drugs, but it’s close to half the cost of Linzess. Use a SingleCare discount card when purchasing lubiprostone to reduce the cost to just $40 per month for 60 capsules. Ask the prescribing healthcare professional for medical advice before switching.
4. Compare pharmacy prices
It’s always a good idea to shop around for the lowest price. Prices for brand-name prescription medications, such as Linzess, can vary between retail pharmacies. It’s possible to save extra money on a Linzess prescription simply by shopping for the lowest price.
5. Reconsider over-the-counter laxatives
Chances are, patients with IBS-C or CIC have a long history with laxatives, but have had problems with ineffectiveness or side effects. However, if Linzess treatment is financially challenging, consider talking to the prescribing healthcare provider about the most suitable over-the-counter laxative options and home remedies.
RELATED: Linzess side effects and how to avoid them
Expert Takeaway
“By the time patients come to my office for symptoms of chronic constipation or IBS-C, they have usually tried multiple over-the-counter laxatives and even one or more prescription medications”, reports Dr. Jesse P. Houghton, MD, senior medical director of gastroenterology at Southern Ohio Medical Center. “I always take a detailed history of exactly which laxatives they have tried, how long they took them for, and the reasons that they stopped taking them. Ultimately, some patients will require more than one medication to effectively treat their chronic constipation”, says Dr. Houghton. Examples include Linzess with senna, or Amitiza with polyethylene glycol (Miralax). Always talk with your provider to see if combining medications is a viable option for your symptoms.
- Update on the management of chronic idiopathic constipation, American Journal of Managed Care