How much is cyclosporine without insurance?

In this article:

• Brand name cyclosporine
• Is cyclosporine covered by insurance?
• Cyclosporine cost without insurance
• How to get cyclosporine without insurance

In this article

• Brand name cyclosporine
• Is cyclosporine covered by insurance?
• Cyclosporine cost without insurance
• How to get cyclosporine without insurance

Cyclosporine is a prescription immunosuppressant used for organ transplants, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and certain eye conditions. The cyclosporine price without insurance depends on the formulation, which may include oral cyclosporine, cyclosporine modified, or cyclosporine eye drops. Without insurance, cyclosporine costs around $496 for 30, 100 mg capsules. The cyclosporine modified cost is lower, while the cost of cyclosporine eye drops can be hundreds of dollars higher. 

RELATED: What is cyclosporine?

What is the brand name for cyclosporine?

Cyclosporine is available as an oral capsule, an oral solution, or as an intravenous formulation. It is also available as eye drops in both an emulsion and a solution. 

Oral cyclosporine is available in its original formulation (Sandimmune) and as cyclosporine modified (Neoral and Gengraf), which is more consistently absorbed. For these reasons, cyclosporine modified is preferred over the original formulation. Because the original and modified oral medications are absorbed differently, they are not interchangeable without a healthcare provider’s supervision. 

Cyclosporine eye drops are available to manage chronic dry eye as an emulsion (Restasis) and solution (Cequa, Vevye). Verkazia is another cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion specifically indicated for vernal keratoconjunctivitis, an inflammatory eye condition associated with allergies. 

Brand and generic versions of cyclosporine, cyclosporine modified, and cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion are available. Choosing a generic may lower the cost of cyclosporine without insurance. Generic cyclosporine modified costs around $195 for 30, 100 mg capsules, about one-third less than brand-name Gengraf. 

The Restasis ophthalmic formulation of cyclosporine is available as a branded or generic prescription medication. Cequa, Vevye, and Verkazia are only available as brand-name formulations.

Is cyclosporine covered by insurance?

Cyclosporine is often covered by health insurance, but coverage depends on the specific plan, formulation, and reason for treatment. Health plans use their own formularies, so copays, coinsurance, prior authorization requirements, and preferred formulations can vary. Medicare coverage also depends on how cyclosporine is being used. Medicare Part B may cover immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine after certain Medicare-covered organ transplants. If Part B does not cover the medication, Medicare Part D may provide coverage, depending on the plan’s formulary. Check your plan for specific coverage requirements and out-of-pocket costs. 

How much does cyclosporine cost without insurance?

Without insurance, generic cyclosporine costs about $496 for 30, 100 mg capsules, or about $17 per capsule. The cost depends on the formulation, dose, quantity, and pharmacy.

The average retail cost of 30, 100 mg capsules of generic cyclosporine modified is approximately $195, or about $7 per capsule. Because cyclosporine dosing is individualized, the total monthly cost depends on the prescribed dose and quantity.

A 30-day supply of the Restasis ophthalmic emulsion formulation of cyclosporine would run an individual upwards of $400 per month for 30 single-use vials, depending upon the pharmacy. The generic formulation of 30 single-use vials is around $35. 

Compare cyclosporine prices to related drugs
Drug name	Price without insurance of brand-name drug	SingleCare price	Savings options
Cyclosporine	$496 per 30, 100 mg capsules	$98 per 30, 100 mg capsules of generic cyclosporine at Publix	See latest prices
Sandimmune (cyclosporine)	$585 per 30, 100 mg capsules	$98 per 30, 100 mg capsules of generic cyclosporine at Publix	See latest prices
Gengraf  (cyclosporine modified)	$285 per 30, 100 mg capsules	$44 per 30, 100 mg capsules of generic cyclosporine modified at Walmart	See latest prices
Cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion	$772 for 60 single-use vials	$49 for 60 single-use vials of generic cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion at CVS Pharmacy	See latest prices
Restasis (cyclosporine 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion)	$412 for 30 single-use vials	$49 for 60 single-use containers of generic 0.05% cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion at CVS Pharmacy	See latest prices
Cequa  (cyclosporine 0.09% ophthalmic solution)	$884 for 60 single-use vials	$639 for 60 single-use vials of brand-name Cequa at Kroger	See latest prices

How to get cyclosporine without insurance

Paying for costly medications without insurance can be challenging. There are several ways to reduce the cost of cyclosporine products, including Gengraf and Restasis. Manufacturer coupons and patient assistance programs may be available, but eligibility requirements apply. Here are some other ways to save on your prescription: 

1. Use a SingleCare savings card

Using a SingleCare discount card at your local pharmacy can significantly reduce the cash price of these prescription drugs. SingleCare is free to use and available to everyone. Registered members can save even more, and it’s fast and free to join.

2. Switch to generic cyclosporine

Generic drugs can be substituted for their more expensive branded counterparts. Filling a prescription with generic cyclosporine modified decreases Gengraf’s retail price from $285 for 30, 100 mg capsules to $44 for the generic version. With a SingleCare coupon, Restasis can be reduced to $49 for 60 single-use vials of generic Restasis. 

3. Get a 90-day supply

For people on long-term cyclosporine treatment, a 90-day supply can reduce the cost per dose relative to a 30-day supply. 

4. Use manufacturer coupons or savings cards

Investigate the availability of copay cards or savings cards supplied by drug manufacturers for cyclosporine products with unique indications or without generic formulations.