Vraylar generic availability, cost, and more

In this article:

• Generic Vraylar
• Current availability
• Why is Vraylar so expensive?
• Vraylar alternatives
• How to save

In this article

• Generic Vraylar
• Current availability
• Why is Vraylar so expensive?
• Vraylar alternatives
• How to save

Vraylar is a brand-name antipsychotic medication that doctors use to treat serious mental health conditions. It’s approved to treat schizophrenia, manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder, and depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder. It may also be used alongside antidepressants for major depressive disorder (MDD).

Vraylar has cariprazine as its active ingredient, and most people take it once a day to help manage symptoms. While Vraylar can be effective for many people, it may come with a high price tag for some. Many people might look for generic versions of brand-name drugs since they can be found for a fraction of the price. 

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$1370.84

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$1370.84

i Price with signup

Get free coupon

See Vraylar prices at all pharmacies

Is there a generic for Vraylar?

No, there is currently no generic version of Vraylar available in the United States. The brand-name medication contains the active ingredient cariprazine, but generic versions will not be available until patent protection expires.

Current availability

Allergan (now part of AbbVie) still makes Vraylar as a brand-only drug. The FDA-approved drug has been on the market since 2015, and patents protecting Vraylar may expire around 2029. That means generic cariprazine could become available sometime in the late 2020s.

When patents expire, generic drug manufacturers can apply to produce cariprazine under its generic name. These versions would contain the same active ingredient as Vraylar but typically cost much less.

In the meantime, it’s important to watch out for fraudulent online pharmacies that might try to sell illegal generic versions. These medications could be fake or even dangerous.

Why is Vraylar so expensive?

Vraylar carries a high price tag for several reasons. Vraylar is a brand-name medication without a generic available, which allows the manufacturer to set premium prices. Patent protection prevents other manufacturers from creating generic versions. That exclusivity lets the manufacturer keep prices high for as long as possible.

Research and development costs are also a huge part of the price since developing a new drug takes years. The company ran extensive clinical trials before getting approval, investing millions to prove Vraylar works. Drug companies typically try to make these costs back through sales.

In addition, U.S. drug prices aren’t as regulated as in other countries, so medications like Vraylar may cost more in comparison. Newer medications like Vraylar often have better side effect profiles, which could mean more expensive manufacturing processes.

What can I take instead of Vraylar?

Vraylar falls under a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. It works by regulating serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, which may help improve mood and mental health symptoms.

If Vraylar isn’t the best choice because of its cost, there are other prescription options available, depending on a person’s overall condition. A healthcare provider may consider costs, common side effects, potential drug interactions, and other factors.

• Abilify (aripiprazole) works similarly to Vraylar but is available as a generic, which usually makes it more accessible. This antipsychotic drug may cause less weight gain than some alternatives. However, it can still cause restlessness and movement problems such as tardive dyskinesia and other extrapyramidal symptoms.
• Latuda (lurasidone) works well for bipolar depression with a lower weight gain risk than Vraylar. Latuda also does not yet have a generic, so it may be costly for some, but depending on insurance coverage, it may be easier to access than Vraylar. It is usually taken with food, which can be an adjustment compared to Vraylar’s once-daily dosing.
• Seroquel (quetiapine) is another potential option used for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar mania or depression. Like other antipsychotics, it can cause significant drowsiness and weight gain. However, generic versions can make it more accessible than brand-name versions.
• Zyprexa (olanzapine) is widely used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is available as a generic, making it less costly than brand-only options like Vraylar. While it’s effective for controlling symptoms, it also carries an increased risk of weight gain, sleepiness, constipation, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol or triglycerides.
• Geodon (ziprasidone) is available as a generic and is generally less likely to cause weight gain compared to some other antipsychotics. It must be taken with food, and healthcare providers often monitor heart health since it can affect heart rhythm. It may also be more likely to cause trouble sleeping than other antipsychotics. 

Mood stabilizers like lithium and valproate may be used instead of, or along with, antipsychotics to manage bipolar disorder. People who take these medications may need regular blood tests and frequent follow-up visits with a healthcare provider.

Each option has different benefits, so it’s best to work with a healthcare provider to find the safest and most effective alternative to Vraylar. Never make changes to treatment without medical advice due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms or other serious side effects. 

How to save money on Vraylar

It can be hard for many people to pay for Vraylar, especially without insurance. Still, there are a few ways to potentially lower out-of-pocket costs.

1. Free Vraylar coupons

SingleCare offers free Vraylar coupons that may help reduce prescription costs. These digital coupons could save patients up to 80% on their medication expenses. You could pay around $1,370 for 30, 1.5 mg capsules with SingleCare instead of the average cash price of around $2,068. However, SingleCare prices vary by quantity, strength, form, and pharmacy location. 

Patients can compare prices at different pharmacies in their area through the SingleCare website or app. A SingleCare card may be especially useful for uninsured patients or those whose insurance doesn’t cover the medication. Coupons can’t be combined with insurance benefits or manufacturer savings programs.

2. Medicare or Medicaid savings

Medicare and Medicaid can help reduce the cost of Vraylar for patients who qualify. Vraylar is usually covered under Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, though monthly costs vary based on premiums, deductibles, and coverage stages.

The Medicare Extra Help Program, also called the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), can lower Vraylar costs for people with Medicare who need financial assistance. With Extra Help, patients typically pay between $0 and $11 per prescription, depending on their income level and the drug’s tier placement.

In addition, Vraylar is typically covered under Medicaid. However, Medicaid copays vary by state and individual plan.

3. Manufacturer savings coupon

AbbVie offers a Vraylar Savings Card program for people with commercial insurance. Eligible patients may pay as little as $0 for both 30-day and 90-day prescription fills. 

The savings program applies to patients taking Vraylar for approved conditions like bipolar disorder episodes or as an adjunctive (add-on) treatment for major depression. Patients need to have commercial insurance to qualify for these manufacturer discounts.

AbbVie doesn’t spell out exactly how much you can save over a year or your lifetime. There could be caps after a few months, so it’s best to check the fine print before relying on it long-term. If you’re curious about what’s currently available or want more information, reach out to your healthcare provider or talk to AbbVie directly.

4. Patient assistance programs

Vraylar doesn’t have a generic version yet, with potentially high costs for the brand-name medication. That’s why AbbVie also runs patient assistance programs for people who meet certain criteria. With patient assistance, uninsured patients or those with limited income may be able to obtain Vraylar at reduced costs.

The myAbbVie Assist program for Vraylar can help eligible patients access their medication at no cost. Patients can find application forms through AbbVie‘s patient access support services.

5. Consult a healthcare provider for alternatives

In some cases, lowering costs could be achieved by adjusting your dose of Vraylar to a lower one. However, before you make a decision about Vraylar or start thinking about switching to something else, it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider. They’ll know if there are any generic versions and can recommend an alternative if cost is a factor. Your care team can also review insurance coverage options and potential out-of-pocket costs.

Vraylar is a relatively new drug, and healthcare providers may have more experience prescribing other second-generation antipsychotics like Abilify or Seroquel. These drugs are also available as generics, which can make them easier to afford for many. Still, to recommend an alternative, a healthcare provider will have to look at your overall condition and other medications you take, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements.