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Is diclofenac sodium covered by insurance? | How much does diclofenac sodium cost without insurance? | How to get diclofenac sodium without insurance
Diclofenac sodium is a generic prescription drug that relieves pain and swelling. It belongs to the family of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and works like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. As a prescription drug, diclofenac sodium tablets, extended-release tablets, and oral solutions are all FDA-approved to treat mild to moderate pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Healthcare professionals can also prescribe topical diclofenac for osteoarthritis relief or actinic keratosis. Diclofenac eye drops are prescribed to treat eye swelling, like after Lasik surgery.
Related: Diclofenac sodium side effects
What is the brand name for diclofenac sodium?
Voltaren and Voltaren XR are the brand-name versions of diclofenac sodium tablets. Cambia, Cataflam, and Zipsor are also brand-name versions of oral diclofenac, but in a slightly different chemical form called diclofenac potassium.
Solaraze, Pennsaid, and Venngel One are the brand-name versions of prescription topical diclofenac sodium. However, some generic versions of topical diclofenac are packaged as “Voltaren Gel.”
Topical diclofenac gels or creams can be purchased over the counter at prescription diclofenac concentrations. Over-the-counter diclofenac topical is available in generic versions or brand-name versions such as Aspercreme Arthritis Relief, Dr. Scholl’s Arthritis Pain Reliever, Voltaren Arthritis Pain, and Salonpas Arthritis Pain Relief Gel.
Is diclofenac sodium covered by insurance?
In SingleCare’s survey of over 50 insurance formularies, all of them covered diclofenac sodium in some formulation or another. Most insurance plans cover diclofenac tablets, delayed-release tablets, extended-release tablets, topical gel, and ophthalmic diclofenac drops. However, coverage may not always be certain, particularly for diclofenac transdermal patches, high-concentration gels, metered pump topical sprays, or high-dose tablets. Most insurance plans do not cover brand-name versions of diclofenac.
The out-of-pocket expense is hard to predict. Insurance plans place diclofenac in low or high copay tiers. Some diclofenac formulations are more likely to be in higher copay tiers. Other factors influence the final out-of-pocket cost, including coinsurance, deductibles, and coverage gaps.
How much does diclofenac sodium cost without insurance?
For people without insurance, 100 tablets of 100 mg extended-release diclofenac sodium will cost about $110. Taken once a day, this represents a 100-day supply. A single 100-gram tube of generic diclofenac topical gel will cost between $60 and $70. How long the tube lasts depends on what body parts need treatment. At a high enough usage, the cost of prescription diclofenac sodium gel can add up very quickly.
It’s hard to put a price on pain relief, but there may be cheaper alternatives to diclofenac. Unfortunately, most prescription NSAIDs cost as much or more than diclofenac. Over-the-counter NSAIDs or acetaminophen may be a workable alternative, but these drugs may not be as effective as prescription diclofenac. Supplements and natural remedies advertised as arthritis relief products are probably less effective than NSAIDs.
People prescribed diclofenac topical gel should ask the prescribing healthcare provider about over-the-counter diclofenac gel. Two hundred grams of generic 1% diclofenac gel usually costs between $20 and $30.
The cheapest alternative may be purchasing diclofenac at a discount using a SingleCare prescription discount card. The lowest SingleCare price for extended-release diclofenac is $24 for 100 tablets. SingleCare members can purchase a 100-gram tube for prescription diclofenac gel for as little as $7.
RELATED: Diclofenac sodium alternatives: What can I take instead of diclofenac sodium?
Compare Voltaren (diclofenac sodium) prices to related drugs |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance of brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Diclofenac sodium | $67 per 1, 100 gm tube of 1% gel | $8 per 1, 100 gm tube of 1% gel generic diclofenac sodium | See latest prices |
| Brand-name diclofenac sodium (Voltaren) | $27 per 1, 100 gm of 1% gel | $8 per 1, 100 gm of 1% gel of brand-name Voltaren | See latest prices |
| Meloxicam | $124 per 30, 15 mg tablets | $3 per 30, 15 mg tablets of generic meloxicam | See latest prices |
| Celecoxib | $202 per 30, 200mg capsules | $4 per 30, 200mg capsules of generic celecoxib | See latest prices |
| Ibuprofen | $32 per 30, 800 mg tablets | Less than $1 per 30, 800 mg tablets of generic ibuprofen | See latest prices |
| Naproxen | $64 per 60, 500 mg tablets | $4 per 60, 500 mg tablets of generic naproxen | 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 “Savings options” link to see the latest drug prices.
How to get diclofenac sodium without insurance
Without insurance, a diclofenac prescription may cost upwards of $100 or more. Topical diclofenac might cost even more if several joints need arthritis relief. Patient assistance programs or manufacturer coupons may be able to help cover the cost of brand-name diclofenac, but not everyone can meet the strict eligibility requirements, and they don’t usually provide help with generic versions. Fortunately, people with a diclofenac prescription have several other options other than paying the full retail price.
1. Start with a SingleCare savings card
People with a free coupon from SingleCare can pay as little as $24 for 100 tablets of extended-release diclofenac sodium and as little as $8 for a 100-gram tube of prescription diclofenac topical gel. Discounts will vary by participating pharmacies, so start by browsing available savings on SingleCare’s diclofenac sodium coupons page. To find a local pharmacy, use SingleCare’s pharmacy finder.
2. Find the lowest price
The lowest pharmacy prices for diclofenac can be close to 50% off the highest pharmacy price, so it pays to compare. A good place to start is SingleCare’s diclofenac coupon page. Immediately following the SingleCare discount prices table on these pages is a useful table comparing average retail prices for diclofenac. That’s followed by an FAQ section with even more savings and drug information.
3. Ask for medical advice about cheaper treatment options
For arthritis pain, there may not be many cheaper alternatives that are both effective and safe. Over-the-counter pain relief medicines may be an option, especially for people at risk of a heart attack. For prescription topical diclofenac, the prescriber may suggest over-the-counter topical diclofenac.
4. Apply for Medicaid or Medicare Extra Help
People who are eligible for Medicaid or Medicare LIS (Low Income Subsidy) should consider applying to these programs rather than paying full cash price for prescription medications. Eligibility requirements for both programs are explained on state Medicaid websites. If not, call a local health department official for help.
