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Key takeaways
Latuda is a prescription medication prescribed to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Without health insurance coverage, Latuda’s cash price is over $1,800 for a month’s supply of 40 mg tablets.
Although the Latuda savings card from its manufacturer was discontinued, you can save on Latuda with a SingleCare coupon.
Latuda (lurasidone) is an antipsychotic medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for various mental health conditions. It treats symptoms of schizophrenia in adults and teens ages 13–17 and bipolar depression in adults and youth ages 10–17, either on its own or with other medications like lithium or valproate.
Without insurance coverage, Latuda may be costly for some. Fortunately, there are a few options for individuals to save money on this medication with or without a health insurance plan.
How much does Latuda cost?
The cost of Latuda is about $1,862 for a 30-day supply of 40-milligram (mg) tablets without insurance coverage. However, the retail price can vary by dosage, pharmacy, and location. Insurance coverage can also affect the final price of prescription drugs like Latuda. Many patients might qualify for assistance or use discount programs that can lower their out-of-pocket expenses.
Does insurance cover Latuda?
“Whether general health plans cover Latuda depends on the specific insurer and plan details,” says Samuel Green, an independent insurance broker in Farmingdale, New Jersey. “Many do [cover] this drug, but utilization management restrictions like prior authorization and quantity limits per month are common, unfortunately.”
“Medicare covers this brand drug under Part D plans, though the copays and degree of coverage could differ according to respective Medicare program plans’ specifics,” says Heather Wilson, a licensed clinical social worker and executive director of Epiphany Wellness in Blackwood, New Jersey. As for Medicaid, Green says that Medicaid plans tend to cover Latuda given its “frontline status for serious mental health conditions, dramatically reducing out-of-pocket costs.”
Regardless of the type of coverage you have, some plans may require prior authorization or ask you to try a more cost-effective alternative before they cover Latuda. Talk to your health insurance company to learn more about your specific drug coverage for Latuda.
Why is Latuda so expensive?
The expensive price tag of Latuda may involve different factors. First, it is a brand-name medication, which usually costs more than generic versions. The price difference is typically due to the significant investment involved in research and marketing to develop and launch brand-name drugs.
Still, the price of Latuda can vary depending on the pharmacy you go to. The dosage and quantity prescribed can also make a difference in how much you pay. For example, a higher strength, like 120 mg, is likely to be more expensive than a 20 mg strength tablet. Similarly, purchasing a 30-day supply may be more expensive compared to a 14-day supply due to the difference in quantity.
How to save on Latuda
Prescription costs can be a challenge for many people, especially when it comes to medications like Latuda. However, there are several ways to save money and make this medicine more affordable.
Latuda copay card: Update
Latuda’s manufacturer, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., offered a Latuda savings card that provided access to free or discounted Latuda for up to 12 months. Unfortunately, the program was discontinued in July 2024. The manufacturer may offer a patient assistance program as an alternative for individuals who can’t afford their medication and meet eligibility requirements.
Use a Latuda coupon from SingleCare
An easy way to save on Latuda is to use a SingleCare prescription discount card, which you can use at pharmacies across the country. With a SingleCare coupon for Latuda, you could pay $1,376 instead of $1,862 for a 30-day supply of Latuda tablets. If your healthcare provider prescribes the generic form of Latuda, lurasidone, you could pay much less: $22 for a 30-day supply.
SingleCare coupons are for everyone, regardless of whether they’re covered by private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. However, you can’t use a SingleCare coupon on top of your health insurance coverage. If you have insurance, you must choose either to use your insurance benefits or the SingleCare coupon.
Ask about a 90-day prescription
Another way to potentially lower the cost of Latuda is to ask your healthcare provider about getting a 90-day supply of the medication, as long as your insurance company approves it. Filling a 90-day supply can be less expensive than paying for monthly refills, as you may be able to take advantage of bulk pricing discounts.
In some cases, you may be able to get a 90-day supply of Latuda via mail order, which could help reduce costs. Mail-order pharmacies often have lower overhead costs compared to brick-and-mortar pharmacies, and they may pass these savings on to customers. However, it’s important to ensure that the mail-order pharmacy you choose is reputable and licensed to dispense medications in your state.
Talk to your healthcare provider about Latuda alternatives
There may be more affordable drugs you can use in place of Latuda, but they may not work the same way. “Generally, the drug works through influencing brain neurotransmitters that help stabilize moods in people,” Wilson says. “This medication is usually recommended by doctors because of its effectiveness and lesser chances of weight gain compared to other antipsychotic drugs.”
Other than generic lurasidone, there are a variety of Latuda alternatives a healthcare provider may recommend, depending on the diagnosis. A few brand-name options include:
- Abilify (aripiprazole)
- Clozaril (clozapine)
- Geodon (ziprasidone)
- Risperdal (risperidone)
- Seroquel (quetiapine)
- Zyprexa (olanzapine)
Always seek medical advice from a healthcare provider about your treatment plan, especially if costs or side effects are a concern. They can help you find the best alternative based on your overall health condition.
Bottom line
Latuda is a prescription medication used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but its high cost—about $1,862 for a month’s supply—can be a challenge for many. While some insurance plans cover Latuda, you may still be responsible for a copay or coinsurance amount. The manufacturer’s savings program was discontinued, but alternatives like SingleCare coupons and opting for generic lurasidone may be helpful. You can also consult a healthcare provider to find an appropriate and effective treatment option.
- Highlights of prescribing information, Food and Drug Administration (2010)
- Lurasidone compared to other atypical antipsychotic monotherapies for adolescent schizophrenia: A systematic literature review and network meta-analysis, European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2020)