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Is Nurtec covered by insurance? | How much does Nurtec cost without insurance? | How to get Nurtec without insurance
Nurtec ODT (orally disintegrating tablet) is a brand-name prescription drug that helps prevent migraine headaches or relieve the symptoms of a migraine episode. Its active ingredient, rimegepant, affects blood vessel dilation, inflammation, and pain signals. All of these contribute to migraine symptoms. For prevention, Nurtec is taken every other day to reduce the incidence of migraine headaches. People take Nurtec at the onset of a migraine headache for symptom relief. Nurtec is a brand-name drug with a premium price. There are no generic versions, but there are ways to save money without insurance coverage.
Related: Nurtec side effects
What is the generic for Nurtec?
The active ingredient in Nurtec is rimegepant. A generic version will not be available until 2039.
Is Nurtec covered by insurance?
Many health insurance, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid plans cover Nurtec. But coverage is not universal. Many insurance companies put Nurtec in their higher copay tiers, but eligible patients can defray part of that cost using a copay card from Biohaven, the manufacturer. Deductibles or coverage gaps may add to the cost.
How much does Nurtec cost without insurance?
Nurtec is a premium-priced drug. At the average retail price, eight 75 mg tablets cost $1,260. The monthly cost will vary. For episodic migraine relief, eight pills may be enough to last for a month. For migraine prevention, the standard dose is 15 to 16 pills per month, which will cost $2,500 per month or $30,000 annually.
Tablets similar to Nurtec are also premium-priced, so switching may not save money. Nurtec belongs to a family of drugs called calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonists (CGRP inhibitors). Most are antibody injections, but three can be taken as tablets: Nurtec, Ubrelvy (ubrogepant), and Qulipta (atogepant). Ubrelvy is FDA-approved only to treat migraine attacks. Qulipta is FDA-approved only to prevent migraines.
The injectable CGRP inhibitors—Aimovig (erenumab), Ajovy (fremanezumab), Emgality (galcanezumab), and Vyepti (eptinezumab)—are only used to prevent migraines. These drugs are taken as self-administered injections, usually once per month. All cost about $1,000 or more per month at full cash price, so they cost less than migraine prophylaxis using Nurtec.
If these newer migraine medications are too pricey, that leaves lower-priced generic migraine prevention treatments such as beta blockers, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. Lower-cost generic drugs, including NSAIDs, triptans, and ergot drugs, can also treat acute migraines.
Nurtec ODT savings are also available by using a SingleCare prescription discount card. The lowest SingleCare discount price for eight Nurtec tablets is $862.
Compare Nurtec (rimegepant) prices to related drugs |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance of brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Nurtec | $1,259 per 8, 75 mg tablets | $862 per 8, 75 mg tablets of brand-name Nurtec | See latest prices |
| Aimovig | $1,054 per 1, 1 mL of 140 mg/mL auto-injector pen | $709 per 1, 140 mg/mL pen of brand-name Aimovig | See latest prices |
| Emgality | $923 per 1, 1 mL of 120 mg/mL auto-injector pen | $626 per 1, 120 mg/mL auto-injector pen of brand-name Emgality | See latest prices |
| Ajovy | $957 per 1, 1.5 mL of 225 mg/1.5 mL auto-injector pen | $606 per 1, 1.5 mL of 225 mg/1.5 mL auto-injector pen of brand-name Ajovy | See latest prices |
| Qulipta
(atogepant) |
$1408 per 30, 60 mg tablets | $858 per 30, 60 mg tablets of brand-name Qulipta | 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 link under “Savings options” to see the latest drug prices.
How to get Nurtec without insurance
The newest migraine medications, though effective, are all higher-priced brand-name drugs. Nurtec could easily cost over $30,000 per year without insurance coverage. The manufacturer’s patient assistance program might help some uninsured people, but not everyone can meet the rigorous eligibility requirements. Everyone, however, can find significant Nurtec ODT savings using a free coupon from SingleCare.
1. Purchase Nurtec with a SingleCare savings card
No manufacturer coupons exist for Nurtec, but SingleCare’s savings program offers Nurtec coupons that can reduce the cost of eight Nurtec tablets from $1,260 to as low as $870. In addition to available discounts, the Nurtec coupons page has a FAQ section filled with additional information on saving money.
2. Find the lowest pharmacy price
While it is true that pharmacies charge wildly different prices for the same prescription, comparing prices for prescription medications is hard to do. Instead, visit SingleCare’s Nurtec price history table to quickly find the lowest price for Nurtec. Then use SingleCare’s pharmacy finder to find the nearest location of that drugstore.
3. Consider health insurance
For long-term medical conditions like migraines, it may be cheaper in the long run to have health insurance. Visit your state’s health insurance marketplace to research the available prices and offerings. Talk to an agent about calculating a policy’s total value. Make sure needed prescription drugs like Nurtec are covered at an affordable out-of-pocket cost.
4. Then consider Medicaid
Health insurance may be unaffordable, but there’s a possibility you will qualify for Medicaid. Eligibility requirements can be found on each state’s Medicaid website. If you are eligible, you can enroll on the website or with the help of local health department staff.
5. Ask the prescriber for medical advice about other migraine drugs
It may be necessary to use generic migraine drugs for preventive or acute treatment of episodic migraines. These drugs are effective but may not be as effective as newer migraine medications like Nurtec. They will also have different side effects and drug interactions. Start by having a candid talk with the prescriber or other healthcare professional.
