How much is Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate) without insurance?

Is Quetiapine fumarate covered by insurance? | How much does Quetiapine fumarate cost without insurance? | How to get Quetiapine fumarate without insurance

Quetiapine is a generic prescription antipsychotic medication. Healthcare professionals typically prescribe it to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, which are the uses approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, prescribers may recommend quetiapine for off-label uses, including anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), borderline personality disorder (BPD), and dementia. 

Common side effects of quetiapine include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, weight gain, and blurred vision. Serious side effects include movement disorders, suicidal thoughts, depression, high blood sugar, increased cholesterol levels, increased prolactin, underactive thyroid, low white blood cell counts, cataracts, and allergic reactions. 

Healthcare providers may prescribe either immediate-release or extended-release quetiapine. Quetiapine is a higher-priced generic drug with an average monthly cost of around $300, although the actual cost can vary depending on the pharmacy.

Related: Seroquel dosage | Seroquel side effects

What is the brand name for quetiapine fumarate?

Seroquel is the brand-name version of quetiapine immediate-release tablets. The extended-release form of quetiapine is Seroquel XR. The retail price of brand-name Seroquel is usually higher than generic quetiapine.

Is quetiapine fumarate covered by insurance?

Quetiapine is a commonly prescribed generic drug, so it’s often covered by private health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid plans. Insurance companies generally place it in lower copay tiers, though the extended-release format may sometimes have a higher copay. The final out-of-pocket costs may involve more than just the copay, however.

How much does quetiapine fumarate cost without insurance?

The cost without insurance can vary based on the dosage and quantity prescribed. For someone taking a dosage of 100 mg twice daily, a 15-day supply is 30 tablets. Without insurance, the average retail price for a 15-day supply of quetiapine 100 mg tablets is $150. That comes out to a cost of $5 per tablet. A year’s treatment at full cash price could cost about $3,400.

Quetiapine belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. These later-generation antipsychotics work similarly to earlier antipsychotics but generally have a lower risk of involuntary movement disorders. A mental health professional could prescribe first-generation antipsychotics, such as haloperidol, but these drugs are more likely to cause certain side effects, such as a movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia. 

For people diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements are not considered effective treatments, though they may be cheaper than prescription medications. If the cost of quetiapine is too high, a healthcare provider may prescribe a different atypical antipsychotic drug, such as clozapine or risperidone.

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 quetiapine fumarate without insurance

Atypical antipsychotics like quetiapine have fewer side effects than typical antipsychotics but may come at a higher cost. Patients or their caregivers have a few options if the cost is a challenge. Manufacturer coupons and patient assistance programs are not currently available since quetiapine is a generic drug. Instead, a prescription savings card like the SingleCare prescription discount savings card could help save on the cash price of the medication.

1. Take advantage of SingleCare discounts 

With a free card or coupon from SingleCare, people with a prescription can purchase 30 100 mg quetiapine tablets for around $6. A 30-day supply could cost as little as $12 versus $300 at full retail price. Discount prices vary between participating pharmacies, so see the available savings on SingleCare’s quetiapine fumarate coupons page. The FAQs section on this page contains additional drug and savings information.

2. Find the lowest price

You can compare pharmacy prices for quetiapine using SingleCare’s Seroquel and quetiapine price history table. The current lowest pharmacy price for 30 quetiapine 100 mg tablets is more than $100 lower than the average price.

3. Switch to a lower-priced antipsychotic

As with antidepressants, there are various antipsychotic medications available. If cost is an issue, let your healthcare provider know. Other atypical antipsychotics may be as effective as quetiapine, and side effects should be similar. However, the cheapest antipsychotics are earlier-generation drugs with side effects that may not make the savings worthwhile. Don’t just decide based on price. Ask your healthcare provider for medical advice about the trade-offs.

4. Consider Medicare or Medicaid

If you have financial difficulties, you may qualify for Medicaid or Medicare Low Income Subsidy. Both are subsidized health insurance programs designed to minimize or eliminate out-of-pocket costs. Contact Medicare or call a representative at your local health department or your state’s Medicaid website for eligibility requirements and enrollment information. 

5. Talk to a health department representative

Both communities and states offer help to people who need mental health services and medicines but can’t afford them. A local or state health department could direct you to public clinics, 340B providers, or mental health services that can provide low-cost or free treatment.