6 ways to save money on Vyvanse

How much does Vyvanse cost? | Free Vyvanse | Vyvanse savings | Vyvanse alternatives

The cost of monthly prescriptions add up quickly, and if you’re not careful, they can put a real dent in your finances. It’s no secret that the cost of prescription drugs is on the rise. In fact, nearly 25% of Americans report difficulty affording their medications, according to a report by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), is a once-daily oral medicine that comes in both capsule and chewable tablet form. It improves focus, increases concentration, and reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity in adults and children ages 6 years and older who have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s also used to treat binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. Vyvanse is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has the potential for abuse and dependence.

“Vyvanse is a stimulant medication, which promotes the release of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine from their storage areas in nerve terminals and blocks the process that removes the released neurotransmitters, thereby increasing their overall levels in the brain,” says Je Ajayi, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist in Atlanta, Georgia and founder of Connected Minds, a virtual mental health clinical practice.

While Vyvanse may be an effective FDA-approved treatment for ADHD and BED, it can be quite expensive. Fortunately, there are several ways to save money on this medication.

RELATED: Vyvanse side effects and how to avoid them

How much does Vyvanse cost?

The cost of a Vyvanse prescription varies depending on your insurance coverage, the pharmacy you use, the dosage and quantity you need, and your location. Vyvanse is a brand-name drug and without insurance, the average cash price is around $541 for 30, 70 mg capsules. Without insurance, Vyvanse could cost more than $6,500 per year.

If you have health coverage that includes prescription drug benefits, your out-of-pocket cost may be lower. However, prescription drug plans can vary widely in terms of coverage and costs. Your plan may have other preferred medications that it covers at a lower price. 

Medicare coverage also varies depending on your condition (it does not cover Vyvanse for BED) and the specific prescription drug plan you have. Brand-name medications are not typically covered by Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage prescription plans. Your plan may require you to try the generic version of Vyvanse first or get prior authorization. 

The yearly cost of Vyvanse with Medicare, including Part D premiums, starts around $1,758 and goes up from there, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (based on Los Angeles zip code 90011). Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool to enter your zip code and Vyvanse prescription information to compare plans and costs available in your area.

Medicaid coverage for Vyvanse also varies by state; however, it’s unlikely that Medicaid will cover brand-name Vyvanse as there are cheaper generic alternatives available. According to the California Medicaid formulary, which lists covered and preferred medications, brand-name Vyvanse is not a preferred medication. Your doctor may have to submit a prior authorization request to your Medicaid plan for you to get coverage for Vyvanse. If approved, your prescription is also subject to a quantity limit of 30 capsules per month, or one capsule per day.

Commercial and private insurance plans may also have quantity limits on the number of capsules you can get per month. You’re responsible for any monthly premium costs, copays, and/or coinsurance. If you know you’ll need Vyvanse for an extended period, you may want to consider a prescription drug plan with a higher monthly premium but lower out-of-pocket costs. For the best coverage, review all available plans before enrolling.

Can I get Vyvanse for free?

There are limited options available for getting Vyvanse for free outside of having insurance coverage that completely covers the medication or its generic. Takeda, the company that makes Vyvanse, used to offer a free trial offer, but it is no longer available.

Takeda will offer its patient assistance program called Help at Hand through Dec. 31, 2023 for people who’s application was received and approved by Oct. 16, 2023. 

How to save money on Vyvanse

Is there a cheaper alternative to Vyvanse?

In some cases, you may not be able to afford Vyvanse or it may not be the best option for you. If it does work for you, ask your pharmacist if they stock generic and what your copay would be. If it’s still not affordable, your doctor may be able to prescribe a cheaper alternative that is just as effective.

Dr. Ajayi notes there are both central nervous system stimulants and non-stimulant medications that may be more affordable for some patients.

Common side effects of stimulants include anxiety, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, irritability, nausea or vomiting, increased blood pressure or heart rate, and weight loss. Possible side effects of non-stimulants include decreased appetite, dizziness, fatigue, headache, irritability, and stomach discomfort.

RELATED: How much does ADHD medication cost?

There may be other, less expensive medications your doctor can prescribe to treat your ADHD. Always seek medical advice from your healthcare professional to find the best treatment solution for you.

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