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Key takeaways
Xiidra is a prescription eye drop solution used to treat dry eye disease, which includes eye irritation and blurred vision.
Xiidra is only available as a brand-name medication, which means it can be costly.
Cost-saving options may be available through SingleCare prescription discount cards, considering generic alternatives, or patient assistance programs.
Xiidra is a prescription drug known by its generic name lifitegrast ophthalmic solution. It comes as an eye drop solution and treats dry eye disease, which includes eye irritation and blurred vision. Unlike over-the-counter lubricant eye drops, Xiidra helps directly target inflammation that may contribute to the condition.
While it can be an effective prescription eye drop for symptoms of dry eye disease, the cost of Xiidra can be a barrier for some people, especially those without insurance coverage—a 30-day supply of the medication is typically priced at over $1,000. Cost-saving options may be available through various discounts, Xiidra coupons, or assistance programs that may help reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for the medication.
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How much does Xiidra cost without insurance?
Xiidra comes in single-use containers, and the recommended dosage is one drop in each eye twice daily. Therefore, a monthly supply consists of 60 vials. The cash or retail price for Xiidra can vary depending on the pharmacy, with an average cash price of around $1,018 for a 30-day prescription. Therefore, the annual cost of using Xiidra without insurance could exceed $12,000.
Some patients might find financial assistance through manufacturer programs or consider alternatives such as Restasis, another brand-name prescription medication with similar approved uses. When considering alternatives, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare provider, as they can help recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your budget and needs.
How much does generic Xiidra cost?
Xiidra is a brand-name medication. It doesn’t currently come in a generic version, and its brand-name patent isn’t set to expire for several years. Without insurance, the brand-name version costs $1,018 for 60, 5% solutions, which is a 30-day supply of medication.
| Drug name | Price without insurance of brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiidra
(lifitegrast) | $1,018 for 60 drops of 5% solution | $617 for 60 drops of 5% solution of brand-name Xiidra | See latest prices |
| Cequa | $871 per 60 drops of 0.09% solution | $619 per 60 drops of 0.09% solution of brand-name Cequa | See latest prices |
| Restasis (cyclosporine) | $410 per 1, 30 emulsion box | $91 per 1, 60 emulsion box of generic Restasis | See latest prices |
| Eysuvis
(loteprednol) | $678 per 112 drops of 0.25% suspension | $465 per 112 drops of 0.25% suspension of brand-name Eysuvis | See latest prices |
| Tyrvaya | $935 per 2, 4.2mL of 0.03 mg/actuation nasal spray bottles | $671 per 2, 4.2mL of 0.03 mg/actuation nasal spray bottles of brand-name Tyrvaya | 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.
Save up to 80% on Xiidra with SingleCare
Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.
RELATED: Xiidra alternatives
Xiidra costs by dose
Xiidra is only available in one strength—a 5% solution. However, it is available in different quantities, and the price can vary depending on the prescribed quantity. The following table highlights the cost of Xiidra by quantity.
| Quantity | SingleCare price of brand-name Xiidra |
|---|---|
| 60 single-use containers of 5% solution | $617 |
| 5 single-use containers of 5% solution | $53 |
| 10 single-use containers of 5% solution | $105 |
| 30 single-use containers of 5% solution | $310 |
| See our lowest price for Xiidra without insurance |
Is Xiidra covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for Xiidra can vary widely. Most health insurance companies will have different policies regarding coverage for prescription drugs. While some commercial insurance plans may cover Xiidra, there may be out-of-pocket expenses, such as a copay or coinsurance amount. Those who still need to meet their deductible may have to pay the full retail price of the drug.
Medicare coverage for prescription drugs is often provided under Part D plans, which private companies approved by Medicare offer. While some prescription drug plans may include Xiidra, coverage is not guaranteed and depends on the specific Medicare Part D plan’s formulary. Similarly, Medicaid coverage for prescription drugs is managed at the state level and may cover Xiidra, but again, this can vary from one state to another.
How to get Xiidra covered by insurance
If your insurance company doesn’t cover Xiidra, talk to your healthcare provider. You typically need a valid prescription in order to have medications covered by your plan. Some insurance companies may also require prior authorization, which is a process health insurance companies use to ensure a medication is necessary, before they cover Xiidra. If your insurance plan doesn’t cover Xiidra, talk to your healthcare provider. They can suggest resources that can help lower the cost of the drug, or they can recommend alternative medications.
How to get Xiidra without insurance
Purchasing prescription drugs like Xiidra without insurance can sometimes be challenging. However, savings options like prescription savings cards and coupons may help reduce Xiidra prices. Here are some ways to potentially reduce the costs:
1. Use prescription discount cards
Prescription savings cards offered by independent companies can sometimes reduce the cost. For example, the SingleCare discount card may help reduce the retail cost of Xiidra at participating pharmacies. Check with your pharmacy to see if they’ll accept Xiidra savings cards and coupons.
2. Consider generic or comparable medications
Generic medications or similar drugs offer a more affordable alternative. While Xiidra doesn’t have a generic substitute, talking to a healthcare provider about alternatives can be a starting step. They can advise on other medications that might not cause adverse effects and are less costly but effective in treating dry eye syndrome. For example, cyclosporine, the active ingredient in a similar brand-name medication called Restasis, is a lower-cost generic for treating dry eye syndrome.
3. Compare prices among pharmacies
Not all pharmacies charge the same price. Therefore, compare the costs of Xiidra at different pharmacies. Some might offer lower prices or run special promotions that help reduce prescription drug costs.
4. Enroll in prescription assistance programs
Assistance programs may be available for eligible patients with trouble paying for prescription drugs. Individuals experiencing financial hardship who meet the eligibility requirements may receive Xiidra at no cost.
5. Request a 90-day supply
Obtaining a 90-day supply of Xiidra may be more cost-effective than a 30-day supply, as buying in bulk usually reduces the per-unit cost. Sometimes, a pharmacist may be able to dispense a 90-day supply. However, you can also consult a healthcare professional for medical advice to explore this option and adjust your prescription accordingly.
6. Check eligibility for government aid
Some government programs may offer assistance for prescription medications. Therefore, it’s worth checking whether programs like Medicaid have provisions for medications like Xiidra, especially for people with low income or certain disabilities.
- Xiidra highlights of prescribing information, DailyMed (2023)