Latanoprost is a generic prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat increased pressure in the eyes. The drug is for use in adults who have either open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (increased pressure in the eyes).
Drug details
Here are some details on latanoprost:
- Drug class: prostaglandin analog
- Drug forms: eye drop solution and eye drop emulsion
- Brand-name versions: Xalatan (eye drop solution) and Xelpros (eye drop emulsion)
Read on to learn about latanoprost and cost, as well as how to save money on prescriptions.
As with all medications, the cost of latanoprost can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use. It can also vary depending on the form of latanoprost your doctor prescribes for you.
To find out what latanoprost will cost, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug cost and latanoprost.
What’s the cost of over-the-counter latanoprost?
Latanoprost isn’t available over-the-counter (OTC) in the United States. It’s a prescription-only medication, which means your doctor must write you a prescription for latanoprost.
OTC drugs are medications that you can buy without a prescription. Usually, OTC drugs treat short-term conditions, such as a runny nose or minor aches and pains. The medications typically aren’t used to treat long-term conditions, such as glaucoma.
If you have questions about how much your latanoprost prescription will cost, talk with your pharmacist or insurance provider.
How can I determine the cost of latanoprost without insurance?
To determine the cost of latanoprost without insurance, talk with your pharmacist. They can give you information on what you’ll likely pay for the medication.
Keep in mind that the cost of latanoprost without insurance can vary. In general, the drug is more expensive without insurance than with insurance.
Latanoprost is a generic drug, which is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.
Latanoprost is available as two brand-name medications: Xalatan and Xelpros. Xalatan is a liquid solution eye drop, while Xelpros is a liquid emulsion eye drop. (An emulsion is an oily mixture.)
Xalatan contains the preservative* benzalkonium chloride. Xelpros contains the preservative potassium sorbate. Both medications come in the same strength: 0.005% in 2.5 milliliters (mL) of solution or emulsion. This means that each 1 mL of solution or emulsion contains 50 micrograms (mcg) of latanoprost.
To find out how the cost of Xalatan or Xelpros compares with the cost of latanoprost, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
If your doctor has prescribed latanoprost and you’re interested in using Xalatan or Xelpros instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check your insurance provider, as it may only cover one or the other.
* Preservatives help prevent contamination and help keep the drug fresh and usable.
Keep reading to learn more about ways to reduce your long-term drug costs with latanoprost.
Getting a 3-month supply
You may be able to get a 90-day supply of latanoprost. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor or insurance provider.
Using a mail-order pharmacy
Latanoprost may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this type of service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to receive your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug via mail order.
If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.
If you need financial support to pay for latanoprost, consider looking into websites that offer cost resources and information. Two such organizations are:
These sites can provide details on drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services.
Now that you’ve learned about cost and latanoprost, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, who can provide personalized guidance on cost issues related to you and latanoprost. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you would pay for latanoprost.
Here are some other resources you may find helpful:
- Medicare drug coverage. To learn about Medicare coverage for drugs, see these articles on Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, drug coupons and Medicare, and the Medicare drug list.
- Save money. Explore this article for tips on how to save money on prescriptions.
- More details. For details about other aspects of latanoprost, refer to this article.
- Information on eye health. For more information on eye health, see our list of related articles.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.