Misoprostol is a generic prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it for use in certain adults to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

For more information about misoprostol’s uses, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug details

Here are some details about misoprostol:

  • Drug class: prostaglandins
  • Drug form: oral tablet
  • Brand-name version: Cytotec

Read on to learn about misoprostol and cost, as well as how to save money on prescriptions.

Some doctors and pharmacies in certain states may restrict access to misoprostol. This is because of the risk of legal problems due to the overturn of Roe v. Wade. If you have trouble obtaining your prescription, ask your doctor or pharmacist about other pharmacies or alternative medications.

As with all medications, the cost of misoprostol can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use.

To find out what the cost of misoprostol will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug cost and misoprostol.

How do the prices of the 100-mcg and 200-mcg strengths of misoprostol pills compare?

On average, the 200-microgram (mcg) strength of misoprostol may be slightly more expensive than the 100-mcg strength. But the actual price you’ll pay can depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use.

Your pharmacist or insurance provider may be able to help determine what you’ll pay for misoprostol.

What’s the price of a 600-mcg dose of misoprostol?

A 600-mcg dose of misoprostol is not an approved dose.

The maximum approved dose of misoprostol is 200 mcg. Doses higher this may be used off-label for the medical termination of a pregnancy (medical abortion). Off-label drug use means using a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For more information about the price of misoprostol, talk with your pharmacist or insurance provider.

Misoprostol is a generic drug, which means it’s an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. A generic drug is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Misoprostol is available as the brand-name drug Cytotec. If your doctor has prescribed misoprostol and you’re interested in using Cytotec instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check with your insurance provider, as it may only cover one or the other.

To find out how the cost of Cytotec compares with the cost of misoprostol, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

To help keep the cost of long-term misoprostol use low, below are options to fill your prescription.

Getting a 3-month supply

You may be able to get a 90-day supply of misoprostol. 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, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Using a mail-order pharmacy

Misoprostol 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 misoprostol, consider looking into websites that offer cost resources and information. Two such organizations are:

These sites can provide details about 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 misoprostol, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, who can provide personalized guidance on cost issues related to you and misoprostol. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’ll pay for misoprostol.

Here are some other resources you may find helpful:

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.