Naltrexone (Vivitrol) and cost

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

How much does naltrexone cost without insurance?

Your cost of naltrexone without insurance may depend on:

• the quantity or dosage your doctor prescribes
• the pharmacy you choose to fill your prescription
• whether any discounts are available for naltrexone
• the form of the drug you’re prescribed (such as the oral tablet or intramuscular injection)

To find out what naltrexone costs without insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is naltrexone covered by Medicare?

It may be. You can call your Medicare plan provider to learn whether your particular plan covers the cost of this drug. There are many types of Medicare plans, so your coverage and what you pay for prescriptions will be based on your particular plan’s benefits.

For example, Medicare Part B plans may cover the cost of an opioid treatment program. Additionally, Medicare Part D plans may cover the cost of certain drugs prescribed for opioid use disorder.

The total price you pay for naltrexone may also depend on the cost to receive doses at your doctor’s office or clinic. You may also need to obtain prior authorization before your plan will cover the cost of this medication.

Your doctor may also be able to provide information about your cost for naltrexone if you have Medicare.

As with all medications, the cost of naltrexone 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 naltrexone will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Note: If you have insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers naltrexone. This means the company and your doctor will discuss naltrexone in regard to your treatment. The insurance company will then determine whether the medication is covered. If a drug requires prior authorization but you start treatment without the prior approval, you could pay the full cost of the medication. You can ask your insurance company whether naltrexone requires prior authorization.

Naltrexone 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.

Naltrexone oral tablets are only available in a generic form. However, naltrexone is also available as the brand-name injection Vivitrol. If your doctor has prescribed naltrexone and you’re interested in receiving Vivitrol 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 this brand-name drug compares with the cost of naltrexone oral tablets, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

If you take naltrexone long term, you may be able to lower its cost in the following ways.

Getting a 3-month supply

You may be able to get a 90-day supply of naltrexone. 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

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

• Medicine Assistance Tool
• NeedyMeds

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

Here are some other resources you may find helpful:

• Medicare drug coverage. To learn about Medicare coverage for drugs, see these articles about Medicare prescription drug plans, drug coupons and Medicare, and the Medicare drug list.
• Save money. Explore this article for tips about how to save money on prescriptions.
• More details. For details about other aspects of naltrexone oral tablets, refer to this article. To learn more about Vivitrol, see this article.
• Information about your condition. For more information about alcohol use what is disorder or opioid use disorder, see our list of articles on addiction.

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.