Nuedexta (dextromethorphan/quinidine) is a brand-name prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat pseudobulbar affect (PBA) in adults.

Nuedexta comes as a capsule that you swallow.

For more information about Nuedexta’s uses, refer to this article.

Drug details

Here are some details about Nuedexta:

  • Drug form: oral capsule
  • Generic version: dextromethorphan hydrobromide and quinidine sulfate

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

As with all medications, the cost of Nuedexta can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include:

  • your treatment plan
  • your insurance coverage
  • the pharmacy you use
  • whether Nuedexta has a savings program (see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below)

To find out what the cost of Nuedexta 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 Nuedexta. This means the company and your doctor will discuss Nuedexta 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 Nuedexta requires prior authorization.

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

What is the cost of Nuedexta with and without insurance?

If you have insurance coverage for prescription drugs, your cost of Nuedexta will depend on your specific insurance plan. If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your pharmacist for the “cash price” of Nuedexta. That’s the amount you’ll pay, out of pocket, without any insurance or discounts.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have additional questions about your cost of Nuedexta with or without insurance.

Is there a Nuedexta copay card or coupon from the manufacturer?

Yes. The manufacturer of Nuedexta has a prescription savings card. If you have insurance that covers prescription drugs, you may be eligible to enroll. You can learn more about it and see if you qualify here.

If you have questions about insurance coverage and copay assistance, you can also enroll in Nuedexta Connect by calling 855-468-3339.

The active ingredients of Nuedexta are dextromethorphan hydrobromide and quinidine sulfate. These ingredients are available as the generic drug dextromethorphan hydrobromide and quinidine sulfate. 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.

Dextromethorphan hydrobromide and quinidine sulfate also come as individual generic drugs. However, the individual drugs are not approved to treat pseudobulbar affect (PBA).

If your doctor has prescribed Nuedexta and you’re interested in using dextromethorphan hydrobromide and quinidine sulfate 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. However, these generic drugs do not come in the same strength as the active drugs in Nuedexta, so it’s unlikely your doctor will prescribe the generic options.

To find out how the cost of this generic drug compares with the cost of Nuedexta, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

WHY ARE COSTS DIFFERENT FOR BRAND-NAME DRUGS VS. GENERIC DRUGS?

Brand-name drugs can be expensive because of the research needed to test their safety and effectiveness. The manufacturer of a brand-name drug can sell it for up to 20 years. When the brand-name drug’s patent expires, multiple manufacturers can create generic versions. This marketplace competition may lead to lower costs for generics. Also, because generics contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they don’t require the same costly testing.

If you take Nuedexta 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 Nuedexta. 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

Nuedexta may be available through a mail-order pharmacy if you have insurance. 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 pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need financial support to pay for Nuedexta, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. For example:

  • A program called Nuedexta Connect is available for Nuedexta. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 855-468-3339 or visit the program website.
  • Some websites provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services. Two such websites are:

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions with or without insurance, check out this article.

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

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.