Ondansetron is a generic drug that’s prescribed for nausea and vomiting. It’s not available in a brand-name version. The cost of ondansetron with and without insurance can depend on several factors.
Ondansetron is available in these forms: oral tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, and liquid solution. It belongs to a drug class called serotonin antagonists.
Read on to learn about ondansetron and cost, as well as how to save money on prescriptions. If you’d like other information about ondansetron, refer to this article.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug cost and ondansetron.
How much does ondansetron cost without insurance?
What you pay for ondansetron depends on several factors. Factors that could affect what you pay for this drug without insurance include:
- the quantity you’re prescribed (such as a 90-day or 30-day supply)
- whether you apply and qualify for any available savings programs
- your dosage and treatment plan
- the pharmacy you use
- the form of the drug you’re prescribed (such as the oral disintegrating tablet or oral solution)
To learn more about what you’d pay for ondansetron without insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does ondansetron 4 mg cost less than ondansetron 8 mg?
Different strengths of ondansetron may vary slightly in price. The 4-milligram (mg) strength may cost slightly less than the 8-mg strength.
If your doctor has prescribed ondansetron as an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) or a liquid solution, that price may be higher than for the tablet form of the drug.
The price you pay for ondansetron tablets, ODT, or liquid solution may be less if you have insurance.
Ultimately, the price you’ll pay for ondansetron will depend on several factors, including your insurance plan and your treatment plan.
As with all medications, the cost of ondansetron 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 ondansetron 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 ondansetron. This means the company and your doctor will discuss ondansetron 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 ondansetron requires prior authorization.
Ondansetron is only available as a generic drug. It doesn’t come in a brand-name version. Ondansetron was based on the brand-name drug Zofran, which is no longer available.
A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.
If you take ondansetron 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 ondansetron. 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
Ondansetron 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 ondansetron, 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 ondansetron, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, who can provide personalized guidance about cost issues related to ondansetron. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you would pay for ondansetron.
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 ondansetron, refer to this article.
- Information about nausea and vomiting. For more information about nausea and vomiting, see our list of gastrointestinal and gastroenterology 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.