Pennsaid (diclofenac sodium) is a brand-name topical solution that’s prescribed for osteoarthritis of the knee. The cost of the medication with and without insurance can depend on several factors, such as whether Pennsaid has a savings program.
As with all medications, the cost of Pennsaid can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include:
- your treatment plan
- your insurance coverage
- the pharmacy you use
- whether Pennsaid has a savings program (see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below)
To find out what the cost of Pennsaid will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. Or look below in the next section to learn how much you can save by using an Optum Perks coupon.
To save money on your Pennsaid prescription, explore these Optum Perks coupons.
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The active ingredient of Pennsaid is diclofenac sodium. It’s available as a generic diclofenac sodium topical solution. 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.
If your doctor has prescribed Pennsaid and you’re interested in using the diclofenac sodium topical solution 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 generic drug compares with the cost of Pennsaid, 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 Pennsaid 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 Pennsaid. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the medication 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
Pennsaid may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this type of service may help lower the 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 medication 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 Pennsaid or help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. For example:
- A Pennsaid Savings Card is available for Pennsaid. For more information and to find out whether you’re eligible for support, call 844-865-8694 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.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about medication cost and Pennsaid.
How does Pennsaid’s cost compare with that of medications such as Voltaren?
The price you’ll pay for Pennsaid versus Voltaren depends on various factors.
For instance, Pennsaid and Voltaren contain the same active drug, diclofenac sodium. Both drugs are topical medications that you apply to the affected area.
However, Pennsaid contains higher amounts of diclofenac sodium than Voltaren does. In addition, Voltaren is available over the counter, while Pennsaid requires a prescription. For these reasons, Pennsaid may cost more than Voltaren.
To learn more about the cost of Pennsaid compared with other treatments for your condition, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
What is the cost of Pennsaid without insurance?
The price you’ll pay for Pennsaid if you don’t have insurance can vary based on several factors. But typically, the cost is higher for those without insurance.
Other factors could affect what you pay for this medication. These 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
- the pharmacy you use
To learn the exact cost you’d pay for this medication without insurance, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You may also want to contact several pharmacies to compare their prices for Pennsaid.
Check out Optum Perks* for estimates of Pennsaid’s price when using coupons from the site. (Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance benefits or copays.)
* Optum Perks is a sister site of Medical News Today.
Below is information you may want to consider if you have insurance and receive Pennsaid.
If you have insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers Pennsaid. This means the company and your doctor will discuss Pennsaid 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 Pennsaid requires prior authorization.
Now that you’ve learned about cost and Pennsaid, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, who can provide personalized guidance about cost issues related to Pennsaid. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’d pay for Pennsaid.
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.
- Information about your condition. For more information about osteoarthritis of the knee, see our list of osteoarthritis 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.