Sumatriptan is a generic prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat migraine in adults.
Migraine is a condition that can cause severe headaches and other symptoms, such as nausea. Some people have sensory changes before a headache, called an aura. Sumatriptan may be taken to treat migraine that occurs with or without an aura.
Drug details
Here are some details about sumatriptan:
- Drug class: triptan
- Drug forms:
- oral tablet
- nasal spray
- nasal powder
- liquid given by subcutaneous injection using a needle and syringe or a prefilled syringe
- Brand-name versions:
- Imitrex
- Onzetra Xsail
- Tosymra
- Zembrace SymTouch
Read on to learn about sumatriptan and cost, as well as how to save money on prescriptions.
As with all medications, the cost of sumatriptan can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use.
You may also need to purchase needles and syringes if you’re using certain injected forms of sumatriptan.
To find out what the cost of sumatriptan will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the cost of sumatriptan.
Does sumatriptan’s cost vary based on which form of the drug I take (tablet, nasal spray or powder, injection)?
Yes, sumatriptan’s cost can vary based on which form of the drug you take. The cost per pill may be different than the cost per shot, for example.
If you’d like to know more about the cost of different forms of sumatriptan, talk with your pharmacist. They’ll likely be able to estimate what you’ll pay for each form of the drug.
How much does sumatriptan cost without insurance?
The cost of sumatriptan with or without insurance can vary. In general, costs are usually higher without insurance. But your pharmacist can help determine what you’ll likely pay for the drug based on your insurance coverage.
Can the cost of sumatriptan change depending on the strength I’m taking?
Yes, sumatriptan’s cost can vary based on the strength you’re taking.
Sumatriptan is available in the following forms and strengths:
| oral tablet | liquid solution for subcutaneous injection | nasal spray |
| 25 milligrams (mg) | 4 mg per 0.5 milliliters (mL) of solution | 5 mg per spray |
| 50 mg | 6 mg per 0.5 mL of solution | 20 mg per spray |
| 100 mg |
If you’d like to know more about the costs of different forms and strengths of sumatriptan, talk with your pharmacist. They’ll likely be able to provide an idea of what you’ll pay based on your prescription.
Sumatriptan comes in the following brand-name forms:
- Imitrex
- Onzetra Xsail
- Tosymra
- Zembrace SymTouch
A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. To find out how the cost of a brand-name form compares with the cost of sumatriptan, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
If your doctor has prescribed sumatriptan, and you’re interested in using a brand-name form instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or another. You’ll also need to check with your insurance provider, as it may only cover one or another.
Keep reading for some tips on how to reduce long-term costs of sumatriptan.
Getting a 3-month supply
You may be able to get a 90-day supply of sumatriptan. If your insurance company approves it, 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 or insurance provider.
Using a mail-order pharmacy
Sumatriptan 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 sumatriptan, 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 sumatriptan, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, who can provide personalized guidance about cost issues. If you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you would pay for sumatriptan.
Here are some other resources that 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. Read this article for tips about how to save money on prescriptions.
- More details. For details about other aspects of sumatriptan, refer to this article.
- Information about migraine. For more information about migraine, see these related 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.