The price of Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is one of the most significant factors for patients prescribed this innovative migraine medication. As a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitor, Nurtec is a brand-name drug with no generic alternative currently available, contributing to its premium price point. The total amount a patient pays is highly variable, depending heavily on their insurance status, eligibility for savings programs, and even the specific pharmacy they use.
Nurtec cost without insurance
Without any form of insurance or savings assistance, the retail price for Nurtec ODT is substantial. A single box, which contains eight 75 mg orally disintegrating tablets, can cost over $1,200. This translates to a cash price of well over $100 per tablet. For patients who use Nurtec for episodic migraine treatment, this eight-tablet box might last longer than a month. However, for those using it for preventive treatment (taking one tablet every other day), the costs accumulate rapidly, potentially exceeding $30,000 annually at the full retail price. This high barrier to entry makes financial assistance programs essential for many.
Nurtec cost with insurance
For those with health insurance, the financial landscape is dramatically different. Most commercial insurance plans cover Nurtec, but the patient's out-of-pocket expense depends on their specific plan's deductible, copay, and formulary. Some patients report paying an average of around $35, while others may face a higher copay. In many cases, commercially insured patients can reduce their costs to as little as $0 by enrolling in the manufacturer's copay program. However, this program has certain restrictions and a maximum annual benefit, so it's essential to understand the terms.
It is important to note that government-funded programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE have different rules. Patients covered by these plans are generally not eligible for the manufacturer's copay card. Coverage and costs for these plans can vary by state and individual circumstances, and they often involve separate patient assistance programs or low-income subsidies to help with expenses.
How to reduce your Nurtec expenses
Navigating the high cost of Nurtec requires leveraging various savings options. A combination of the following strategies can make treatment much more affordable:
- Manufacturer Savings and Support: The drug's manufacturer, Pfizer, offers a copay card for eligible commercially insured patients that can reduce the cost to as little as $0 per month. Additionally, they provide a patient assistance program (PAP) for qualifying uninsured individuals. More information is available on their dedicated savings and support website.
- Prescription Discount Cards: Services like GoodRx and SingleCare can provide significant discounts off the retail price, even for those with insurance whose copay is high. With a coupon from a discount service, the price for a box of eight tablets can be reduced by hundreds of dollars.
- Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs): Several independent foundations offer assistance for specific medications, including Nurtec. Organizations like the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) and the HealthWell Foundation can help eligible patients with out-of-pocket costs such as copays and deductibles.
- Medicaid and Government Programs: For those with federally or state-funded insurance, eligibility for additional low-income subsidies can be checked through programs like Extra Help from Social Security, or by contacting the specific state's Medicaid office.
Comparison of Nurtec with other CGRP inhibitors
Nurtec belongs to a class of medications called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors. While Nurtec is an orally disintegrating tablet, other CGRP inhibitors are available as injections. The cash prices for these alternatives are also generally high, but their cost and coverage can differ. It is important to discuss all options with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable and cost-effective treatment.
| Feature | Nurtec (rimegepant) | Aimovig (erenumab) | Ajovy (fremanezumab) | Emgality (galcanezumab) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form | Orally disintegrating tablet | Auto-injector pen (injection) | Auto-injector pen (injection) | Auto-injector pen (injection) |
| Retail Price (8 tablets) | ~$1,200-$1,300 | N/A (monthly injectable) | N/A (monthly injectable) | N/A (monthly injectable) |
| Retail Price (Monthly) | ~$2,400-$2,600 (for prevention) | ~$1,065 | ~$989 | ~$934 |
| Generic Available? | No (until 2039) | No | No | No |
| Usage | Acute treatment & prevention | Prevention only | Prevention only | Prevention only |
Conclusion
Understanding how much does Nurtec cost is a complex matter, with the final price dependent on a patient's insurance and access to various savings programs. While the retail price is a significant barrier for those without coverage, commercially insured individuals often pay very little out-of-pocket thanks to manufacturer copay cards. Uninsured or underinsured patients can still find relief through prescription discount cards or patient assistance programs offered by the manufacturer and charitable foundations. Exploring all available options and consulting with a healthcare provider and a pharmacist is the most effective strategy for managing the cost of Nurtec and ensuring consistent access to migraine treatment.
