SUTAB's retail price for uninsured patients
For patients who are uninsured, the sticker price for a course of SUTAB, which consists of two 12-tablet bottles, can be a point of concern. The average retail price has been reported to be around $235. This cost is considerably higher than many older-generation liquid-based bowel preparations. SUTAB's higher price reflects its status as a newer, brand-name medication that offers the convenience of a pill-based prep, which some patients find more tolerable than drinking large volumes of a liquid solution.
How manufacturer and pharmacy discounts lower the cash price
Patients without insurance should not assume they must pay the full retail price. The manufacturer, Braintree Laboratories, provides a SUTAB Savings Copay Card that can significantly reduce the cost for cash-paying patients. According to the program details, uninsured patients may be able to pay as little as $60 per prescription by presenting this card at the pharmacy. Pharmacy discount programs, such as those offered by GoodRx and SingleCare, can further lower the price. For example, SingleCare has noted that its discount card can bring the cost down to about $160, and GoodRx has offered coupons for prices as low as $137.86 at specific pharmacies.
Finding the best deal on SUTAB involves a few key steps:
- Visit the manufacturer's website (Sutab.com) to download the latest copay card.
- Check major pharmacy coupon websites like GoodRx and SingleCare for their current cash price.
- Call different local pharmacies to compare their retail cash prices, as these can vary widely.
- For Medicare Part D patients who cannot use the commercial copay card, an Alternative Savings Program may be available on the manufacturer's website.
Cheaper alternatives to SUTAB
While SUTAB offers an attractive pill-based option for colonoscopy prep, it's important to recognize that many more affordable alternatives exist. These options, typically liquid-based, have a proven track record of effectiveness for bowel cleansing. The cost difference is a major factor for those without insurance or with high-deductible plans.
Comparison of popular bowel preparations
| Feature | SUTAB (Pill-based) | Suprep (Liquid) | GaviLyte-C / GoLYTELY (Liquid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form | Tablets with small volumes of water | Two 6-ounce liquid bottles to be mixed with water | Large jug of powder to be mixed with up to 4 liters of water |
| Cost (No Insurance) | ~$235 retail, $60+ with discounts | ~$160 retail, can be significantly lower with discounts | ~$10-25 with discounts, often covered by insurance |
| Key Benefit | Avoids drinking large, unpleasant-tasting volumes of liquid | Moderate liquid volume compared to GoLYTELY; shorter dosing regimen | Least expensive option available, often covered by insurance |
| Potential Downside | Higher cash price without assistance programs | Contains high sodium levels; large liquid volume compared to SUTAB | Very large volume of salty-tasting liquid required |
It is crucial to discuss these alternatives with your doctor, as the best option for you depends on your health conditions and preferences. Some liquid preps may be less suitable for patients with certain medical conditions like congestive heart failure or severe renal impairment.
Manufacturer assistance programs and discount cards
Beyond the manufacturer's copay card for cash-paying customers, patients can explore more comprehensive assistance programs. These are often designed for individuals facing significant financial hardship. The manufacturer may offer information on these programs directly on its website or through a dedicated helpline.
Additionally, non-profit organizations and prescription discount card websites serve as invaluable resources. Websites like Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds can help uninsured patients navigate their options and find support programs for a wide range of medications, including bowel preparations. For patients with Medicare Part D, a separate alternative savings program may exist, as Medicare beneficiaries are often excluded from standard manufacturer copay card programs.
Prescription savings tips and strategies
To make your medication more affordable, follow these practical steps:
- Ask your doctor about samples: Physicians sometimes have free samples of medications, including bowel preparations, which they can provide to patients.
- Shop around for the best price: The cash price for a medication like SUTAB can vary significantly between different pharmacies. Comparison shopping using online tools or by calling pharmacies directly can yield substantial savings.
- Use telehealth services for prescriptions: Some online medical services and pharmacies may have pre-negotiated lower prices or exclusive coupons for prescriptions, including preps like SUTAB.
- Consider a pharmacy membership: Programs like the Amazon Prime prescription savings benefit or other pharmacy memberships can offer discounts that effectively reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
Conclusion: Finding the best option for your budget
For patients without insurance, the upfront cost of SUTAB can be high, but numerous resources can help bring the final price down. By combining manufacturer coupons, pharmacy discounts, and comparing options, uninsured patients can potentially pay a much more manageable price, sometimes as low as $60. For those seeking even more cost-effective solutions, generic liquid bowel preparations like GaviLyte-C or GoLYTELY remain the most affordable route and are often effective for many patients. It is always recommended to discuss all options with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate and financially feasible bowel preparation for your specific needs.
Sutab.com is a valuable resource for uninsured and cash-paying patients to find current savings programs and copay card information.
