Navigating the cost of Restasis
Restasis is a highly effective, FDA-approved prescription eye drop for treating chronic dry eye caused by inflammation, but its brand-name price can be a significant obstacle for many patients. The good news is that there are many avenues to explore for reducing your out-of-pocket costs, from switching to a generic version to taking advantage of dedicated savings programs.
The generic version: Your most significant savings
The most impactful way to reduce your Restasis expenses is to switch to its generic equivalent, cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion. Generic versions of brand-name drugs are FDA-approved to be just as safe and effective as the original, but they are sold at a much lower cost. A generic is available for the single-use vials of Restasis. While the price varies by pharmacy and coupon, discounts can bring the monthly cost down dramatically compared to the brand name.
- Availability: Generic cyclosporine 0.05% emulsion is available in 30- and 60-count packages of single-use vials.
- Equivalent: It contains the same active ingredient and provides the same therapeutic benefit as brand-name Restasis.
- MultiDose Exception: A generic option is not yet available for the Restasis MultiDose bottle, so if you prefer that format, you will need to rely on other savings methods.
Manufacturer savings and patient assistance programs
The manufacturer of Restasis, AbbVie, offers programs specifically designed to help patients afford their medication. Eligibility for these programs often depends on your insurance coverage and financial situation.
The Restasis Savings Program
This program is an excellent option for commercially insured patients. By enrolling, eligible individuals may pay as little as $0 for a 90-day supply of Restasis. There are, however, important eligibility restrictions:
- Commercial Insurance Required: You must have commercial prescription insurance.
- No Government Plans: Patients enrolled in government-funded programs like Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE are not eligible.
The myAbbVie Assist Patient Assistance Foundation
For patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in Medicare, the AbbVie Patient Assistance Foundation can be a lifeline. This program provides free medication to qualifying patients who demonstrate a financial need. Application details can be found on the AbbVie website, or by calling their assistance line.
Prescription discount cards and coupons
For patients paying out-of-pocket or those with high deductibles, prescription discount cards can offer substantial savings. Websites and apps like GoodRx, SingleCare, and BuzzRx provide coupons that can be used at various pharmacies to lower the cash price. Using a discount card, the cost of generic cyclosporine can sometimes be reduced to under $100 per month.
Strategic pharmacy purchasing
Choosing how and where you fill your prescription can also impact your costs.
- Compare Pharmacies: Prices can vary significantly between different pharmacies. Comparison tools on sites like GoodRx allow you to easily check prices at local retail pharmacies before you fill your prescription.
- Mail-Order Pharmacies: For long-term treatment, mail-order pharmacies may offer better prices and the convenience of home delivery. You can often get a 90-day supply, which may lower the cost per dose.
- Check Your Insurance: If you have insurance, always check your plan's formulary. Some plans may have preferred pharmacies where your co-pay will be lower.
Alternative cyclosporine medications and compounding
Besides Restasis, other prescription eye drops containing cyclosporine are available, such as Cequa and Vevye. While these are not generics of Restasis and their formulations and concentrations differ, they are options to discuss with your doctor. Compounded pharmacies also offer custom-mixed cyclosporine solutions, which may provide a different pricing structure, but vary significantly in cost and availability. Always discuss these alternatives with your healthcare provider to find the most medically appropriate and cost-effective option for you.
| Cost-Saving Method | Who It's Best For | Potential Savings | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generic Cyclosporine | Everyone, especially those paying out-of-pocket | Significant savings over brand-name | Not available in a multi-dose bottle |
| Restasis Savings Card | Eligible commercially insured patients | As low as $0 co-pay for a 90-day supply | Excludes Medicare, Medicaid, and other government insurance |
| myAbbVie Assist | Uninsured, underinsured, Medicare patients | Free medication for qualifying patients | Income and financial eligibility requirements |
| Discount Coupons | Uninsured or high-deductible patients | Substantial reduction in cash price | Cannot be used with insurance co-pays |
| Mail-Order Pharmacies | Long-term users with insurance | Often lower cost per dose with 90-day supply | Requires insurance approval; not all plans covered |
| Compounding Pharmacies | Patients with specific needs or seeking alternatives | Varies greatly; inquire with the pharmacy | Not a regulated generic; requires specific prescription |
Conclusion
Finding the cheapest way to get Restasis involves a multi-pronged approach, with switching to the generic version of cyclosporine being the most direct path to significant savings. For those with commercial insurance, the manufacturer's savings card can substantially reduce or eliminate co-pays. Uninsured or underinsured individuals can seek help through patient assistance programs like myAbbVie Assist. For everyone else, leveraging discount cards, comparing pharmacy prices, and utilizing mail-order services can lower costs. While the initial sticker price of brand-name Restasis is high, informed patients have numerous resources available to make this necessary treatment affordable.
To learn more about the manufacturer's patient assistance programs, visit AbbVie's official support website.
