Antabuse is a medication that is prescribed for people with Alcohol Use Disorder in order to help them maintain sobriety.
The medication causes adverse reactions after alcohol consumption and helps promote abstinence. However, how much should you expect to pay for this medication?
In this article, we will discuss the average cost of the medication and how to save money on the medication. We will also discuss:
- How much the medication will cost
- Where to buy Antabuse
- Things that may influence the cost of the medication
- Insurance coverage.
Let’s get into it!
How Much Does Antabuse Cost?
The cost of Antabuse depends on a few factors, such as insurance coverage, the brand of the medication, and the dosage.
The average out-of-pocket cost of the medication without any insurance coverage is between $30-$100 per month.
However, most people have some form of insurance coverage or will be eligible for financial support to help them pay for the medication.
Other common ways to save money on the medication include buying the generic version of the medication or using medication coupons.
Where To Buy Antabuse
Local Pharmacy
Often the easiest way to get Antabuse is to purchase it from your local pharmacy.
All you need to do is bring your prescription along or ask your healthcare provider to send it to your pharmacy of choice before you pick it up.
The pharmacist will be able to give you advice on how to take the medication and what to expect, along with answering any questions you may have.
Online
Online pharmacies are also able to send you the medication if you have a valid prescription.
This is a great option for people who live in rural communities or may want to avoid visiting their local pharmacy.
Online pharmacies may be cheaper than retail and have the added benefit of being convenient; however, they are more difficult to receive advice from.
Other Things That Impact Antabuse Cost
- Drug formulation and dosage: Antabuse is usually sold in two strengths: 250 mg or 500 mg. Oftentimes, the retail price for the 500 mg dose is slightly higher than the 250mg version
- Brand vs generic: Generic versions of disulfiram are cheaper than brand versions. They are both formulated identically; however, there is usually a significant price difference between the two. You can ask your pharmacist for the generic version of the medication.
- Insurance and co-payments: Insurance coverage is one of the main influences on out-of-pocket costs for the medication.
Some insurance providers will pay a large proportion of the medication, while others will require larger co-payments to cover the cost of the medication.
People who qualify for Medicaid may also have the costs of the medication at least partially covered
- Discounts and patient assistance programs: Some pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs, which help people who meet certain income requirements with the cost of the medication.
Other pharmacies may offer discounts and coupons for people who experience financial hardship. Your healthcare provider can often provide you with advice, or assistance to apply for these programs.
Insurance Coverage for Antabuse
The cost of Antabuse may at least partially be covered by your insurance, depending on your insurance plan.
The best thing to do is to check your insurance’s formulary to see what medications are paid for.
If your insurance does not fully cover the cost of Antabuse, they will often offer co-payments which should still lower the out-of-pocket cost of the medication.
This varies from company to company but is often about $10 for prescription medications.
People who qualify for Medicaid assistance may also have the cost of the medication paid for or subsidized.
If you have a low income, a large family, or complex medical needs/disability, you may qualify for Medicaid assistance.
Final Thoughts
Antabuse is a medication that is prescribed for people who have alcoholism to help them abstain from alcohol.
Although it is not a cure for alcoholism, it helps to make drinking alcohol unpleasant as it will result in uncomfortable side effects – thereby supporting sobriety.
The medication can be purchased from pharmacies either online or in person, with a valid prescription from a doctor. It is taken orally every day and is available in two strengths.
The out-of-pocket costs for the medication are usually between $30 and $100 per month.
However, for most people, the cost is significantly lower thanks to insurance coverage, Medicaid assistance, or other incentives that make the medication more affordable.
