How much is ondansetron without insurance?

Is ondansetron covered by insurance? | How much does ondansetron cost without insurance? | How to get ondansetron without insurance

Ondansetron hydrochloride is a generic prescription drug that is FDA-approved to relieve nausea and vomiting in people undergoing cancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Additionally, it is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat morning sickness during pregnancy. Ondansetron is a serotonin receptor antagonist that slows down the part of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting. People are usually given ondansetron as a tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet, or an oral solution, but a healthcare provider sometimes injects it before a cancer procedure. Although a moderately priced drug, ondansetron is one more expense involved in cancer treatment, and it can be a challenge to purchase on top of all the other costs. 

Related: Zofran dosage | Zofran side effects

What is the brand name for ondansetron?

The brand-name versions of ondansetron—Zofran, Zofran ODT, and Zuplenz—are no longer available in the United States. When it was available, the brand-name Zofran price was much higher than generic Zofran is today.

Is ondansetron covered by insurance?

Health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid usually cover ondansetron HCl. However, coverage varies by plan. For instance, some formats may not be included in a plan’s formulary. Most insurance plans place ondansetron in their lowest copay tier. Still, the final out-of-pocket cost will also be determined by other aspects of the plan, including coverage gaps or co-insurance.

Medicare is a bit more complex. When ondansetron is administered in a clinical setting, it will be covered as a medical benefit under Medicare Part B. When purchased at a drugstore or online pharmacy, it’s covered as a drug benefit under Medicare Part D. 

How much does ondansetron cost without insurance?

For uninsured patients, the average cash price of ten 4 mg tablets of generic Zofran costs $133. This represents a two-day supply, typically the maximum dosage people will take after a cancer procedure. Just how much ondansetron needs to be purchased will depend on the type and number of cancer treatments. Some chemotherapy and radiation treatments require only a single dose administered immediately before treatment. Other chemotherapy and radiation treatments may require an additional one or two days of ondansetron after treatment. However, people usually undergo many treatments, so the cost could add up.

Cancer doctors have several antiemetic (antinausea) drugs that effectively control nausea and vomiting in people undergoing cancer treatment – most cost about the same or more than ondansetron. They include granisetron, aprepitant, fosaprepitant, and corticosteroids. Of the alternatives, only corticosteroids are less expensive than ondansetron. However, corticosteroids are only used for cancer treatments with a low incidence of nausea and vomiting. They will also have different side effects and drug interactions than ondansetron.

Other prescription antinausea drugs, over-the-counter nausea meds, or OTC supplements are not as effective at treating nausea due to cancer treatment. However, some like generic Phenergan (promethazine) or scopolamine may be used if ondansetron or similar drugs don’t work.

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs, if available. Click the link under “Savings options” link to see the latest drug prices.

How to get ondansetron without insurance

Prescription savings may not always be available for generic Zofran. In some cases, the drug is given as part of chemotherapy or radiation treatment. That cost will be added to the treatment bill as a line item. There may not be much anyone can do to reduce the price. However, if someone with a prescription buys ondansetron at a drugstore, the cost can be dramatically reduced. The first place to start is with a SingleCare prescription discount card.

1. Use a free coupon from SingleCare 

With a SingleCare discount coupon, the lowest discount price for four ondansetron 4mg tablets is $4. That’s only one dollar per tablet. SingleCare prices will vary by participating pharmacies. Discount prices are listed on SingleCare’s ondansetron coupons page. 

2. Shop for the lowest price 

Pharmacies charge different prices for the same prescription medications, so it sometimes pays to look around for the best price. Currently, the lowest pharmacy price for four generic Zofran 4mg tablets is $32, over $100 lower than the average retail price.

3. Consider health insurance 

For cancer treatments, a health insurance policy may be the best overall deal when all the costs are added up. Check your state’s health insurance marketplace for the lowest-cost plans. Balance the cost of premiums and out-of-pocket costs with the overall costs of treatment. There may be a policy where the savings far outweigh the cost.

5. Consider Medicaid

If health insurance is too costly, you may qualify for Medicaid. As a government-subsidized health insurance plan, Medicaid is designed to minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Ondansetron and other cancer treatments may be free or only cost a few dollars. Medicaid will also pay for office visits, medical procedures, and tests. 

6. Talk to a local health department official

Community resources may be able to help with cancer treatment expenses, including prescription drugs, medical costs, and non-health-related issues like transportation, food, and at-home care. If you don’t have insurance, talk to a local health department about the community resources, community clinics, and 340B providers that could provide help and offset expenses during treatment.

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