How Much Does Nuvigil Cost To Take Regularly?
Nuvigil (generic name: armodafinil) is a CNS class stimulant designed to help those suffering from Narcolepsy, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (or Hypopnea Syndrome), and Shift Worker Sleep Disorder.
Especially for OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea), it is only intended to help offset the sleepiness and will be taken in addition to other medications and treatments for the underlying condition.
Like most brand-name drugs it can be expensive, but there are ways to offset those costs.
In this article:
The Real Score
In most cases, the prescribed dose is 150 mg a day, taken either in the morning or, for Shift Worker Sleep Disorder, one hour before the start of your shift. In the case of OSA, doses of up to 250 mg may be prescribed.
For certain patients, lower doses may be prescribed. Tablets can be purchased in 50, 150, 200, and 250 mg strengths. Base prices (for 30 tablets, a one month supply) are as follows:
- 50 mg – $219.87
- 150 mg – $572.63
- 200 mg – $651.25
- 250 mg – $651.25
Fortunately, there are a number of options available to help make Nuvigil more affordable, especially for long term use.
Option 1 – Nuvigil.com Program
The most promising one is an offer from Nuvigil itself (information on applying is on the Nuvigil website), which promises a free first fill, and the ability to get refills for as low as a $5 copayment.
To qualify for this program, you must be between the ages of 17 and 64 (65 and over, and any others who qualify for or receive Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or any other state-funded program are disqualified).
There is no requirement for insurance, although there is a limit of $50 savings per refill, either applied to your copay (reducing it to as low as $5), or to the full price of the medicine if you are paying out of pocket. There is an information sheet on the Nuvigil website that doubles as your application to the program when paired with a card and serves to get that first free fill. Take this page to your doctor, and discuss the details with him or her to start saving.
Option 2 – Prescription Hope Program
Another excellent program to help afford Nuvigil is Prescription Hope, a website that focuses on helping families and individuals with the cost of their medication.
The only requirements are proof of an income below certain guidelines ($30,000 for an individual, $50,000 for couples, and higher income limits based on increased family size).
They will help you obtain any prescription for $35 a month per prescription. This is a wonderful option for those with limited funds and either no health insurance or a plan that doesn’t provide sufficiently or any medication coverage or help.
They also have an online chat and a phone number so you can speak with an advocate to help determine your eligibility and how they can help you.
Option 3 – Teva Program
Teva Cares Foundation is a Patient Assistance Program run by Teva Pharmaceuticals to help patients who are prescribed various Teva medications.
The requirements for assistance if you need Nuvigil are: you must have been prescribed the drug, not have prescription drug coverage, and meet income maximums ($35,640-$85,320 based on family size).
If you meet these requirements, Teva Cares Foundation will provide the prescription free of charge. There is an application on their website, along with a number to call for additional information or if you have questions about the application process.
Option 4 – HealthWell Foundation Program
The final Patient Assistance Program we will look at is the HealthWell Foundation, which has an in-depth application process, but is well worth the effort if you need some of the special help they provide.
They do allow patients with health insurance and will help you pay your premiums so you can keep your health insurance. This is an especially good option if you have a great insurance company, but have fallen on hard times and can’t afford to keep paying for it, or if your rates went too high for you to afford because of an illness.
Option 5 – Generic Armodafinil
You can also buy generic Armodafinil (aka Modalert from Sun Pharmaceuticals) from online pharmacies like BuyModa.
Final Thoughts
In the end, although Nuvigil can be an expensive drug, if you can find the right program for your needs, it can be very affordable to keep up on your prescription and take it regularly without worrying about the cost.
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