Naltrexone is a prescription medication that is used to treat both opioid and alcohol use disorders. It works by blocking the brain’s opioid receptors, which are responsible for the pleasurable feelings, such as the “high” or the “buzz” that people experience when using drugs or alcohol. Because of this effect, naltrexone can help people to stay committed to recovery, while also participating in counseling and other behavioral therapies. If you’ve been prescribed this medication, it’s important to know the cost, as well as ways to save money on this medication. So, how much does naltrexone cost? We spell out the answer below.
How Much Does Naltrexone Cost?
The price of naltrexone will vary, based upon where you get the medication, whether you have insurance, and the specific formulation or brand of naltrexone that you use. Naltrexone is available in two formulations: an injectable, extended release version, and an oral version that is taken typically once per day.
Injectable naltrexone is available under the brand name Vivitrol, whereas oral naltrexone is available under the brand name ReVia, as well as in generic formulations. Generic oral naltrexone is cheaper than the brand name version. Since injectable naltrexone is only available under its brand name, it is typically more costly.
With Insurance
The naltrexone cost will typically be lower if you have insurance, because many insurance providers cover a large portion of the cost of naltrexone. In fact, the makers of Vivitrol report that 99% of insurance plans offer coverage for Vivitrol.
While insurance can lower the out-of-pocket price of naltrexone, it’s important to understand that insurance plans can vary in the amount of coverage they offer. Additionally, some may only cover certain forms of naltrexone.
For example, a 2018 study that evaluated naltrexone coverage among 100 different insurance plans available through the government marketplace found that 100% of them covered generic oral naltrexone, whereas just 26.1% covered Vivitrol, the brand name injectable version of the medication. Only 13.2% of plans covered ReVia, the brand name formulation of oral naltrexone.
State-provided Medicaid programs in all 50 states cover some form of naltrexone, so people who are on government insurance can expect their plans to cover some of the costs of naltrexone.
Without Insurance
The cost of naltrexone is higher without insurance coverage, but the exact costs can vary based upon location, dosage, pharmacy, and whether you are using a brand name or a generic version of naltrexone. According to GoodRX, the average retail price of a 30-day supply of generic naltrexone pills is $91.59.
The cost of naltrexone is significantly higher if you choose the injectable version, only available as brand name Vivitrol. The average retail price of this medication is $2,127.
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