5 Ways to Save on Chantix and Quit Smoking

Emerging in 2006, Chantix (varenicline) quickly became known as one of the best ways to quit smoking. But, as a brand-only drug, Chantix was quite pricey — a month’s supply cost over $300. However, in 2021 a generic version of Chantix launched. You still need a prescription to get Chantix, but there are now several ways to save on the medication. You may even be able to get free.

What is Chantix?

Chantix is a popular, but expensive, prescription drug used for smoking cessation. Research shows that the medication helps people stop smoking, particularly if patients also enroll in counseling and support programs.

Keep in mind that Chantix can have some serious side effects like nightmares, suicidal thoughts and amnesia. In fact, these side effects were so severe that Chantix once had a black-box warning, the most severe kind of warning possible for a drug. In 2009, the FDA allowed Pfizer to remove the warning, believing that the benefits of Chantix outweighed its risks. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before taking Chantix or if you experience any of these side effects.

In 2021, Pfizer issued a voluntary recall of Chantix because the drug had high levels of nitrosamines, or possible cancer-causing agents. The drug is still available and being made with acceptable levels.

How much does Chantix cost?

Chantix is not cheap. In fact, a 2018 GoodRx analysis found that monthly prices for Chantix increased by more than 106% over the previous five years. The average retail price is about $299.04 for the most common version.

To help people save money, generic Chantix is now on the market. 

Is generic Chantix available?

In 2021, the FDA approved the first generic version of Chantix, called varenicline. It is developed by Par Pharmaceutical, which is part of Endo International. It is available in 0.5 mg and 1 mg doses. The GoodRx price for fifty-six 1 mg tablets of varenicline is as low as $36.61.

Savings Tip #1: Use your insurance, or ask your prescriber to submit an appeal

The best way to save on Chantix is to use your insurance if you have it. According to MMIT’s drug formulary database, Chantix is covered by most commercial insurance plans. Unfortunately, Chantix is considered a tier 3 drug on many of these formularies, meaning that many patients will have to pay high out-of-pocket costs.

If Chantix is no longer covered by your insurance plan, ask your prescriber about submitting an appeal. The exact process will depend on your insurer, but often requires that you work with your prescriber to submit an appeal letter.

Savings Tip #2: Use GoodRx to access an exclusive deal

You may be able to use a free GoodRx coupon to lower the price of your Chantix prescription. Anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase Chantix at an exclusive cash price.

Visit www.goodrx.com or the GoodRx app to download and use a coupon today. Here’s how:

• On the app or website, type “Chantix” in the search field. Select "Chantix (brand-name)" from the drop-down menu.

• Choose the desired quantity. Input your ZIP code or address, or select “Use my current location,” so you see results for local pharmacies.

• Choose how to receive your coupon. You may want it emailed or texted to you, or you may want to print it out.

• Take your coupon with you to the pharmacy. You can also present the coupon to the pharmacy’s staff early in the filling process to avoid delays at the pickup counter. 

Savings Tip #3: Speak to your prescriber about prescription workarounds

If the above options don’t work for you, speak with your prescriber about other ways to save. They may talk to you about getting a prescription for a higher-dose pill (which you can cut in half to save on cost), filling a 90-day supply (which can be cheaper than a 30-day supply) or getting free samples. 

Savings Tip #4: Ask about generic Chantix

Generic Chantix, which is known as varenicline, can help you save money as well. Ask your prescriber if trying varenicline may be right for you.

Savings Tip #5: Ask your prescriber about Chantix alternatives

While Chantix is one of the few prescription medications available specifically to help you quit smoking, there are other treatment options available. If you think a prescription-strength medication is best for you, consider speaking with your prescriber about Zyban, an antidepressant that can also help control nicotine cravings. 

In addition to the prescription-strength medications, people have seen success with over-the-counter products like nicotine patches or gum, and other ways to quit smoking.

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Written by:

Tori Marsh, MPH

Tori Marsh is GoodRx’s resident expert on prescription drug pricing, prescribing trends, and drug savings. She oversees the GoodRx drug database, ensuring that all drug information is accurate and up to date.

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