Key takeaways
Donepezil (Aricept) is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease. It’s available as a generic medication and under the brand name Aricept.
Without insurance, 30 tablets of donepezil 10 mg cost an average of $112.07. Factors such as the dosage form, quantity, and pharmacy can affect the price.
You may save by using a free GoodRx discount or signing up for GoodRx Companion, asking about a 90-day supply, and using a tax-advantaged account.
Save on related medications
Donepezil (Aricept) is an oral prescription medication that helps manage symptoms of dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease. It’s available as a generic tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT), and as a brand-name tablet.
Donepezil is typically taken once a day and may be used long term. Because of this, it’s good to know its potential cost. Without insurance, the cost of donepezil can vary by formulation, dosage, and other factors. Here are several ways to save on your prescription and what you may pay for donepezil.
Good to know: Donepezil is also available in patch form under the brand name Adlarity. If donepezil is difficult to administer by mouth, Adlarity can be a convenient alternative. But it’s available only as a brand-name medication.
How much does donepezil cost without insurance?
Without insurance, 30 tablets of donepezil 10 mg cost an average of $112.07. Your exact cost can vary based on the dosage and dosage form.
The table below shows common tablet and ODT prescriptions for generic donepezil and brand-name Aricept.
Which factors affect the cost of donepezil?
Several factors can affect how much you pay for donepezil. Examples include whether you get the generic or brand-name version, your dosage and quantity, and where you fill your prescription.
Brand vs. generic availability
Donepezil is the generic version of Aricept. It’s available as a standard tablet (5 mg, 10 mg, and 23 mg) and as an ODT in 5 mg and 10 mg doses.
Generic medications usually cost less than their brand-name versions, but not always. So it’s a good idea to compare prices for each version before filling your prescription.
Dosage and quantity
The cost of donepezil can change based on the dose, form, and quantity prescribed. For example, a 23 mg tablet may have a different cash price than a 5 mg tablet. A 90-day supply may also have a different per-tablet cost than three separate 30-day fills.
Location
Where you live can affect prescription prices. GoodRx research found that cash prices for commonly prescribed medications vary across U.S. cities. You can use GoodRx to compare donepezil prices at pharmacies near you.
Pharmacy
Pharmacies set their own cash prices and negotiate different rates with pharmacy benefit managers. That’s why it’s a good idea to compare prices at more than one pharmacy before filling your prescription. A GoodRx price search can help you compare pharmacies in your area.
Insurance coverage
Insurance may lower your prescription costs, but you may still have a copay, coinsurance, or a deductible. Your plan’s formulary (list of covered medications) places medications into cost-sharing tiers. Generic donepezil may be on a lower tier than brand-name Aricept.
Check your plan’s formulary and summary of benefits and coverage to see how your plan covers donepezil. Your out-of-pocket costs can change depending on whether you’ve met your deductible and where you fill the prescription.
What to do if donepezil isn’t covered by your insurance
If your insurance doesn’t cover donepezil, try these options:
Ask your prescriber to submit a letter of medical necessity or request a formulary exception. If your plan denies the request, appeal the denied claim.
Talk to your prescriber about a lower-cost alternative. Switching from brand-name Aricept to generic donepezil is an option if appropriate.
Look into other savings options, including GoodRx discounts.
During your next open enrollment period, look for a health plan that covers donepezil.
Ask your prescriber about lower-cost alternatives
Your prescriber can help you compare medications that may treat similar symptoms or may be covered at a lower cost by your plan. Don’t stop taking donepezil or change your dose without talking with your prescriber first.
Ways to save on donepezil
Because donepezil is available as a lower-cost generic, you may have several ways to lower your prescription costs. Ask your prescriber which option fits your insurance coverage and prescription needs.
1. Use a GoodRx discount
A GoodRx discount may help you save on generic donepezil. You can compare prices at pharmacies near you and then show the discount when you fill your prescription. GoodRx discounts can’t be combined with insurance. But you can ask the pharmacy whether the GoodRx price or your insurance price is lower.
Here’s how much you could pay for generic donepezil at certain pharmacies with a free GoodRx discount:
Dose, form, and quantity | Average cash price | GoodRx price |
|---|---|---|
5 mg (30 tablets) | $98.04 | |
10 mg (30 tablets) | $112.07 | |
23 mg (30 tablets) | $276.44 | |
5 mg (30 ODTs) | $120.82 | |
10 mg (30 ODTs) | $114.34 |
Keep in mind: GoodRx savings may vary by pharmacy and geographic location. The GoodRx website and app can help you compare prices in your area.
2. Use GoodRx Companion
GoodRx Companion offers prescription discounts at participating pharmacies. You can compare the Companion price with your insurance price and the regular GoodRx discount to see which option saves you the most.
Over 200 medications (including some forms of donepezil) are available for free, with hundreds more for under $10. The program also includes benefits to help you cut your self-pay costs, such as lower prices for telehealth and discounts on dental care and other health services.
3. Ask about 90-day supplies
If you take donepezil long term, ask whether a 90-day supply is appropriate. Some pharmacies and insurance plans offer lower per-tablet prices or fewer dispensing fees for a 90-day prescription. Confirm the total price before filling it.
4. Tap into your HSA, FSA, or HRA
You may be able to use funds from a health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) to pay eligible out-of-pocket prescription costs.
HSA funds roll over from year to year. FSA funds usually expire at the end of the plan year, but your employer may offer a grace period or carryover option. HRA rollover varies by employer. Check your plan’s rules, and keep your receipts.
5. See if you qualify for Medicare’s Extra Help program
If you have Medicare Part D and limited income and resources, you may qualify for Medicare’s Extra Help program. Extra Help can lower Part D premiums, deductibles, and cost sharing for covered prescriptions. Check your eligibility, and apply through Medicare or the Social Security Administration.
The bottom line
Donepezil (Aricept) is a medication used to manage dementia symptoms related to Alzheimer’s disease. It’s available as oral tablets and orally disintegrating tablets. Without insurance, 30 tablets of donepezil 10 mg costs an average of $112.07.
Using a free GoodRx discount or signing up for GoodRx Companion, asking about 90-day supplies, and using money from tax-advantaged accounts are strategies that can help you save.
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