Key takeaways:
Hydroxychloroquine is a prescription medication that treats lupus and rheumatoid arthritis and prevents and treats malaria. It’s available as a lower-cost generic and as the brand-name medications Plaquenil and Sovuna.
Without insurance, 60 tablets of hydroxychloroquine 200 mg can cost around $100.34. Your dose, quantity, pharmacy, and location can all affect what you pay.
You may be able to save by using a free GoodRx coupon or signing up for GoodRx Companion, asking about a 90-day supply, and using funds from a tax-advantaged account.
Save on related medications
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil, Sovuna) is a prescription medication that’s used to treat and prevent malaria and to treat autoimmune conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. It belongs to a group of medications called antirheumatics, and it’s also considered an antimalarial medication.
Hydroxychloroquine is available as a lower-cost generic. It also comes as the brand-name medications Plaquenil and Sovuna. If you’re paying out of pocket, your price can vary based on your prescription and where you fill it. Here’s what to know about hydroxychloroquine costs and ways to save.
How much does hydroxychloroquine cost without insurance?
Without insurance, 60 tablets of hydroxychloroquine 200 mg can cost around $100.34 on average. Your exact costs can vary based on the dose you’re prescribed, how many tablets you need, and whether you’re filling the generic or brand-name version.
Here are the average retail prices for common quantities and doses of hydroxychloroquine.
Which factors affect the cost of hydroxychloroquine?
Several factors can affect what you’ll pay for hydroxychloroquine without insurance.
Brand vs. generic availability
Hydroxychloroquine is available as a generic, which usually costs less than brand-name Plaquenil or Sovuna. If your prescriber says either version is appropriate for you, choosing the generic may lower your out-of-pocket cost.
Dosage and quantity
Your cost depends on your prescribed dose and how many tablets you need. Hydroxyquinone is taken for a certain period of time to prevent or treat malaria. But many adults take it long term for lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. So your monthly cost may depend on whether you take 1 tablet a day, 2 tablets a day, or a different amount.
Location
Where you live can affect prescription prices. GoodRx research has found that prescription medication cash prices can vary widely by city, so the same medication may cost more or less depending on your area. For example, prescription medications are typically more affordable in Houston than in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Pharmacy
Pharmacies set their own retail prices, so hydroxychloroquine may cost less at one pharmacy than another nearby. Comparing prices before you fill your prescription can help you find a lower price. Price-comparison tools like GoodRx can help you find the best deal.
Insurance coverage
If you have insurance, your out-of-pocket cost may depend on your deductible, copay, and coinsurance and whether hydroxychloroquine is listed on your plan’s formulary (list of covered medications). You can usually check coverage by reviewing your plan documents, looking at your summary of benefits and coverage, or calling your plan.
What to do if hydroxychloroquine isn’t covered by your insurance
If your insurance doesn’t cover hydroxychloroquine, try these options:
Ask your prescriber to submit a formulary exception request or a letter of medical necessity. If the request is denied, ask about how to appeal the decision.
Talk to your prescriber about a lower-cost alternative or whether the generic version is appropriate for you.
Look into other savings options, such as GoodRx discounts.
During your next open enrollment period, compare plans and look for one that covers your medication.
Ask your prescriber about lower-cost alternatives
Depending on why you take hydroxychloroquine, your prescriber may be able to recommend another treatment option that costs less or is covered better by your insurance. That could mean switching to a different medication or adjusting to a covered option within the same treatment category.
Ways to save on hydroxychloroquine
If you’re paying out of pocket for hydroxychloroquine, these four options may help lower your cost.
1. Use a GoodRx coupon
A GoodRx discount may help lower the price of hydroxychloroquine at many pharmacies. You can compare prices ahead of time and choose the pharmacy with the best available price in your area.
Dose, form, and quantity | GoodRx price for generic hydroxychloroquine (as low as) |
|---|---|
200 mg (30 tablets) | |
200 mg (60 tablets) | |
300 mg (30 tablets) | |
400 mg (30 tablets) |
Here’s how to get a coupon:
Visit www.goodrx.com, or open the GoodRx app on your mobile device.
Type “hydroxychloroquine” in the search field.
Choose the correct quantity and dose. Then enter your location.
Click or tap on “Search prices” to find prices at pharmacies near you.
Choose to receive your coupon via text or email, or print it out.
Show the coupon at the pharmacy when you pick up your medication. Or present the coupon to your pharmacy staff when you first send your prescription. This should help prevent delays at the pickup counter.
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. See whether GoodRx Companion could help
Another option is signing up for GoodRx Companion, especially if you take multiple medications. You can access discounted prescription medications with a GoodRx Companion subscription. Over 200 medications are available for free, with hundreds more under $10.
The program also includes benefits to help you reduce your self-pay costs, such as lower prices for online care visits and discounts on dental care and other health services.
3. Ask about 90-day supplies
If you take hydroxychloroquine long term, ask your prescriber whether a 90-day supply makes sense for you. A larger fill may lower your cost per tablet and can also save you trips to the pharmacy.
4. Tap into your HSA, FSA, or HRA
If you have a health savings account (HSA), a flexible savings account (FSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), you may be able to use those funds to pay for eligible out-of-pocket prescription costs. These accounts let you use tax-free dollars for qualified medical expenses.
If you use an HSA, unused funds can roll over from year to year. FSA rules are different, and you need to use your money before the plan deadline unless your employer offers a carryover option or grace period. For HRAs, check with your employer about carryover rules.
5. See if you qualify for manufacturer discounts on Sovuna
If you’ve been prescribed brand-name Sovuna, you may be eligible for discounts through the manufacturer.
People with commercial insurance may pay no more than $15 for a 30-day supply by filling at a preferred pharmacy or using a copay savings card.
Eligible people paying cash for Sovuna may pay no more than $15 per 30-day supply when filled as a 90-day prescription through the Cash-Discount Direct Program.
Call 1-800-434-1121 if you have questions about these programs or your eligibility.
The bottom line
Hydroxychloroquine is a generic prescription medication used to treat lupus and rheumatoid arthritis and to prevent and treat malaria. Without insurance, 60 tablets of hydroxychloroquine 200 mg can cost around $100.34. But what you pay depends on your dose, quantity, and pharmacy. Whether you receive a generic or brand-name version can also make a difference.
If your insurance doesn’t cover it or your out-of-pocket cost is high, GoodRx discounts may help. You can also ask about a 90-day supply and use tax-advantaged funds if you have them.
Why trust our experts?
References
Ani Pharmaceuticals. (2025). Sovuna.
Ani Pharmaceuticals. (2026). List of participating pharmacies.
