Key takeaways:
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is a prescription medication that treats attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder (BED). It comes as both a brand-name medication as well as a lower-cost generic.
Lisdexamfetamine can cost over $300 per month without insurance. What you pay can vary based on factors such as your dose and dosage form, location, and insurance coverage.
Choosing the generic version and using a free GoodRx discount may help you save on the cost of your prescription.
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Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is a prescription medication that treats attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder (BED). It's available as a brand-name medication as well as a lower-cost generic.
If you don't have insurance, the price of lisdexamfetamine can vary depending on factors such as the version you take, your prescribed dose, and even the pharmacy you use.
Let’s take a look at how much lisdexamfetamine costs without insurance, along with ways to save on your prescription.
How much does lisdexamfetamine cost without insurance?
Lisdexamfetamine can cost over $300 per month without insurance. The chart below shows the average cash prices for the most common doses of brand-name Vyvanse and generic lisdexamfetamine.
Dose, form, and quantity | Vyvanse average cash price | Generic lisdexamfetamine average cash price |
30 mg capsules #30 | ||
40 mg capsules #30 | ||
50 mg capsules #30 | ||
60 mg capsules #30 | ||
70 mg capsules #30 | ||
30 mg chewable tablets #30 | ||
40 mg chewable tablets #30 | ||
50 mg chewable tablets #30 | ||
60 mg chewable tablets #30 |
Which factors affect the cost of lisdexamfetamine?
The cost of lisdexamfetamine can vary based on several factors.
Brand vs. generic availability
Typically, generic lisdexamfetamine is more affordable than brand-name Vyvanse. But there have been issues with generic shortages in recent months. So lisdexamfetamine may not always be available. In that case, you may end up paying more for the brand-name version.
Dosage and quantity
The cost of lisdexamfetamine can also vary depending on what dose and form you’re prescribed. It comes in both capsules and chewable tablets, and the price may vary between these dosage forms, as well as your daily dose.
Location
Where you live can affect the cost of your prescription medications. For example, according to GoodRx research, people in Little Rock, Arkansas, tend to pay more for prescription medications than people in Houston.
Pharmacy
Pharmacies negotiate their own pricing for prescription medications. So the cash price of lisdexamfetamine can vary among different pharmacies, even if they’re located in the same neighborhood. GoodRx can help you compare prices among different pharmacies in your area to find the best one.
Insurance coverage
If you have insurance that covers lisdexamfetamine, it can help reduce what you pay for your medication. But even with insurance, you may still have out-of-pocket expenses, such as a copay or coinsurance. These expenses are often based on whether lisdexamfetamine falls in a higher tier on your plan’s formulary (list of covered medications). Checking your coverage in advance can help you know whether lisdexamfetamine is covered and what you can expect to pay. You can typically access your summary of benefits and formulary online or by calling the help desk number on your prescription insurance card.
What to do if lisdexamfetamine isn’t covered by your insurance
If your insurance doesn’t cover lisdexamfetamine, try these options:
Ask your prescriber to submit a letter of medical necessity or request a formulary exception from your insurance provider. If your request is denied, submit an appeal.
Talk to your prescriber about a lisdexamfetamine alternative that may be covered by your insurance plan or is a more affordable option.
Look into other savings options (more on that next).
During your next open enrollment period, look for an insurance plan that includes lisdexamfetamine in its formulary.
Ways to save on lisdexamfetamine
There are a couple of ways to save money on your lisdexamfetamine prescription.
1. Use a GoodRx coupon
A free GoodRx discount may help you save on the cost of lisdexamfetamine. The table below shows the lowest GoodRx price at certain pharmacies (versus the average cash price) for the most common doses and forms of lisdexamfetamine.
Dose, form, and quantity | Lisdexamfetamine average cash price | Lisdexamfetamine GoodRx price* |
30 mg capsules #30 | ||
40 mg capsules #30 | ||
50 mg capsules #30 | ||
60 mg capsules #30 | ||
70 mg capsules #30 | ||
30 mg chewable tablets #30 | ||
40 mg chewable tablets #30 | ||
50 mg chewable tablets #30 | ||
60 mg chewable tablets #30 |
*Note: Lisdexamfetamine is a controlled substance, and some states do not allow coupons for these medications.
2. Tap into your HSA, FSA, or HRA
If you have a health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), you can use it to help cover your out-of-pocket costs for lisdexamfetamine. These tax-advantaged healthcare accounts let you pay for eligible expenses with tax-free dollars.
Pay directly with your HSA or FSA card at the pharmacy, or cover the cost yourself and request reimbursement. The funds in HSAs and some HRAs roll over annually. But you have to use FSA dollars before the plan’s deadline or they’ll expire.
The bottom line
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is a prescription medication that treats attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder (BED). It comes as both a brand-name medication as well as a lower-cost generic.
Lisdexamfetamine can cost over $300 per month without insurance. What you pay can vary based on factors such as your dose and dosage form, location, and insurance coverage. Choosing the generic version and using a free GoodRx discount may help you save on the cost of your prescription.
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References
Healthcare.gov. (n.d.). Using your health insurance coverage: Getting prescription medications. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
