Key takeaways:
Without insurance, 30 tablets of methimazole 5 mg cost an average of $15.66.
Factors such as your prescribed dose and quantity and where you fill your prescription can affect how much you’ll pay for methimazole.
Using a GoodRx coupon, signing up for GoodRx Companion, or filling a 90-day supply could help lower the cost of methimazole. You can also save by using tax-advantaged funds to pay for your prescription.
Save on related medications
Methimazole is a prescription-only medication used to treat hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), which is often caused by Graves’ disease. Some people take methimazole for 12 to 18 months, while others take it long term. In either case, the medication costs can add up over time.
The good news is that methimazole is available as a generic medication. (Tapazole, the brand-name version of methimazole, is no longer commercially available.) This means the cost is relatively low compared to many brand-name medications. Still, prices can vary depending on where you fill your prescription, your dosage, and whether you have insurance coverage or qualify for savings opportunities.
Here’s what to know about how much methimazole costs without insurance and ways to save.
How much does methimazole cost without insurance?
Without insurance, 30 tablets of methimazole 5 mg cost an average of $15.66. What you’ll actually pay for the medication depends on factors such as your prescribed dose and quantity and the pharmacy you use.
Methimazole comes in two tablet doses: 5 mg and 10 mg. Typical dosages range from 5 mg to 60 mg daily. Here are the average retail prices for common quantities and doses of methimazole.
Quantity | Dose | Average retail price |
|---|---|---|
30 tablets | 5 mg | $15.66 |
90 tablets | 5 mg | $33.60 |
30 tablets | 10 mg | $21.40 |
90 tablets | 10 mg | $63.79 |
120 tablets | 10 mg | $84.98 |
180 tablets | 10 mg | $127.36 |
What factors affect the cost of methimazole?
Several factors can affect how much you’ll pay for methimazole.
Brand-name vs. generic availability
Methimazole is available as a generic medication. Generic medications contain the same active ingredient(s) as their brand-name counterparts but typically cost much less.
Tapazole, the brand-name version of methimazole, is no longer commercially available.
Dose and quantity
Your prescribed methimazole dosage (how many milligrams you take daily) can affect your monthly costs. Methimazole tablets are available in 5 mg and 10 mg doses, and some people need higher daily doses than others. In general, the more tablets you need each month, the higher your total costs may be.
Location
Where you live can affect what you pay for prescription medications. This is because of factors like local pharmacy pricing, state regulations, and competition among pharmacies. For example, GoodRx research shows that people living in Little Rock, Arkansas, often pay more than the national average for prescription medications. People living in Denver tend to pay less.
Pharmacy
Different pharmacies often charge different prices for the same medication. Comparing prices at several pharmacies — using a tool like the GoodRx app — can help you find the lowest available cost.
Insurance coverage
If you have insurance, there’s a good chance methimazole is covered by your plan. But you may still have out-of-pocket costs like a deductible and copays or coinsurance. What you pay out of pocket will likely be affected by where methimazole is on your plan’s formulary (list of covered medications).
What to do if methimazole isn’t covered by your insurance
If your insurance doesn’t cover methimazole, try these options:
Ask your insurer whether prior authorization is required. If so, you could get coverage by fulfilling this requirement.
Request a formulary exception to see if you can get coverage.
File an appeal if the formulary exception request is denied.
Compare cash prices through a discount program like GoodRx.
Talk to your healthcare team about alternative treatment options that may be covered.
Ways to save on methimazole
There are several ways to potentially lower the cost of methimazole. Here are four strategies to consider.
1. Use a GoodRx coupon
A GoodRx coupon could help reduce the cash price of methimazole at participating pharmacies. In some cases, using a coupon may help you pay less than you would with insurance. For example, you could pay as little as about $13 for 30 tablets of methimazole 5 mg with a free GoodRx coupon.
Below are GoodRx prices for common doses and quantities of methimazole.
Quantity | Dose | GoodRx price (as low as) |
|---|---|---|
30 tablets | 5 mg | about $13 |
90 tablets | 5 mg | about $20 |
30 tablets | 10 mg | about $14 |
90 tablets | 10 mg | |
120 tablets | 10 mg | |
180 tablets | 10 mg |
Here's how to use a GoodRx coupon to save on methimazole:
Go to www.goodrx.com or open the GoodRx app.
Search for "methimazole."
Select your prescribed dose and quantity, then enter your ZIP code or the name of your city.
Compare prices at pharmacies near you, and then select the pharmacy that offers the best price.
Save the coupon by printing it out, emailing it to yourself, or sending it via text message.
Present the coupon when you drop off or pick up your prescription, so the pharmacy can apply the discounted price. To avoid delays at the pharmacy counter, tell the pharmacy staff you’re using a GoodRx coupon when dropping off your prescription.
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. Sign up for GoodRx Companion
Especially if you take multiple medications, you may want to consider signing up for GoodRx Companion. You can access discounted prescription medications with a GoodRx Companion subscription. Over 200 medications are available for free, with hundreds more available for under $10.
The program also includes benefits to help you cut your self-pay costs. You’ll have access to lower prices for online care visits and discounts on dental care and other health services.
3. Ask about a 90-day supply
If your prescriber thinks that you may need to take methimazole long term, ask whether a 90-day supply is appropriate. If you have insurance, filling larger supplies may help reduce the number of copays you have each year. It can also mean fewer trips to the pharmacy.
4. 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 may be able to use those pretax funds to pay for methimazole. Just be sure to keep your receipts in case you need to show proof of eligible expenses.
Keep in mind that HSA funds roll over every year, while FSA funds typically need to be used within a certain period of time. If you have an HRA, check with your employer about the rules for using funds.
The bottom line
Without insurance, 30 tablets of methimazole 5 mg cost an average of $15.66. What you actually pay for the medication will depend on factors such as your prescribed dose and quantity and where you fill your prescription.
You could save on your methimazole prescription by using a GoodRx coupon, signing up for GoodRx Companion, or filling a 90-day supply. Your healthcare team can help you find the best savings opportunity for your situation.
Why trust our experts?
References
Karmisholt, J., et al. (2022). Long-term methimazole therapy in Graves’ hyperthyroidism and adverse reactions: A Danish multicenter study. European Thyroid Journal.
Miyamura, K., et al. (2025). Impact of minimal dose strategy before anti-thyroid drug discontinuation on relapse risk in Graves’ disease. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
