Key takeaways:
Methylphenidate ER (Concerta, Relexxii) is a prescription-only stimulant used mainly to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Without insurance or discounts, methylphenidate ER can cost over $200 per month. But the price can vary based on the version you take, your dose, and the pharmacy you choose, among other factors.
You may also be able to save on methylphenidate ER by using GoodRx discounts, brand-name manufacturer savings programs, or tax-advantaged funds to lower your out-of-pocket costs.
Methylphenidate ER (Concerta, Relexxii) is a prescription-only medication that’s mainly used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It belongs to a group of medications called central nervous system stimulants.
The price of methylphenidate ER can vary based on the dosage, the pharmacy filling the prescription, and other factors. Below, we’ll look at how much methylphenidate ER costs without insurance, what affects the price, and ways to save on your prescription.
Good to know: Methylphenidate ER comes as several other brand-name products, including Quillivant XR oral liquid and Contempla XR orally disintegrating tablets. This article specifically focuses on the cost of methylphenidate ER tablets sold under the brand names Concerta and Relexxii and the generic tablets.
How much does methylphenidate ER cost without insurance?
Methylphenidate ER can cost over $200 per month without insurance. What you pay will depend on multiple factors, including the dose you’re prescribed and whether you fill the brand-name or generic version.
The chart below shows average cash prices for common doses of brand-name and generic methylphenidate ER without insurance or discounts.
Dose, form, and quantity | Brand-name average cash price | Generic average cash price |
|---|---|---|
Concerta 18 mg, 30 tablets | ||
Concerta 27 mg, 30 tablets | ||
Concerta 36 mg, 30 tablets | ||
Relexxii 45 mg, 30 tablets | ||
Concerta 54 mg, 30 tablets | ||
Relexxii 63 mg, 30 tablets |
What factors affect the cost of methylphenidate ER?
The cost of methylphenidate ER can vary for several reasons.
Brand-name vs. generic availability
Methylphenidate ER is available as both brand-name and generic medications. In general, generic methylphenidate ER is typically more affordable, especially if you don’t have insurance coverage.
In most cases, your pharmacy will fill the lower-cost generic unless your prescriber specifies otherwise. But don’t hesitate to ask for the most affordable version.
Dose and quantity
What you pay will also depend on the dose you’re prescribed. Prices can vary from one dose to another.
Since methylphenidate ER is a controlled substance, you probably won’t be able to fill more than a 30-day supply at once. But if your state laws allow for a larger quantity per fill, this can also affect your overall costs.
Location
Where you live can affect the cash price of your medications. For example, according to GoodRx research, prescription medications are typically more affordable in Denver than in New Orleans.
Pharmacy
Pharmacies set their own prices for prescription medications. That means the cash price for methylphenidate ER can differ from one pharmacy to the next, even within the same area. GoodRx can help you compare prices at local pharmacies before you fill your prescription.
Insurance coverage
If you have insurance that covers methylphenidate ER, it may lower what you pay. But you could still have out-of-pocket costs, such as copays, coinsurance, or a deductible. Generally, your expenses will depend on what pricing tier methylphenidate ER falls under on your plan’s formulary (list of covered medications).
Checking your coverage details in advance can help you understand your potential out-of-pocket costs for methylphenidate ER. You can typically access your formulary and summary of benefits and coverage online or by calling the help desk number on your prescription insurance card.
What to do if methylphenidate ER isn’t covered by your insurance
If your insurance doesn’t cover methylphenidate ER, try these options:
Ask your plan to cover methylphenidate ER by submitting a formulary exception request. Your prescriber may need to provide a letter of medical necessity and other documentation explaining why the medication is required for your condition. If the formulary exception request is denied, file an appeal.
Talk to your prescriber about methylphenidate ER alternatives to see if there’s an option that’s covered by your insurance or more affordable out of pocket.
Look into other savings options, like the ones discussed below.
During your next open enrollment period, look for an insurance plan that includes methylphenidate ER on its formulary.
Ways to save on methylphenidate ER
Whether or not you have insurance coverage, there are ways you can save on brand-name and generic methylphenidate ER. Below are four options to consider.
1. Use a GoodRx coupon
You can access brand-name Relexxii at an exclusive cash price through GoodRx. A free GoodRx discount may also help you save on the cost of generic methylphenidate ER. The table below shows how GoodRx prices compare to the average cash prices for common doses of generic methylphenidate ER.
Dose, form, and quantity | Methylphenidate ER average cash price | Methylphenidate ER lowest GoodRx price* |
|---|---|---|
18 mg, 30 tablets | ||
27 mg, 30 tablets | ||
36 mg, 30 tablets | ||
45 mg, tablets | ||
54 mg, 30 tablets | ||
63 mg, 30 tablets |
* GoodRx savings may vary by pharmacy and geographic location. Methylphenidate ER is a controlled substance, and some states do not allow coupons for these medications.
2. Enroll in GoodRx Companion
You can access even larger discounts on methylphenidate ER and other prescription medications with a GoodRx Companion subscription. Over 250 medications are available for free, with hundreds more available at under $10 per month.
The GoodRx Companion program also includes benefits to help you cut your self-pay costs. You’ll have access to lower prices for online care visits, discounts on dental care, and other health service savings.
3. See if you qualify for a copay savings card
If you have commercial insurance, a copay savings card could help you save on the cost of brand-name Concerta or Relexxii.
With a manufacturer savings card, you could pay as little as $0 per month for Relexxii or as little as $4 per month for Concerta. Monthly and yearly savings limits may apply. These cards may not be accepted in all U.S. states.
To be eligible for one of these programs:
You must have commercial insurance. People with government-funded insurance plans, such as Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare, aren’t eligible.
You must be a resident of the U.S. or Puerto Rico.
You must have a valid prescription from a healthcare professional licensed in the U.S.
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 can use it to help cover your out-of-pocket costs for methylphenidate ER. 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 typically have to use FSA dollars before a certain deadline or they expire.
The bottom line
Methylphenidate ER (Concerta, Relexxii) is a prescription-only stimulant used mainly to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Without insurance or discounts, methylphenidate ER can cost over $200 per month. But what you pay can depend on the version you take, your dose, and the pharmacy you choose, among other factors.
Choosing generic methylphenidate ER is often the best first step to take if you’re trying to lower your costs. You may also be able to save by using GoodRx discounts, brand-name manufacturer savings programs, or tax-advantaged funds to lower your out-of-pocket costs.
Why trust our experts?
References
Concerta. (n.d.). Concerta savings program eligibility. Johnson & Johnson.
Healthcare.gov. (n.d.). Appealing a health plan decision: Internal appeals.
Relexxii. (n.d.). Relexxii savings offers. Vertical Pharmaceuticals.
