How to Save on Restasis
Key takeaways:
Restasis (cyclosporine) is an FDA-approved eye drop that’s used to treat chronic dry eye.
Without insurance, a 1-month supply can cost around $776.17 for 60 single-use vials.
You can buy the generic version of Restasis to save money. You can save on both the brand-name and generic versions using GoodRx.
Table of contents
Dry eye can be a debilitating chronic condition, especially in older adults. Restasis (cyclosporine) is a prescription eye drop that’s FDA approved to treat chronic dry eye. It works by stimulating the eyes to produce more tears, but it may take as long as 6 months to start working. The wait can be worth it because Restasis can lead to the long-lasting resolution of dry eye symptoms.
A 1-month supply of Restasis can cost more than $600 without insurance. Many commercial insurance plans require prior authorization or step therapy for Restasis coverage.
Restasis had been approved for use in the U.S. for almost 2 decades without a generic option. But in February 2022, the FDA approved the first generic version of the eye drops.
Here’s all you need to know about this medication and how to keep your costs down.
How much is Restasis without insurance?
The retail price of Restasis depends on the dosage and form (bottle of solution or package). Without insurance, Restasis vials can cost around $776.17 for a 1-month supply of 60 single-use vials at some pharmacies. A 5.5 mL bottle of 0.05% Restasis MultiDose can cost around $772.06.
Is there a generic version of Restasis?
In February 2022, the FDA approved the first generic version of Restasis vials (cyclosporine eye drops). Generic medications have similar quality to brand-name medications, but they cost less.
To ensure safety, the FDA developed special requirements for pharmaceutical companies developing generic cyclosporine eye drops. These were put in place even before the patents covering Restasis expired. As a result, the FDA considers generic cyclosporine eye drops to be just as safe and effective as the brand-name medication.
Good to know: Only Restasis single-use vials have a generic version available. Restasis MultiDose bottles are available only as a brand-name medication.
What factors affect the cost of Restasis?
Several factors can affect the cost of Restasis, including:
Pharmacy: The price of Restasis can vary among pharmacies, even within the same city. GoodRx lets you compare prices so you can find the best deal in your area.
Location: Where you live can affect the price of Restasis because of demand, cost of living, and other factors. For example, GoodRx research shows that prescriptions cost more in New York than in Denver.
Insurance: If Restasis is listed on your insurance plan’s formulary, your insurance plan will most likely pay for your medication if it’s considered a preferred medication. But you may still have to pay coinsurance or copayments.
Dosage form: The dosage form of Restasis affects how much you pay. For example, the average retail price for one package of 60 vials of 0.4 mL (a 30-day supply) can cost around $776.17. For one bottle of solution (a 30-day supply), the price is around $776.17.
Generic versus brand name: The generic version of Restasis costs less than the brand-name version. In February 2022, Mylan Pharmaceuticals received FDA approval for the first generic version of Restasis. Having competition from generics may ultimately bring down the price of Restasis.
How can I save on Restasis?
Here are a some ways to save on Restasis whether or not you have insurance coverage:
Restasis side effects: The most common side effect is a burning sensation in the eye but there are others you may experience if you use Restasis.
How to use: Make sure you are using Restasis properly by following these easy steps.
Flexible spending account (FSA) benefits: Find out how to use your FSA to pay for qualified medical expenses like prescription eye drops.
1. Use a GoodRx Coupon
With a free GoodRx coupon, the price of one package of 60 vials of 0.4 mL may be as low as $628.91. To get a GoodRx coupon, go to the GoodRx website or app and type “Restasis (brand-name)” in the search box. Click on the medication to find coupons you can use in your area. It’s a good idea to call your pharmacist with the information before filling the Restasis prescription to prevent delays.
2. Apply for the Restasis savings program
With the Restasis savings card, you could get the medication for as little as $0 for a 90-day supply. This savings card can be used for single-use vials or Restasis MultiDose bottles. But out-of-pocket expenses vary depending on your plan, and there are maximum savings limits.
You must have commercial insurance and a Restasis prescription qualify for savings. If you are enrolled in Medicaid, Medicare, or any other government-funded healthcare program, you do not qualify.
3. Apply for a patient assistance program
If you cannot afford your medication, you may be able to get up to 12 months of Restasis for free through the AbbVie Patient Assistance Foundation. Restasis is one of many medications available through this program.
To qualify for a patient assistance program, you’ll need to fall into one of these categories:
Uninsured (primarily)
Enrolled in Medicare Part D
Under the income threshold
4. Check your health insurance
Your health insurance coverage will depend on your plan and formulary. If you have a commercial insurance plan, see if your formulary covers the brand name, generic, or both. And check on the difference in your out-of-pocket costs.
5. Fill a 90-day supply
Filling a 90-day supply (instead of a 30-day supply) may reduce your cost for this prescription. And you’ll make fewer trips to the pharmacy, which will save you time and money.
6. Submit an appeal
If your insurance plan doesn’t cover Restasis, ask your prescriber about submitting an appeal. Some plans require prior authorization. This means you may need approval for insurance coverage before filling your prescription. If you have insurance, call your health plan for more information.
7. Buy the generic version
Generic Restasis will likely cost you less than the brand-name version. With a GoodRx coupon, generic Restasis is available in packages of 30 vials (a 15-day supply) for around $606.47; 60 vials (a 30-day supply) can cost around $606.47.
Are there alternatives to Restasis for dry eye?
There are a few alternative medications for dry eye that you can try. These include:
Artificial tears: This is usually the first-choice treatment for dry eye. It is affordable because you can buy these eye drops without a prescription. Start with one drop 4 times a day, and you may feel relief in a few days. Unlike Restasis, however, artificial tears don’t stimulate tear production and aren’t a long-lasting solution.
Xiidra (lifitegrast): This is another brand-only prescription medication to treat dry eyes. It may cost about the same price as brand-name Restasis. But it also has a manufacturer savings program and a patient assistance program. If you don’t have coverage for Restasis, ask your insurer if your plan will cover Xiidra.
Miebo (perfluorohexyloctane): This is another brand-name prescription eye drop. But it works best when dry eye is caused by a condition called meibomian gland dysfunction. So it may not be right for everyone. Its average cost is slightly more than brand-name Restasis. But it does have a copay savings card available, as well as a patient assistance program.
Avoid artificial tear gels and ointments during the day, since they can blur vision. But they may be an option at night, since they work longer than drops. If you’re taking Restasis, ask your prescriber before switching to another treatment. Also, it’s important to understand the risks and side effects of any medication, whether it’s prescription or over the counter.
Frequently asked questions
There are a few factors to consider, such as the severity of your dry eye condition and how well you respond to treatment. Unlike over-the-counter medications, Restasis can lead to the long-lasting resolution of dry eye symptoms. It’s one of the most popular prescription dry eye treatments. Many people say that Restasis is worth the cost.
Restasis can be highly effective for treating dry eye. But you’ll also want to consider the potential side effects, as you would with any medication. The most common side effect is a burning sensation in the eye. Other side effects can include red eye and eye pain.
There is no direct Restasis alternative available over the counter. Over-the-counter eye drops may provide short-term relief for your dry eye symptoms, but they don’t treat the underlying cause of the condition. A prescription medication like Restasis may be better suited for long-term management. If your condition is mild, you might want to consider over-the-counter options, such as artificial tears.
The bottom line
Without insurance, the average cost of Restasis (cyclosporine) can cost around $776.17 for a 1-month supply of single-use vials at some pharmacies. The cost for a 1-month supply of Restasis MultiDose bottles can cost around $772.06. The price you pay will depend on the dosage form you’re using, your insurance, and other factors. You can save money using a GoodRx coupon or by buying the generic version of the eye drops.
Why trust our experts?
References
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2016). Draft guidance on cyclosporine.
Viatris. (2022). Viatris is first to receive FDA approval of generic Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%) to treat dry eye disease.
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