Key takeaways:
Without insurance, 120 capsules of Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) 1 g cost $426.52 on average.
The actual cost of your prescription will depend on factors such as the dose and quantity, the pharmacy you choose, and whether you receive the brand-name or generic version.
You may be able to lower the cost of Vascepa by using a GoodRx coupon, qualifying for a manufacturer savings program, or filling a 90-day supply.
Save on related medications
Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) is a prescription-only, omega-3 fatty acid medication used to lower the risk of heart problems in certain people. It’s also FDA approved to treat adults with very high triglyceride levels.
Whether you’re prescribed Vascepa to protect your heart or lower your triglycerides, cost can be a concern with long-term treatment. Knowing what affects the price and what savings options are available can help you get the best price for your prescription.
How much does Vascepa cost without insurance?
Without insurance, 120 capsules of Vascepa 1 g cost $426.52 on average. (This is considered a 30-day supply for most people.) The actual cost of your prescription may be higher or lower depending on factors such as the dose and quantity, the pharmacy you use, and whether you receive the brand-name or generic version.
What factors affect the cost of Vascepa?
Several factors can influence how much you’ll pay for Vascepa.
Brand-name vs. generic availability
Vascepa is available as both a brand-name medication and a generic called icosapent ethyl. In many cases, generic medications cost less than their brand-name counterparts.
If your prescription allows for generic substitution, your pharmacy will likely dispense generic icosapent ethyl. This may help lower the cost of your prescription. However, the price difference between the generic and brand-name version can vary by pharmacy. Comparing prices for both options can help you find the best deal.
Dosage and quantity
Vascepa comes as 0.5 g and 1 g capsules. The typical dosage is four 0.5 g or two 1 g capsules by mouth twice daily. Your monthly costs will depend on the number of capsules you take each day and how many capsules are dispensed at one time.
Location
Prescription medication prices vary across the country. Because of this, where you live can affect how much you pay. For example, according to GoodRx research, medications are typically more affordable in Denver than in Lexington, Kentucky.
Pharmacy
Even pharmacies located just a few miles apart may charge a very different price for the same medication. Before you fill your prescription, compare pharmacy prices with a tool like the GoodRx app to find the best deal near you.
Insurance coverage
Having insurance doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll pay the lowest price for Vascepa. Your out-of-pocket costs will depend on your plan’s prescription medication benefits and where Vascepa falls on your formulary (list of covered medications). Whether you’ve met your deductible can also affect what you pay.
Some insurance plans may offer better coverage for generic icosapent ethyl than for brand-name Vascepa. Plans may also require prior authorization or step therapy before covering the brand-name medication. It’s worth comparing the price of your prescription with insurance to the cash price. In some cases, paying out of pocket may be the less expensive option.
What to do if Vascepa isn’t covered by your insurance
If your insurance doesn’t cover brand-name Vascepa, try these options:
Review your insurance plan’s coverage requirements. Find out if you need to fulfill a requirement like prior authorization or step therapy to get coverage. Your prescriber may be able to submit the necessary documentation.
Ask about switching to the generic. If it’s available at a better cash price or covered by your insurance, you can ask your prescriber about switching to generic icosapent ethyl.
Request a formulary exception. If your prescriber believes brand-name Vascepa is medically necessary, they can ask your insurance company to make an exception and cover it. If the request isn’t approved, you have the right to file an appeal.
Compare cash prices. Check prices available at different pharmacies and through prescription discount programs like GoodRx. In some cases, paying cash may cost less than using your insurance.
Ways to save on Vascepa
With or without insurance, there are several ways to save on Vascepa. Below are four ways you may be able to lower your out-of-pocket costs.
1. Use a GoodRx coupon
GoodRx offers exclusive discounts on brand-name Vascepa. You could also save on generic icosapent ethyl by using a free GoodRx coupon or subscribing to GoodRx Companion.
Here are some examples of what you might pay through GoodRx.
Quantity and form | Medication and dose | GoodRx price (as low as) |
|---|---|---|
120 capsules | Vascepa 1 g | |
240 capsules | Vascepa 0.5 g | |
120 capsules | Icosapent ethyl 1 g | |
240 capsules | Icosapent ethyl 0.5 g |
Follow these general steps to save with a coupon:
Visit www.goodrx.com, or open the GoodRx app on your mobile device.
Type “Vascepa” in the search field and select either the brand-name or generic version.
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 your prescription is sent over. This will 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 if you qualify for a copay savings card
If you have commercial insurance or you’re uninsured, you may be eligible to save on brand-name Vascepa with a manufacturer copay savings card. You could pay as little as $9 for a 90-day supply with the card. The card provides up to $150 in savings per 30-day supply, or $450 per 90-day supply, with a maximum yearly benefit of $2,250.
To be eligible for the card, you must:
Be an adult with a valid Vascepa prescription
Have commercial insurance or be uninsured
Not have government-funded insurance, such as Medicare or Medicaid
Because generic icosapent ethyl is available, the card isn’t valid in Massachusetts or California. If you’re eligible, you can download the card online and save it on your phone or print it out to present to the pharmacy. Call 1-855-497-8462 if you have questions or need assistance.
3. Ask about 90-day supplies
Vascepa is often prescribed as a long-term medication, so it may make sense to fill a larger supply. If your treatment is stable, ask your healthcare professional whether a 90-day prescription is appropriate.
Depending on your pharmacy and/or insurance plan, you may pay less per capsule with a 90-day supply than with three monthly supplies. Switching to a 90-day prescription can also reduce how often you need to refill your medication.
4. Tap into your HSA, FSA, or HRA
If you’re enrolled in a health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), you can likely use the pre-tax funds in your account to pay for Vascepa.
Just be sure to keep your pharmacy receipts, especially if your plan requires you to submit documentation for reimbursement. Remember that FSA funds typically expire at the end of the plan year, while HSA funds remain in your account from year to year. HRAs are employer-funded, and reimbursement rules vary by plan.
The bottom line
Without insurance, 120 capsules of Vascepa 1 g cost $426.52 on average. The actual cost of your prescription will depend on factors such as your dose and quantity, your pharmacy, and whether you receive brand-name Vascepa or generic icosapent ethyl.
There are ways to save on Vascepa. Using a GoodRx coupon, qualifying for a manufacturer savings program, or filling a 90-day supply could help reduce what you pay.
Why trust our experts?
References
Vascepa Copay Savings Program. (n.d.). There are two ways that eligible patients can save. Amarin Pharma.
