Luckily, there are ways for you to save.
What is Dexilant?
Dexilant is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat GERD and heartburn. Dexilant reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes, and it really works. According to our friends at Iodine, 93% of people taking Dexilant say it’s “worth it”, and few seem to deal with known side effects like diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and gas.
How much does Dexilant cost?
Dexilant is not cheap. A recent GoodRx analysis found that monthly prices for Dexilant have increased by about 45% since 2015, and the cash price for one tablet is now around $11. That means many are paying well over $300 for a 30-day supply of Dexilant.
When will generic Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) be available?
Actually, a generic version of Dexilant was approved back in 2017. But here’s the catch: it isn’t in pharmacies yet, and we’re not sure when it will be.
Fortunately, there are ways to save while you wait for generic dexlansoprazole to hit pharmacies.
Savings Tip #1: Use your insurance
The best way to save on Dexilant is to use your insurance. While most insurance plans cover Dexilant, a majority of them require that patients submit a prior authorization form or complete step therapy before they will cover the drug. You can learn more about these restrictions here, but in essence, they make getting your drug more complicated.
If you find that Dexilant isn’t covered by your insurance plan, ask your doctor about an appeal. The exact process will depend on your insurance, but often requires that you work with your doctor to submit an appeal letter.
Savings Tip #2: Pay as little as $20 per month with a savings card
Dexilant’s manufacturer, Takeda, offers a manufacturer coupon to help insured and uninsured patients save.
Savings Tip #3: Apply for a patient assistance program
Uninsured, low-income patients may be able to get Dexilant for free with the Takeda Help At Hand Program.
Savings Tip #4: Try an over-the-counter alternative
These days, many heartburn medications are conveniently available over the counter. While they may not offer all of the benefits of Dexilant, they can be much more affordable. If you haven’t tried them already, speak with your doctor about non-prescription heartburn medications like Zantac, Prilosec and Nexium.
Savings Tip #5: Ask your doctor about alternative prescriptions
If non-prescription versions don’t work for you, consider speaking with your doctor about alternative prescriptions. Drugs like Aciphex, prescription-strength Nexium, Protonix and Prevacid are comparable alternatives. While some of these are just as expensive as Dexilant based on cash price, if they are covered by your insurance plan, they may be affordable.
Savings tip #6: Speak to your doctor about prescription workarounds
If the above options don’t work for you, speak with your doctor about other ways to save. Your doctor may talk to you about getting a prescription for a higher-dose pill (which you can cut in half to save on cost), filling a 90-day supply (which can be cheaper than a 30-day supply) or getting free samples.
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