Mesalamine is a generic drug prescribed for ulcerative colitis. It’s available in several brand-name versions. The cost of mesalamine, with and without insurance, can depend on various factors, such as whether there’s financial assistance you’re eligible for.
As with all medications, the cost of mesalamine can vary. Some factors may affect the price you’ll pay. These may include your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use.
To find out what the cost of mesalamine will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
To save money on your mesalamine prescription, explore these Optum Perks coupons.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug cost and mesalamine.
Does the price of mesalamine vary by form and strength?
Yes, it’s likely that the price of mesalamine will vary based on the form and strength your doctor prescribes. Other factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use.
Below are the forms and strengths of mesalamine that are available:
- delayed-release (DR) oral tablet:
- 800 milligrams (mg)
- 1,200 mg (1.2 grams [g])
- DR oral capsule:
- 400 mg
- extended-release (ER) oral capsule:
- 250 mg
- 500 mg
- 24-hour ER oral capsule:
- 375 mg (0.375 g)
- rectal enema (suspension):
- 4 g per 60 milliliters (mL)
- rectal suppository:
- 1,000 mg (1 g)
Is there a mesalamine copay card?
Possibly. Depending on the drug manufacturer, a copay card may be available. To learn about financial support to pay for mesalamine, see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section later in this article. It has resources that may assist with mesalamine copayments (copays).
What’s the cost of mesalamine with and without insurance?
The cost of mesalamine can vary with or without insurance. In general, costs are usually higher without insurance.
Your pharmacist can answer questions you may have about how much mesalamine costs. They may be able to determine the costs you’ll pay for mesalamine. You can also talk with your doctor or insurance provider.
Check out Optum Perks for price estimates of mesalamine when using coupons from the site. Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance benefits or copays. (Optum Perks is a sister site of Medical News Today.)
Mesalamine is available in the following brand-name forms:
A generic drug contains the same active ingredient that’s in the brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics also tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. To find out how the cost of a brand-name form compares with the cost of mesalamine, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
If your doctor has prescribed mesalamine and you’re interested in using a brand-name form instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check with your insurance provider, as it may only cover one or the other.
Keep reading to learn more about ways to reduce long-term drug costs with mesalamine.
Getting a 3-month supply
You may be able to get a 90-day supply of mesalamine. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
Using a mail-order pharmacy
Mesalamine may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this type of service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to receive your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug via mail order.
If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.
If you need financial support to pay for mesalamine, consider looking into websites that offer cost resources and information. Two such websites are:
These sites can provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services.
Get tips for how to save money on prescriptions.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
