Gabapentin is a widely prescribed medication primarily used for managing nerve pain, often resulting from shingles, and controlling partial seizures in individuals with epilepsy. As a generic drug, its cost without insurance is highly variable. The price depends on whether the brand-name version, Neurontin, is requested, the specific form and dosage prescribed, and the pharmacy chosen. Understanding the cash price, which is the full retail price before any discounts or insurance coverage, is the first step for patients budgeting for this ongoing medication.
Retail Pricing for Generic and Brand Versions
The cash price for gabapentin without insurance demonstrates a stark contrast between the generic and brand-name options. Generic gabapentin is considerably more affordable; a typical 30-day supply of 90 capsules at 300 mg strength averages around $150 at full retail price, though this varies widely by pharmacy. Some sources indicate the average retail price for this quantity can be as low as $80 before discounts are applied, highlighting the fluctuation in pharmacy pricing.
The cost of the brand-name drug, Neurontin, is substantially higher, often reaching hundreds of dollars for a one-month supply. For example, a 30-day supply of brand-name Neurontin 600 mg tablets can cost nearly $600 without coverage or discounts. For patients paying out-of-pocket, the generic formulation is almost always the preferred, less expensive choice. Since the generic version has been available since 2004, it is chemically equivalent to Neurontin and offers the same therapeutic effect.
How Dosage and Formulation Affect the Final Price
The retail price established for gabapentin is not fixed and changes based on the specific details of the prescription. The quantity of medication prescribed has a proportional effect on the total cost. A 90-day supply will cost more than a 30-day supply, but often results in a lower cost per unit, making bulk purchase a more economical choice over time.
The strength of the dose also influences the cost. While the average retail price for 60 capsules of the 100 mg strength is around $25.56, the 300 mg strength of the same quantity is higher at approximately $53.13 before discounts. Higher-dose tablets, such as 600 mg or 800 mg, generally carry a higher total price than lower-strength capsules.
The physical form of the medication is another factor that impacts the final price. Gabapentin is available as capsules, tablets, and an oral solution, and the cost varies significantly between these formulations. The capsule form tends to be less expensive than the tablet form, even at the same dosage strength. The oral solution, typically prescribed for patients who have difficulty swallowing, is often the most expensive formulation.
Strategies for Reducing Your Out-of-Pocket Cost
Patients without insurance have several strategies to lower the out-of-pocket expense for gabapentin. Prescription savings cards or coupons, such as those offered by services like GoodRx or SingleCare, are highly effective tools for uninsured individuals. These discount programs can lower the cost of a 90-count supply of generic 300 mg capsules to a range as low as $7 to $12, a fraction of the average retail price.
These prescription discount cards cannot be used in conjunction with a patient’s insurance, but they can offer a lower price than the insurance copay for some generic medications. Price shopping between different pharmacies is also worthwhile, as the cash price for gabapentin can vary significantly between large retail chains, independent pharmacies, and mail-order services. Comparing prices among local pharmacies using a discount card can reveal the lowest available cost.
For those prescribed the brand-name Neurontin who meet specific income criteria, Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) offered by the manufacturer (Pfizer) may provide the medication for free. These programs typically require the patient to be uninsured or not commercially insured, meet certain income guidelines, and have the drug prescribed for an FDA-approved indication. While generic gabapentin does not have manufacturer PAPs, various independent foundations may offer copay assistance for low-income patients.