Livalo, a brand-name prescription statin, is known for its high cost. But why is it so expensive? In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Livalo’s price tag and discuss alternative options to make this medication more affordable.
The Role of Livalo
Livalo is prescribed to adults with high cholesterol and is also FDA approved for children and teens with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), a hereditary condition that causes dangerously high cholesterol levels. Additionally, healthcare professionals may prescribe Livalo for off-label medical conditions such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or to reduce the risk of severe problems like heart attack or stroke. The standard dosage is a 1, 2, or 4 mg tablet taken once per day.
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Unlike many other statins, Livalo’s active ingredient, pitavastatin, cannot be purchased as a low-priced generic. However, there are proven ways to bring down the cost of a Livalo prescription.
Is Livalo Covered by Insurance?
Livalo may be covered by commercial health insurance, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid, but some insurance plans exclude it from their list of covered drugs. Even if insurance covers Livalo, prior authorization may be required. Insurance plans typically classify Livalo as a Tier 3 drug or a non-preferred drug in their formularies, resulting in high copay and coinsurance costs. The exact out-of-pocket expenses will depend on the insurance plan, and if Livalo is excluded from the formulary, the patient would bear the entire cost.
It’s essential for patients to check with their insurance provider to determine coverage and potential costs.
How Much Does Livalo Cost Without Insurance?
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Without insurance, a 30-day supply of Livalo can cost an average of $409 at full retail price, amounting to almost $5,000 annually. However, there are several generic statins available that are both cheaper than Livalo and equally effective. It is advisable to consult the prescribing healthcare provider about alternative generic statins such as simvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, fluvastatin, and rosuvastatin. Pharmacists can substitute the generic version, which can significantly reduce costs.
While over-the-counter drugs, natural remedies, and dietary supplements may improve cholesterol levels, they have not been proven to be effective substitutes for prescription cholesterol medications like statins or fibrates.
Comparing Livalo Prices to Related Drugs
| Drug Name | Price without insurance of brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Livalo | $409 per 30, 2 mg tablets | $323 per 30, 2 mg tablets of brand-name Livalo | See updated prices |
| Zypitamag | $284 per 30, 2 mg tablets | $235 per 30, 2 mg tablets of brand-name Zypitamag | See updated prices |
| Zocor | $312 per 30, 20 mg tablets | $3 per 30, 20 mg tablets for generic Zocor | See updated prices |
| Pravastatin | $124 per 30, 40 mg tablets of generic pravastatin | $6 per 30, 40 mg tablets of generic pravastatin | See updated prices |
| Lipitor | $432 per 30, 10 mg tablets | $3 per 30, 10 mg tablets of generic Lipitor | See updated prices |
| Lovastatin | $129 per 90, 20 mg tablets of generic lovastatin | $6 per 90, 20 mg tablets of generic lovastatin | See updated prices |
| Fluvastatin | $148 per 30, 20 mg capsules of generic fluvastatin | $21 per 30, 20 mg capsules of generic fluvastatin | See updated prices |
| Crestor | $346 per 30, 10 mg tablets | $6 per 30, 10 mg tablets of generic Crestor | See updated prices |
| Lescol XL | $416 per 30, 80 mg tablets | $36 per 30, 80 mg tablets of generic Lescol XL | See updated prices |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs. The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see updated drug prices.
How to Get Livalo Without Insurance
Paying for brand-name prescription medications like Livalo can be challenging, even with insurance coverage. Considering that statin therapy typically lasts a lifetime, the financial burden can become significant. Here are five suggestions to save on statin therapy:
1. Take Advantage of SingleCare’s Livalo Coupon
With SingleCare, a 30-day supply of Livalo can be discounted up to $80 off the average retail price using a SingleCare free discount coupon, saving almost $1,000 a year. A 90-day supply could be discounted by as much as $160.
2. Seek Low Pharmacy Prices
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By comparing prices at different local pharmacies, individuals without insurance can purchase Livalo for a much lower cost than the highest pharmacy price. It’s advisable to get all prescriptions from one pharmacy to have a complete profile for proper screening of drug interactions or other issues.
3. Consider Medicaid
For people with limited income, Medicaid may be the best option. Visit your state’s Medicaid website for eligibility criteria, enrollment forms, and additional information.
4. Explore Other Statin Options
Insurance companies often hesitate to cover Livalo due to the availability of less expensive generic statins. These generic statins have a proven track record of lowering bad cholesterol levels (LDL cholesterol), raising good cholesterol levels (HDL cholesterol), and reducing triglycerides. Patients should discuss alternative options with their healthcare provider, potentially saving $200-$300 per month, amounting to as much as $3,600 per year. Moreover, many generic statins cost between $3 and $6 when purchased with a SingleCare savings card, resulting in nearly $4,500 in annual savings.
In conclusion, while Livalo may come with a higher price, there are alternative options and strategies to make this medication more affordable. By exploring different insurance coverage, generic statin alternatives, and discount programs, individuals can manage the expenses associated with their cholesterol-lowering treatment effectively.
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Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHY
