Propranolol cost and coupons

Propranolol comes in these forms:

• tablet that’s taken by mouth
• extended-release* capsule that’s taken by mouth
• solution that’s taken by mouth
• solution that’s injected into a vein

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved propranolol to:

• treat high blood pressure, a type of chest pain, and certain heart rhythm problems
• support heart function after a heart attack or in people with a certain heart condition
• prevent migraine headaches
• reduce shaking due to essential tremor
• treat certain thyroid and adrenal gland problems

Read on to learn about propranolol and its cost. You’ll also find available coupons and suggestions for ways to save on your prescription. If you’d like more information about propranolol, including its uses, refer to this overview article.

* Extended release means the drug is slowly released over time after you take a dose.

Cost of propranolol

Like other medications, the cost of propranolol can vary. Certain factors may affect its price, such as:

• your insurance plan, if you have coverage
• the pharmacy you use
• the cost to visit a healthcare professional to receive doses of propranolol
• the form of propranolol you take

To find out how much propranolol costs, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. They may be able to suggest ways to save money on your prescription, including those described in this article. To find out what you’d pay using savings coupons, read the following section.

Coupons for propranolol

Prescription drug coupons can help you save money by lowering the cost of propranolol.

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for propranolol when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Available app for coupons

To make finding and using these coupons easier, you can download the Optum Perks app. To learn more about this prescription discount app, see this article.

Cost considerations for propranolol

Here’s a list of things to consider about the cost of prescription drugs:

• Prior authorization. If you have prescription drug insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers the cost of propranolol. In this case, your doctor will communicate with your insurance company regarding your prescription for propranolol. The insurance company will decide whether to cover the medication. If a drug requires prior authorization and you begin taking it without this, you may have to pay the full price of the drug.
• Insurance coverage. Even if your policy has prescription drug coverage, the price of propranolol may instead be billed through your medical coverage. This is because propranolol doses may be given by a doctor or another healthcare professional. The cost of your doses will depend on your specific insurance plan and whether you receive the doses at your doctor’s clinic or a hospital. If you have questions about this process, contact your doctor or your insurance provider.
• A 3-month supply. If you’re taking propranolol long term, your doctor may suggest a 90-day supply of the medication. This will have to be approved by your insurance company. Getting a 90-day supply could help lower the drug’s cost. It could also save you time having to make trips to your pharmacy.

If you have questions about any of these considerations, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Or contact your insurance company and talk with a representative.

If you don’t have a health insurance plan, let your doctor or pharmacist know. They may suggest online pharmacy options you could use. You can also ask them about ways to obtain health insurance coverage.

Common questions about propranolol and cost

Here are some common questions about propranolol and their answers. 

Does propranolol 10 mg cost less than propranolol 20 mg?

Different strengths of propranolol may vary slightly in price. The 10-milligram (mg) strength may cost slightly less than the 20-mg strength.

The form of the drug may also affect its price. Propranolol capsule and solution that are taken by mouth may cost more than the tablet form. But the price you pay for any form of propranolol may be less if you have insurance coverage.

To find out more about the drug’s cost, ask someone at your pharmacy or contact your insurance provider.

Why are costs different for brand-name drugs vs. generic drugs?

Brand-name drugs can be expensive because of the studies needed to test how safe and effective they are.

Makers of a brand-name drug can sell their drug for up to 20 years. When the patent for a brand-name drug expires, other drugmakers can make and sell generic versions. A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. An active drug is the ingredient that makes medication work.

This competition may help keep the costs of generic medications lower. Also, generic medications contain the same active drugs as brand-name medications. So they don’t require the same testing, which can be costly.

If you’d like to know more about the cost differences between brand-name and generic drugs, talk with your doctor.

Generics vs. brand-names

Propranolol is a generic medication. The brand-name versions of this drug are shown in the table below:

* Extended release means the drug is slowly released over time after you take a dose.

A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. An active drug is the ingredient that makes medication work. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs. And they’re considered as safe and effective as the brand-name versions.

If your doctor has prescribed propranolol but you’re interested in taking a brand-name version, let them know. They may prefer one medication over the other. Also, check whether your insurance plan covers only one version of the drug.

To learn how the cost of propranolol compares with its brand-name versions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You could also contact your insurance company. 

What to ask about propranolol

This article provides cost information related to propranolol. It also offers suggestions for ways to save money on your prescription. You’ll find a link to coupons for propranolol near the beginning of this article.

If you have more questions about paying for this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also contact your insurance company.

Here’s a list of questions you may want to ask regarding the cost of your medication:

• Will my dosage of propranolol affect the drug’s cost?
• Will propranolol capsules cost more than propranolol tablets?
• I have trouble swallowing tablets or capsules. Will my insurance cover propranolol oral solution?
• Are there other lower cost drugs that could treat my condition?
• What are my options if I can’t afford my medication?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks 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.