Demser
Metyrosine
Metyrosine (me TYE roe seen) is a generic medication that’s prescribed for pheochromocytoma. The brand-name version of this drug is Demser. The cost of metyrosine with or without insurance can depend on several factors. It might be lowered by using a coupon.
Metyrosine (me TYE roe seen) is a generic medication that’s prescribed for pheochromocytoma. The brand-name version of this drug is Demser. The cost of metyrosine with or without insurance can depend on several factors. It might be lowered by using a coupon.
- Generic
- • Capsule
- • 250mg
- • 120 Capsules
Dosage settings
Set your dosage
Make sure your dosage values are correct! In order for Optum Perks to provide the most accurate discount pricing for your prescription, take a moment to verify your dosage above.
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
Intro
Introduction
Written by Malini Ghoshal, RPh, MS
Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD
Updated on November 7, 2023
Metyrosine (me TYE roe seen) is a generic medication that’s prescribed for pheochromocytoma. The brand-name version of this drug is Demser. The cost of metyrosine with or without insurance can depend on several factors. It might be lowered by using a coupon.
Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved metyrosine to treat pheochromocytoma. It is used:
- for chronic (long lasting) treatment of patients with malignant pheochromocytoma
- in preparation for surgery to remove the tumor
- to manage symptoms in people who cannot have surgery
Read on to learn about metyrosine and cost. You’ll also find available coupons and suggestions for ways to save on your prescription. If you’d like more information about metyrosine, including its uses, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Cost
Cost of metyrosine
Like other medications, the cost of metyrosine can vary. Certain factors may affect its price, such as:
- your insurance plan, if you have coverage
- the pharmacy you use
To find out how much metyrosine 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 “Coupons for metyrosine” section.
Coupons
Coupons for metyrosine
Prescription drug coupons can help you save money by lowering the cost of metyrosine. The Optum Perks coupons above can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any 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.
Insurance and other considerations
Insurance and other considerations for metyrosine
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 metyrosine. In this case, your doctor will communicate with your insurance company regarding your prescription for metyrosine. 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.
- A 3-month supply. If you’re taking metyrosine 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.
Generics vs. brand-names
Generics vs. brand-names
Metyrosine is a generic medication. The brand-name version of this drug is Demser.
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 believed to be as safe and effective as the brand-name version.
If your doctor has prescribed metyrosine but you’re interested in taking Demser, 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 metyrosine compares with its brand-name version, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You could also contact your insurance company.
FAQ
Common questions about metyrosine and cost
Here are some common questions about metyrosine and their answers.
Is metyrosine covered by Medicare?
Yes, it’s possible. There are various Medicare plans with different benefits. To find out whether your plan covers metyrosine, contact your plan provider. Your coverage and cost depends on your individual plan benefits.
If your plan has a prior authorization requirement, your doctor will discuss your coverage options.
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 a 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.
What to ask
What to ask about metyrosine
This article provides cost information related to metyrosine. It also offers suggestions for ways to save money on your prescription. You’ll find a link to coupons for metyrosine 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:
- Does my cost of metyrosine depend on my dosage?
- Are there other medications to treat my condition if I cannot afford metyrosine?
- Is there a big cost difference between brand-name Demser and generic metyrosine?
Resources
Resources
- Demser (metyrosine) oral capsule. (2021). nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/32fb2f2f-34b5-4cd5-9145-c3ab37c5ca92/spl-doc
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Metyrosine oral capsules. (2023). nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/027f02b1-be49-4822-91a5-6cd66b56c0e1/spl-doc
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.
New! No Prescription? No problem.
Affordable Online Care is here! Answer a few questions about your concern and receive a treatment plan in as little as 15 minutes, from a board-certified provider, 100% online.
Learn more