Bisacodyl

Introduction

Written by Julz Richterman, PharmD, MBA, BCGP
Medically reviewed by Patricia Weiser, PharmD
Updated on December 15, 2023

Bisacodyl (bis AK oh dil) is a generic medication that’s used for occasional constipation. Brand-name versions include Dulcolax Laxative, Dulcolax Pink Laxative, Dulcolax Suppositories, and Fleet Bisacodyl Enema. The cost of bisacodyl with or without insurance can depend on several factors. It might be lowered using a coupon

Read on to learn about bisacodyl and cost. You’ll also find available coupons and suggestions for ways to save on your prescription. Bisacodyl is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug, which means it’s available without a prescription. That said, doctors may sometimes prescribe this medication. If you’d like more information about bisacodyl, including its uses, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. 

Cost of bisacodyl

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

• your insurance plan, if you have coverage
• the pharmacy you use
• the drug form you use

To find out how much bisacodyl costs, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. Bisacodyl is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug, which means it’s available without a prescription. That said, doctors may sometimes prescribe this medication. In this case, 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 bisacodyl” section.

Coupons for bisacodyl

Prescription drug coupons can help you save money by lowering the cost of bisacodyl. The Optum Perks coupons above can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. Bisacodyl is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug, which means it’s available without a prescription. That said, doctors may sometimes prescribe this medication.

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 for bisacodyl

Bisacodyl is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug, which means it’s available without a prescription. That said, doctors may sometimes prescribe this medication. If that’s the case, there are some considerations to keep in mind.

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

• Prior authorization. If you have prescription drug insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers the cost of bisacodyl. In this case, your doctor will communicate with your insurance company regarding your prescription for bisacodyl. The insurance company will decide whether to cover the medication. If a drug requires prior authorization and you begin using it without this, you may have to pay the full price of the drug.
• Insurance coverage. Even if your policy has prescription drug coverage, bisacodyl may not be covered since it’s an OTC drug. Some insurance companies either do not cover OTC medications or only cover a certain dollar amount per year.

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

Bisacodyl is a generic medication. Its brand-name versions are shown in the following table:

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.) Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs. And they’re thought to be as safe and effective as the brand-name versions.

If your doctor has recommended bisacodyl but you’re interested in taking one of the brand-name versions, let them know. They may prefer one medication over the other. Also, check whether your insurance plan covers only one version of the drug. Some generic drugmakers sell bisacodyl over the counter using other trade names. Examples include Alophen, OneLax, and Gentle Laxative. Talk with your pharmacist if you need help finding the right medication.

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

Common questions about bisacodyl and cost

Here are some common questions about bisacodyl and their answers.

How does the cost of bisacodyl compare with the cost of docusate?

The cash price for bisacodyl and docusate are usually similar. (Docusate is another drug used to treat constipation.) But since they work differently, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend one over the other for your condition.

The cost of these drugs may also depend on certain factors. These include the form you use, the pharmacy you use, and whether you have insurance.

Keep in mind all forms of bisacodyl and docusate are available over-the-counter (OTC). So you can get the same medication with or without a prescription. If your doctor writes a prescription, the price of either drug may depend on your insurance coverage. (For more information, see the “Insurance and other considerations for bisacodyl” section.)

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn which medication would be best for your condition and how much it may cost.

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 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 or pharmacist.

What to ask about bisacodyl

This article provides cost information related to bisacodyl. It also offers suggestions for ways to save money on your prescription. Above on this page, you’ll find coupons for bisacodyl.

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 insurance cover over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like bisacodyl?
• Are there cost differences between the different forms of bisacodyl?
• Are there other low cost drugs that could treat constipation?

Resources

• Bisacodyl suppository. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/a747a57a-028e-70ea-e053-2a95a90ac184/spl-doc
• Bisacodyl tablet, delayed release. (2021). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/6b85af55-35db-4630-8bc0-9ff4fbf5990a/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 

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.