Meclizine

Introduction

Medically reviewed by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA
Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD
Updated on November 29, 2023

Meclizine is a generic medication that’s prescribed for vertigo (a spinning sensation). The brand-name version of this drug is Antivert. The cost of meclizine with or without insurance can depend on several factors. It might be lowered by using a coupon.

Meclizine comes in these forms:

• an oral tablet that you swallow
• a chewable tablet

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

Cost of meclizine

Like other medications, the cost of meclizine 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 meclizine 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 meclizine

Prescription drug coupons can help you save money by lowering the cost of meclizine. The Optum Perks coupons above 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.

Insurance and other considerations for meclizine

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 meclizine. In this case, your doctor will communicate with your insurance company regarding your prescription for meclizine. 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 meclizine 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

Meclizine is a generic medication. The brand-name version of this drug is Antivert.

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 version.

If your doctor has prescribed meclizine, but you’re interested in taking Antivert, 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 meclizine compares with its brand-name version, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You could also contact your insurance company.

Common questions about meclizine and cost

Here are some common questions about meclizine and their answers.

Is meclizine available over the counter? If so, does the over-the-counter form cost less than the prescription form?

Yes, meclizine is available over the counter (OTC). The cost for the OTC version may or may not be less than the prescription form. Certain strengths of meclizine may only be available with a prescription.

Many factors go into the price you’ll pay for a prescription medication. But insurance coverage is the main one. Insurance plans differ in how they cover drugs and the copay they require. If you have insurance, your plan will determine how much you’ll pay for prescription meclizine. This could end up being less than the price of the OTC form.

You can find out how much a prescription for meclizine is likely to cost by contacting your insurance provider. Or you can ask someone at your pharmacy.

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 without anyone else making their drug. 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, which have already been tested. So generic medications don’t require the same kind of costly testing as brand-name medications.

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

What to ask about meclizine

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

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:

• How does the cost of my prescription meclizine compare with the cost of buying it over the counter?
• Are there other lower cost drugs that could treat my condition?
• What are my options if I’m unable to afford my medication?

Resources

• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• Meclizine hydrochloride tablets, for oral use; meclizine hydrochloride chewable tablets, for oral use. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/c9ddc39c-bc6b-42f1-8c5f-5aff2d79c4bd/spl-doc
• Meclizine hydrochloride tablets, USP. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/af5d0c9b-a997-8033-afca-3c04221f2e76/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.