Propafenone, Propafenone ER

Introduction

Written by Ashley Wong, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Brittany A. Duke, PharmD, RPh
Updated on November 21, 2023

Propafenone is a generic medication that’s prescribed for certain types of irregular heart rhythm. The brand-name version of this drug is Rythmol SR. The cost of propafenone with or without insurance can depend on several factors. It might be lowered by using a coupon.

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

Cost of propafenone

Like other medications, the cost of propafenone 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 propafenone 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 propafenone” section.

Coupons for propafenone

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

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

Propafenone is a generic medication. It’s available in these generic forms:

• immediate-release* oral tablet: not available in a brand-name version
• extended-release† oral capsule: available in the brand-name version Rythmol SR

* “Immediate release” means the drug releases into your body right away.
† “Extended release” means the drug releases slowly into your body over some time.

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 propafenone but you’re interested in taking Rythmol SR, 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 propafenone compares with its brand-name version, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You could also contact your insurance company.

Common questions about propafenone and cost

Here are some common questions about propafenone and their answers.

Does propafenone extended-release (ER) oral capsule cost more than the oral tablet form of the drug?

It’s possible that propafenone’s ER* oral capsule may cost more than the immediate-release† oral tablet.

The cost of your prescription can differ depending on the form your doctor prescribes. Other factors that can affect its price include dosage, quantity, and your insurance coverage. Insurance plans vary in how they cover medications and the copay they charge for them.

If you have more questions about this, talk with your insurance provider or pharmacy.

* “Immediate release” means the drug releases into your body right away.
† “Extended release” means the drug releases slowly into your body over some time.

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 propafenone

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

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 a higher dosage of propafenone cost more?
• What will my copay be for propafenone?
• Are there any drugs to treat my condition that cost less than propafenone?

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
• Propafenone hydrochloride extended release capsules, for oral use. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/b418b805-9c6b-4c86-87c5-ba72c6e24cf2/spl-doc
• Propafenone hydrochloride tablets, for oral use. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/739b7624-952d-4343-b720-974d30e284d9/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.