Xalatan, Iyuzeh, Xelpros

Introduction

Written by Skyler Todd, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD
Updated on October 11, 2023

Latanoprost eye drops is a generic medication that’s prescribed for lowering pressure in the eye due to open-angle glaucoma or high blood pressure in your eye. The brand name versions are Xalatan, Xelpros, Iyuzeh, and Vyzulta. The cost of latanoprost with or without insurance can depend on several factors. It might be lowered by using a coupon.

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

Cost of latanoprost

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

Coupons for latanoprost

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

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 latanoprost. In this case, your doctor will communicate with your insurance company regarding your prescription for latanoprost. 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. The cost of your doses will depend on your specific insurance plan. If you have questions about this process, contact your doctor or your insurance provider.
• A 3-month supply. If you’re using latanoprost 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

Latanoprost is a generic medication. The brand-name versions of this drug are Xalatan, Xelpros, Iyuzeh, and Vyzulta.

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 believed to be as safe and effective as the brand-name versions.

If your doctor has prescribed latanoprost but you’re interested in taking Xalatan, Xelpros, Iyuzeh, or Vyzulta, 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 latanoprost compares with its brand-name versions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You could also contact your insurance company. 

Common questions about latanoprost and cost

Here are some common questions about latanoprost and their answers.  

Is latanoprost available over the counter? Is the drug cheaper if I get it over the counter versus at the pharmacy?

Latanoprost is not available over the counter (OTC). You need a prescription from your doctor to get latanoprost. Some eye drops are available OTC, but they may not work for the conditions lantanoprost is approved to treat.

The cost of over the counter eye drops versus prescription eye drops may depend on your insurance plan. Sometimes a drug costs less through insurance than buying it OTC. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about available eye drops for your condition.

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.

What to ask about latanoprost

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

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:

• What pharmacy should I use to get latanoprost at the best cost?
• Are there any over the counter eye drops that could treat my condition?
• Are there other prescription drugs less expensive than latanoprost that could treat my condition?

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
• Latanoprost solution/drops. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/19cdfef0-b770-4758-8f59-1769e4b6119c/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.