The cost of Epidiolex (cannabidiol) can vary based on several factors, including your insurance coverage. Coupons and drug savings programs can also lower the price you’ll pay for Epidiolex.

As with all medications, the cost of Epidiolex can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include:

  • your treatment plan
  • your insurance coverage
  • the pharmacy you use
  • whether Epidiolex has a savings program (see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section later in the article)

To find out what the cost of Epidiolex will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Note: If you have insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers Epidiolex. This means the company and your doctor will discuss Epidiolex in regard to your treatment. The insurance company will then determine whether the medication is covered. If a drug requires prior authorization and you start treatment without the prior approval, you could pay the full cost of the medication. You can ask your insurance company whether Epidiolex requires prior authorization.

Epidiolex is only available as a brand-name drug. It doesn’t come in a generic version. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.

Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

WHY ARE COSTS DIFFERENT FOR BRAND-NAME DRUGS VS. GENERIC DRUGS?

Brand-name drugs can be expensive because of the research needed to test their safety and effectiveness. The manufacturer of a brand-name drug can sell it for up to 20 years. When the brand-name drug’s patent expires, multiple manufacturers can create generic versions. This marketplace competition may lead to lower costs for generics. Also, because generics contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they don’t require the same costly testing.

If you take Epidiolex long term, you may be able to lower its cost in the following ways.

Getting a 3-month supply

You may be able to get a 90-day supply of Epidiolex. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Using a mail-order pharmacy

Epidiolex may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this type of service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to receive your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug via mail order.

If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need financial support to pay for Epidiolex, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. For example:

  • The Epidiolex Copay Savings Program is available for this drug. With this savings program and qualifying insurance plans, Epidiolex can cost as little as $0 per month. For more information and to find out whether you’re eligible for support, call 833-426-4243 or visit the program website.
  • Some websites provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services. Two such websites are:

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions with or without insurance, check out this article.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug cost and Epidiolex.

How does the price of Epidiolex compare with the price of CBD oil?

The cost of Epidiolex versus other cannabidiol (CBD) oils can depend on several factors. Unlike Epidiolex, you can purchase CBD oil without a prescription. Many companies make CBD oil, so the price and quality can vary.

What you’ll pay for Epidiolex depends on whether your insurance covers this medication. For example, your insurance provider may not cover Epidiolex if it’s prescribed off-label. (Off-label use is when doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for. Epidiolex is only approved to treat seizures associated with certain conditions.)

Epidiolex’s cost may also depend on where you fill your prescription, the amount your doctor prescribes for you, and whether you qualify for any savings programs. If you have questions about insurance coverage for Epidiolex, contact your insurance provider.

To learn more about the price of some CBD oils, see this article. Talk with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter products to treat your condition.

Will Medicare pay for Epidiolex?

It depends on your individual coverage under Medicare.

You can contact your Medicare provider to find out whether Epidiolex is covered under your plan. Your doctor or your pharmacist may also be able to check this information before giving you a prescription.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.