Lovastatin is a generic oral tablet prescribed for high cholesterol and coronary artery disease. The cost of lovastatin with and without insurance can depend on several factors.
As with all medications, the cost of lovastatin can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use. The price of lovastatin may also depend on the tablet strength and dosage your doctor prescribes. Lovastatin oral tablet is available in three strengths: 10 milligrams (mg), 20 mg, and 40 mg.
Lovastatin is not available over the counter. It’s only available by prescription from a healthcare professional.
To find out what the cost of lovastatin will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. Or look below in the next section to learn how much you can save by using an Optum Perks coupon.
To save money on your lovastatin prescription, explore these Optum Perks coupons.
Lovastatin tablet is only available as a generic. It doesn’t come in a brand-name version. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. A generic drug is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.
However, an extended-release tablet form of lovastatin is available as the brand-name drug Altoprev. (Extended release means the drug is slowly released into your body over time.) Currently, it doesn’t come in a generic version.
Lovastatin tablet is an immediate-release form of the drug. (Immediate release means the drug is released into your body soon after taking your dose.)
If your doctor has prescribed lovastatin and you’re interested in Altoprev instead, talk with your doctor. They may prefer one version or the other. You’ll also need to check with your insurance provider, as it may cover only one or the other.
To find out how the cost of Altoprev compares with the cost of lovastatin, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
If you take lovastatin tablet 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 lovastatin. 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
Lovastatin 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 lovastatin, consider looking into websites that offer cost resources and information. Two such organizations are:
These sites can provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services.
Below is information you may want to consider if you have insurance and receive lovastatin.
If you have insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers lovastatin. This means the company and your doctor will discuss lovastatin in regard to your treatment. The insurance company will then determine whether to cover the medication. If a drug requires prior authorization but you start treatment without the prior approval, you could pay the full cost of the medication. You can ask your insurance company whether lovastatin requires prior authorization.
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.