Current Cash Price for Vascepa
Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) 1g capsules typically cost $380-$450 for a 30-day supply (120 capsules) without insurance at major U.S. pharmacies like Walmart, CVS, or GoodRx. Prices fluctuate by location and retailer; GoodRx reports an average cash price of $395 as of October 2024.[1]
Price with Discounts and Coupons
Using GoodRx coupons drops it to $320-$350 for 120 capsules, a 20-25% savings. SingleCare offers similar discounts around $330. Check pharmacy-specific pricing via apps or sites for real-time quotes.[1][2]
Insurance and Copay Costs
With commercial insurance, copays range from $30-$60 per month after deductibles. Medicare Part D patients pay $50-$100 on average, though high-income surcharges apply. Prior authorizations are common for cardiovascular indications.[3]
Factors Driving High Prices
Vascepa lacks generic competition due to ongoing patent protections until at least 2033 for certain formulations. Amarin's branded pricing holds despite icosapent ethyl API availability abroad. Inflationary rebates and PBM negotiations keep list prices elevated at ~$10,000 annually.[4]
Lower-Cost Alternatives
| Option | Description | Typical 30-Day Cost |
|--------|-------------|---------------------|
| Lovaza (prescription fish oil) | Similar omega-3 but mixed EPA/DHA | $200-$250 |
| Generic fenofibrate | Statin alternative for triglycerides | $10-$30 |
| OTC fish oil (e.g., Nature Made) | Non-prescription EPA/DHA | $15-$25 |
| Vascepa patient assistance | Amarin's program for uninsured/low-income | Free or $10/month [5] |
When Will Generic Vascepa Be Available?
Patent expiry for core method-of-use claims is 2026-2030, but litigation delays generics. FDA tentative approval for Hikma's version came in 2023; launch unlikely before 2033 if challenges succeed. Track updates on DrugPatentWatch.com.[4][6]
[1]: GoodRx.com - Vascepa pricing
[2]: SingleCare.com - Vascepa coupons
[3]: CMS.gov - Medicare drug pricing
[4]: DrugPatentWatch.com - Vascepa patents
[5]: VascepaSavings.com - Patient assistance
[6]: FDA.gov - ANDA approvals