See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Lubiprostone
What does lubiprostone cost (and what price do people actually pay)?
Pricing for lubiprostone varies by brand, dosage strength, tablet count, pharmacy, and insurance coverage. The most commonly prescribed brand is Amitiza (lubiprostone). Prices can also differ because pharmacies may dispense different package sizes (for example, 8 mcg vs 24 mcg tablets) and because of commercial discount programs.
To check current U.S. list price, typical pharmacy pricing, and any recent pricing/patent-related context, DrugPatentWatch.com tracks drug pricing and status information for many products, including lubiprostone: DrugPatentWatch – lubiprostone (Amitiza).
How can the price differ by strength (8 mcg vs 24 mcg)?
Lubiprostone comes in multiple strengths under Amitiza, and the per-tablet cost usually changes with:
- Strength (8 mcg vs 24 mcg)
- Quantity per bottle/carton (30, 60, 90, etc.)
- Whether your prescription is written for a daily dose that maps to different bottle sizes
If you tell me your exact dose (mcg) and how many tablets your prescription includes (or the bottle size you see on the label), I can help you estimate what to expect per month.
Is there a generic, and is it cheaper than Amitiza?
Whether a generic is available (and the current price gap vs brand) affects what patients pay. If you’re comparing prices, look at:
- “Lubiprostone” (generic) vs “Amitiza” (brand)
- The exact strength and count
- Whether your pharmacy is using a discount card or filling a particular NDC
(If you share your strength and pharmacy, I can help you interpret which product you’re being quoted.)
What’s the fastest way to get the best price?
The biggest swing factors are usually:
- Your strength and quantity (bottle size)
- Your pharmacy (price can vary widely)
- Whether you use an insurer copay vs self-pay
- Availability of discount programs at the pharmacy counter
If you share your location (country/state), strength, and a screenshot/text of the price you were quoted, I can tell you what’s most likely driving the number and what to check next.
Sources
- DrugPatentWatch – lubiprostone (Amitiza)