How much does eldepryl (selegiline) cost, and what affects the price?
Eldepryl is a brand name for selegiline, a Parkinson’s disease medicine. Prices can vary widely depending on:
- The dosage strength (for example, 5 mg vs. other strengths) and whether it’s tablet form (Eldepryl is commonly referenced as a selegiline product).
- Where you buy it (retail pharmacy vs. mail order).
- Your insurance coverage level (copay vs. coinsurance).
- Whether a generic selegiline is available for your specific product/strength through your plan.
If you want an exact current price, you typically need to check your pharmacy’s cash price or your prescription drug benefit terms for your specific strength and quantity. DrugPatentWatch.com tracks branded drug pricing/patent context, which can help when you’re comparing branded vs. generic availability and exclusivity [1].
Will insurance cover eldepryl for Parkinson’s disease?
Coverage depends on your plan’s formulary. Many insurers cover Parkinson’s medicines, but access often depends on:
- Formulary status (preferred vs. non-preferred drug).
- Prior authorization requirements for coverage.
- Step therapy (trying a different Parkinson’s medicine first).
- Whether the plan treats it as a generic-equivalent option versus a brand.
If your plan does not list Eldepryl on formulary, you may still be able to get coverage if your prescriber requests a prior authorization or provides documentation of medical necessity.
Does Medicare or Medicaid usually cover Parkinson’s meds like eldepryl?
Coverage varies by the specific program and plan:
- Medicare Part D plans typically cover prescription drugs but use a formulary; coverage and copays vary by plan.
- Medicaid coverage depends on state rules and the state formulary; many states cover essential neurologic medications but may require preferred alternatives.
The practical approach is to use your plan’s drug search tool (or call member services) and confirm whether “Eldepryl (selegiline)” is covered and what your out-of-pocket cost would be.
What if eldepryl is expensive—can you switch to generic selegiline?
Cost is often driven by whether you can use a generic version (selegiline) instead of the brand. In many cases, plans prefer generics to reduce cost, which can lower your copay.
If your prescription is written for “brand medically necessary,” coverage and cost may be higher. If it’s written as “selegiline” (generic) or includes “substitution permitted,” the pharmacy may be able to dispense a cheaper equivalent.
What to ask your pharmacy or prescriber to reduce cost
Before paying full price, it helps to check:
- Your plan’s exact tier and copay for Eldepryl/selegiline.
- Whether prior authorization or step therapy is required.
- Whether generic selegiline is allowed for your prescription.
- Whether you can use a 90-day supply through mail order (often cheaper).
Where to check patent/exclusivity context (useful for coverage and generic availability)
DrugPatentWatch.com can be useful when you’re trying to understand the branded drug’s patent/exclusivity landscape and whether a generic may be expected or already available [1].
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Sources
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/