Qelbree (viloxazine) – approximate cost without insurance
| Item | Typical Retail Price (US) | Notes |
|------|---------------------------|-------|
| 30‑day supply (30 mg tablets, 70 mg tablets, or 100 mg tablets) | $750–$900 | Prices vary by pharmacy, location, and whether you’re buying a 30‑day or 60‑day supply. The list price reported by the manufacturer is about $800–$900 for a 30‑day supply. |
| 60‑day supply | $1,400–$1,800 | Some pharmacies offer a “bulk” discount for a 60‑day refill, but it’s still roughly double the 30‑day price. |
Bottom line: Without insurance, a single month of Qelbree usually costs between $750 and $900. That’s significantly higher than many other ADHD medications (e.g., generic methylphenidate or amphetamine salts), which often fall in the $30–$200 range for a 30‑day supply.
---
Why the price is high
| Factor | Effect on cost |
|--------|----------------|
| Brand‑only drug | Qelbree is the only brand‑name viloxazine product on the market (no generic yet). |
| Newer FDA approval (2020) | New drugs typically start with a higher list price to recover development costs. |
| Manufacturers set list prices | Pharmacies generally purchase at a negotiated price from the manufacturer, but retail prices are often close to the list price. |
| Insurance rebates & discounts | Most insurance plans negotiate rebates that can bring the out‑of‑pocket cost down dramatically. Without those, you see the full list price. |
---
Ways to lower the cost
| Resource | What it offers | How to get it |
|----------|----------------|---------------|
| Qelbree Savings Card / Manufacturer’s Assistance | Up to $75‑$100 off per month (subject to eligibility). | Available via the Qelbree website or at the pharmacy. |
| Patient Assistance Programs | For patients with qualifying income/insurance status. | Contact the manufacturer’s “Patient Support” hotline. |
| Discount Card Sites (GoodRx, RxSaver, Blink) | Coupons, price‑matching, and savings cards. | Search for “Qelbree” on the site, enter your zip code, and compare prices. |
| Retail Pharmacy Loyalty Programs | Some chains (e.g., Walmart, Costco, Walgreens) offer their own savings cards. | Sign up for the pharmacy’s loyalty program. |
| Prescription Discount Cards | Independent cards that aren’t tied to a specific pharmacy. | Purchase a card from a reputable provider. |
| Ask Your Provider | Some doctors have access to “in‑network” discount programs or can request a lower dose formulation. | Talk to your prescriber about the possibility of a lower dose if medically appropriate. |
---
Practical Tips
1. Shop Around – Prices can differ by 10–20 % between pharmacies. Check at least three local chains and an online pharmacy (if you’re comfortable with that).
2. Use a Savings Card First – The manufacturer’s savings card can lower the price by ~10–15 %.
3. Compare 30‑day vs. 60‑day – If you’re confident you’ll stay on the medication for at least 60 days, a 60‑day supply may reduce the per‑day cost.
4. Check for State Medicaid Programs – Some states offer supplemental drug coverage for low‑income residents that may cover Qelbree.
5. Keep Your Prescription Updated – Frequent changes in the prescribing pharmacy or refills can sometimes trigger higher wholesale costs.
---
Final Thought
While Qelbree’s list price is high for a month’s supply, you can usually bring it down by a few hundred dollars using manufacturer coupons, discount cards, or patient assistance programs. If cost remains a barrier, discuss with your prescriber whether an alternative ADHD medication (e.g., a generic stimulant) might be appropriate for you.