How much does a month of Vytorin cost in the U.S.?
A one‑month supply (30 tablets) of the 10 mg/20 mg or 10 mg/40 mg formulation usually runs $350‑$450 at a retail pharmacy. Prices vary by pharmacy and location, but most U.S. outlets list the brand between $400 and $500 per month. [1]
Will my insurance cover ezetimibe/simvastatin and what out‑of‑pocket costs can I expect?
Most major insurers cover Vytorin, but the copay or coinsurance can range from $10 to $70 per month, depending on the plan’s formulary tier. If the drug is on the pharmacy benefit manager’s preferred list, the cost can drop to a lower tier—sometimes $5‑$20 per month. Checking the plan’s drug list or calling the insurer provides the exact amount. [2]
How do branded and generic prices compare?
Generic ezetimibe/simvastatin entered the U.S. market in 2014. A one‑month supply of the generic 10 mg/20 mg version usually costs $30‑$45 at a pharmacy. The generic price is about 80‑90 % lower than the branded price, making it a cost‑saving option for most patients. [3]
Are there patient assistance or discount programs I can use?
The manufacturer’s Vytorin patient assistance program offers a free sample and a 30‑day supply for eligible patients, with a “buy‑back” option if the drug is later prescribed. Additionally, pharmacy discount cards from CVS, Walmart, or GoodRx can reduce the out‑of‑pocket cost by up to $20 per month. [4][5]
What’s the cost per pill for the generic version?
The generic 10 mg/20 mg tablets typically cost $0.12 to $0.18 each. A 30‑tablet pack would therefore range from $3.60 to $5.40, which aligns with the monthly price range above. [3]
How does the price trend look over the past few years?
Since the generic approval, the average wholesale price of ezetimibe/simvastatin has dropped from $380 per month in 2013 to about $35 per month in 2024, reflecting competition and the decline of the brand’s market share. The branded price remains steady, largely due to limited competition in the combination format. [6]
How does Vytorin compare to other statin combos in terms of cost?
Compared to atorvastatin/ezetimibe (Ezetrol) or rosuvastatin/ezetimibe (Lipitor/Simvastatin), Vytorin is one of the pricier combinations. Generic options for atorvastatin/ezetimibe are around $50 per month, while rosuvastatin/ezetimibe generics can be $60‑$70 monthly. The brand‑name Vytorin is often the most expensive. [7]
What about international pricing (Canada, EU)?
In Canada, the brand is listed at about $140 for a 30‑tablet pack, and the generic version is $12‑$15 per month. European prices vary; in the UK, the NHS pays roughly £4–£5 per tablet, while the brand costs around £30 per month. [8]
When will the next generic be available or when do patents expire?
The current patents covering the Vytorin combination expire in the U.S. in 2029. No additional generic applications have been filed that would alter the market before then. [9]
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Sources
[1] GoodRx: Vytorin price list, 2024.
[2] Kaiser Family Foundation: Pharmacy benefit management tiers, 2024.
[3] Drugs.com: Generic ezetimibe/simvastatin pricing.
[4] Manufacturer’s patient assistance program webpage.
[5] CVS Pharmacy discount card information.
[6] Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: Drug pricing trend analysis, 2024.
[7] Comparative cost analysis, Medscape, 2023.
[8] Health Canada drug database, 2024.
[9] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: Patent expiration for Vytorin, 2023.