Phentermine/topiramate (sold under the brand name Qsymia®) is a prescription-only medication and, unlike many other drugs, it currently has no generic equivalent. Because of that, the out‑of‑pocket cost can be relatively high—though the exact amount depends on a handful of factors:
| Factor | What it means for your bill |
|--------|------------------------------|
| Insurance | Most U.S. plans cover Qsymia, but the copay or coinsurance varies (often 10‑25 % of the drug’s cost). |
| Manufacturer savings | The company that makes Qsymia offers a “Qsymia Patient Assistance Program” for eligible patients with limited income. |
| Pharmacy discount cards | Some pharmacies or third‑party discount sites offer 10‑30 % off the list price for uninsured patients. |
| Copay cards | Qsymia’s manufacturer also sells copay cards that can reduce the coinsurance amount (up to a few hundred dollars per month). |
| Location | Prices can differ by pharmacy and state because of local regulations and pharmacy contract arrangements. |
Rough cost ranges (U.S.)
| Scenario | Approx. monthly cost (before insurance) |
|----------|-----------------------------------------|
| Fully insured (10‑20 % coinsurance) | $80 – $200 |
| Fully insured (20‑25 % coinsurance) | $120 – $300 |
| Uninsured (full price, no assistance) | $650 – $1,200 |
| With manufacturer assistance (eligible) | $0 – $50 (after applying a copay card) |
Tip: The list price (what a pharmacy would charge the insurer) is often around $1,000–$1,200/month. Insurance usually pays the majority of that amount.
How to get a better deal
1. Ask your prescriber about the Qsymia Patient Assistance Program. The eligibility check is quick, and you can apply online or by phone. If you qualify, the program can cover most or all of the cost.
2. Use a pharmacy discount card. Sites like GoodRx or the manufacturer’s own “Qsymia Patient Savings” card can cut out‑of‑pocket costs by 10‑30 %.
3. Shop around at local pharmacies. Some chains (e.g., Costco, Walmart) may have negotiated lower prices for Qsymia.
4. Check your health plan’s formulary. Some plans include Qsymia as a preferred brand, which reduces your copay.
5. Talk to your pharmacist. They often know about regional discount programs or can help you apply for manufacturer assistance.
---
Bottom line
- Generic? No.
- Typical monthly cost without insurance: $650–$1,200.
- Typical cost with insurance: $80–$300 (depending on coinsurance).
- Savings options: Manufacturer patient assistance, copay cards, pharmacy discount cards.
If you’re considering Qsymia and are worried about cost, the best first step is to ask your prescriber to fill out the eligibility form for the manufacturer’s assistance program—many patients find it covers the bulk of the cost. And, of course, always double‑check with your insurer and pharmacy before filling a prescription.