What If I Can’t Afford My Allergy Medications?

Allergy medications can vary in price. Many are now available over the counter. Over-the-counter drugs are typically affordable, costing $30 or less. But some allergy medications may be more pricy and they may not be covered by your insurance. It is important to take your allergy medications as directed. Be sure to ask your doctor for help if you cannot afford your medications.

If you cannot afford the cost of your medications, you have options.

Shop around – at pharmacies and online

Compare prices at other pharmacies or check prices at GoodRx, Singlecare, Medical Assistance Tool, Amazon Pharmacy WebMDRx, and Needymeds.

Shop store brands

Many pharmacies and other stores have their own store brand of generic medications that may be less expensive.

Use coupons

Many drug companies offer coupons to patients by advertising in newspaper inserts or online. Stores may offer coupons on their store-brand products. Check store apps or local ads for coupons. Stock up when you see a coupon.

Use store cards

Many stores have their own free cards that can be used for discounts and to earn rewards.

Shop in bulk if you can afford it

Some bulk stores like Costco or Sam’s Club may have their own generic versions of your allergy medications and offer bulk options. This may be especially helpful for people who take allergy medication daily or families with multiple people taking the same medication.

Go generic

Many over-the-counter allergy medications such as Allegra® (fexofenadine), Benadryl® (diphenhydramine), Claritin® (loratadine), Xyzal® (levocetirizine), and Zyrtec® (cetirizine) are available in generic forms. There are over-the-counter generic nasal sprays such as Flonase® (fluticasone), Nasocort AQ® (triamcinolone), and Rhinocort AQUA® (budesonide). There are also generic options for allergy eye drops and topical creams.

Generics have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, are equally as safe and effective, and cost less. Two membership-based online websites offer cost savings for generic medications:

1. Amazon Prime members can obtain eligible generic medications for one flat fee of $5 per month through its Amazon Prime RxPass benefit.
2. Mark Cuban CostPlus Drug Company offers generic medication at cost to members. The company says it cuts out the many middlemen involved in the sale of prescription drugs and instead buys them directly from pharmaceutical companies and sells them almost at cost.

Compare total out-of-pocket cost from one prescription allergy medication to another as sometimes prices will vary

Switching to another medication may save you money. This may depend on whether or not you have insurance that covers your costs. Just remember: if you do switch allergy medications, be sure to read the package instructions. Familiarize yourself with the proper dosage and how to administer the medication. You may find some medications work better than others for your allergy symptoms.

Contact non-profit organizations that help uninsured and under-insured people

If you are uninsured or under-insured, non-profit organizations and foundations are available to help reduce financial barriers. Organizations that help uninsured people include NeedyMeds, RX Assist, RX Hope, Accessia Health, and Partnership for Prescription Assistance. Organizations that help the under-insured include the Healthwell Foundation and Patient Advocate Foundation.

You should never pay fees or provide your credit card information to any assistance program.

Contact the manufacturer for patient assistance programs

Most drug companies do not offer patient assistance for allergy medications like they do for medical conditions like asthma or COPD. That’s because most allergy medications are available over the counter in pharmacies and supermarkets. Over-the-counter allergy drugs are usually priced at $30 or less.

You can still contact drug companies to see if they offer a discount, coupon or rebate for your allergy medication. Find out the manufacturer and visit the company’s website to learn more:

• AstraZeneca: https://www.azandmeapp.com/prescriptionsavings/ or call 800-292-6363

• Bayer: https://www.patientassistance.bayer.us/en/ or call 866-228-7723

• GSK: https://www.gskforyou.com/ or call 800-745-2967

• Johnson & Johnson: https://www.jjpaf.org/ or call 800-652-6227

• Merck: https://www.merckhelps.com/ or call 855-257-3932

• Novartis: https://www.novartis.com/us-en/patients-and-caregivers/patient-assistance or call 800-277-2254

• Organon (part of Merck): https://www.organon.com/our-focus/patient-support-programs/ or call 844-674-3200

• Pfizer: https://www.pfizer.com/about/responsibility/global-impact/Rxpathways or call 866-706-2400

• Sanofi: https://www.sanofipatientconnection.com/ or call 888-847-4877

Can't afford your medication?

The Allergy & Asthma Network has a series on helping to afford medication for asthma, allergies, and related conditions. More will be coming as they become available.