Cost of Mesalamine in 2025: Discounts and Additional Savings Options
Mesalamine, a medication used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, comes in various forms and strengths. The cost of Mesalamine can be influenced by several factors, including the formulation type, dosage strength, insurance formulary tier, quantity dispensed, and the type of pharmacy.
The DR oral capsule, which is a common form of Mesalamine, comes in a strength of 400 mg. Brands like Delzicol, Apriso, and Pentasa offer this formulation. For those seeking extended-release options, brands like Delzicol and Apriso also offer 250 mg and 500 mg strengths, while Apriso is specifically a 24-hour extended-release capsule.
Another form of Mesalamine is the rectal enema (suspension), which comes in a strength of 4 g per 60 milliliters (mL). Brands such as Rowasa and Canasa offer this form. The rectal suppository comes in a strength of 1,000 mg (1 g).
The cost of Mesalamine can vary significantly due to the factors mentioned above. Some formulations are prodrugs, which may cost less but require more frequent dosing and can have higher side effects; extended-release versions often cost more because of complex delivery systems. Mesalamine is often placed in a mid-level cost-sharing tier (Tier 3 - preferred brand), which affects coinsurance or copay amounts. Higher tiers cost more out-of-pocket. Larger supplies (e.g., 84-100 day supply) may have different cost structures, often reducing per-unit cost, especially through mail order.
Costs also vary with network pharmacies and specific plan benefits like deductibles and coverage limits. Using a mail-order pharmacy may help lower the cost of Mesalamine and allow for home delivery. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.
For patients seeking financial and insurance assistance, websites like Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds can be helpful resources. Some insurance plans or state programs offer prescription coverage benefits with reduced copays or no copays after certain conditions. Patients are encouraged to check with their pharmacy or insurance provider about available patient assistance or copay cards, consult their gastroenterologist or healthcare provider for information on access to savings programs or recommend cost-effective formulations, and explore patient advocacy websites for manufacturer assistance programs.
In summary, the cost of Mesalamine is influenced by its formulation, insurance tiering, quantity, and pharmacy type. While specific copay cards were not identified in the search results, patient assistance programs commonly exist for this medication class. Patients should inquire directly with providers, pharmacies, and insurance plans for current savings options.
- The financial implications of Mesalamine, a treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, can be influenced by factors such as formulation type, dosage strength, insurance formulary tier, quantity dispensed, and the type of pharmacy.
- The DR oral capsule, a common form of Mesalamine, comes in a strength of 400 mg, and brands like Delzicol, Apriso, and Pentasa offer this formulation.
- For those seeking extended-release options, Delzicol and Apriso also offer 250 mg and 500 mg strengths, with Apriso being a 24-hour extended-release capsule.
- The cost of Mesalamine can vary significantly because of factors like the complex delivery systems in extended-release versions, the higher side effects in some prodrugs, and the effects of insurance tiers and pharmacy type on coinsurance or copay amounts.
- Patients seeking financial and insurance assistance can find helpful resources on websites like Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds, as some insurance plans or state programs offer prescription coverage benefits with reduced copays or no copays after certain conditions.
- For Medicare patients, some plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications, and using a mail-order pharmacy may help lower the cost of Mesalamine and allow for home delivery.
