*An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not FDA-approved. Prescribers can decide to use a medication off-label because, in their professional judgment, they believe it may offer a benefit to someone.
The cost of Zulresso will vary depending on several factors, including any insurance coverage you have and the services needed to take the medication in a medical setting. Without insurance, the average cost of Zulresso is about $7,854 for a single 20 milliliter (mL) infusion. And for those who qualify, Zulresso cost savings programs offer discounts between $2,000-$15,000. Some with financial need may meet requirements to receive this medication at no cost.
Boxed Warning: Brexanolone (Zulresso) – Risk of Extreme Sedation and Sudden Loss of Consciousness
Brexanolone, the active ingredient in Zulresso, has a black box warning. This is the most serious type of warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Brexanolone can cause extreme sedation (drowsiness) and a risk of having a sudden loss of consciousness (fainting). You should talk with your doctor about serious risks with brexanolone and any other medications before starting treatment.
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How Much Is Zulresso Without Insurance?
The cost of Zulresso without insurance may be affected by any savings programs or discounts you use and the specific dosage prescribed by your provider.
Zulresso Prices
The cost of Zulresso is currently $7,854 for 20 millileters without insurance. Your Zulresso prescription may cost much less with insurance depending on your plan and coverage. The cost of Zulresso will also vary based on the dosage and amount prescribed. Savings programs are available on the Zulresso manufacturer website and may reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Note: Cash prices listed are derived from multiple sources. The prices listed are an estimate only and cannot be guaranteed. Zulresso is only available directly from your prescriber and is not in sold in pharmacies. For exact prices, please contact your prescriber.
Not available in pharmacies
$7854
How Much Does Zulresso Cost With Insurance?
There are different types of insurance options a person can use to cover the cost of their prescriptions. Commercial insurance plans are privately funded through individual policyholders or a group plan funded by an employer. Government plans, like Medicare and Medicaid, are government-sponsored insurance plans funded by the government. The type of plan you have can greatly impact the cost of Zulresso.
Commercial Insurance
Commercial insurance coverage varies with the cost of Zulresso. Each health plan carrier has a variety of health plans to choose from, and each of those has different coverages associated with them. Factors like your specific plan details, copays, premiums, and deductibles affect the cost of your medication. With commercial insurance, you cannot use copay cards, but there are financial assistance programs with Zulresso’s manufacturer that can help you reduce the out-of-pocket costs related to your treatment, up to $15,000 if eligible.1
Medicare
At this time, it’s unclear if Medicare prescription drug plans cover Zulresso. Be aware that coverage may change, so it’s important to check your Medicare plan before beginning treatment.2
Medicaid
Medicaid does not cover Zulresso. At this time, Zulress medication is included on the Medicaid formulary, which is a list of the medications covered by this program.3 Each state’s coverage may vary, though, so patients should consult their state Medicaid office to confirm. Those on Medicaid can consider the Free Drug Program available on Zulresso’s website. Under this program, Zulresso can be provided at no cost if eligible.4
TRICARE
At this time, Zulresso is not covered by TRICARE plans. However, coverage may be updated in the future. The TRICARE website has a lookup tool, so check there to verify whether Zulresso may be covered by your plan.5
Zulresso Coupons, Savings Cards, & Discounts
Trintellix cost savings programs are available from organizations such as RxAssist and discounts from the manufacturer. Some organizations provide information about cost savings programs. Others assist with the application and enrollment process. Individuals need to apply for each program and meet certain criteria to qualify.
Find the Best Prices on Prescription Medication
Optum Perks – With Optum Perks, people save up to 80% on most prescriptions. Optum Perks provides discounts at over 64,000 pharmacies nationwide. No memberships or costs to you, ever. It’s really that easy. Get your card and start saving. Get the discount card!
Zulresso Cost Savings & Patient Assistance Programs
Zulresso cost savings programs are available from online organizations such as NeedyMeds and savings from the manufacturer. Some organizations provide information about cost savings programs. Others assist with the application and enrollment process. Individuals need to apply for each program and meet certain criteria to qualify for savings. Patients can also save money on Zulresso costs by using a health savings account, available with some insurance plans.
Zulresso Drug Copay Assistance Program
This program is made to help reduce out-of-pocket copay costs related to Zulresso. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible for copay assistance. This program can cover drug-related copay costs up to $15,000, regardless of your income level. Call (844) 472-4379 for more information, or visit the financial support page on the Zulresso website linked in the resource list at the bottom of this article.1
Here are examples of the eligibility criteria for the Zulresso Drug Copay Assistance Program:
- Have private, commercial health insurance
- Be prescribed Zulresso for FDA-approved use
- Reside in the United States or US territory
- Be treated by a healthcare professional in the United States or US territory
- Be 15 years of age or older
Zulresso Infusion Copay Assistance Program
The infusion copay assistance program is designed to help reduce out-of-pocket copay costs related to the administration of Zulresso, which is a medication that requires infusion in a healthcare setting for 2.5 days. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible for this program to reduce your out-of-pocket infusion-related copay costs up to $2,000, regardless of your income level. Call (844) 472-4379 for more information, or visit the financial support page on the Zulresso website linked in the resource list at the bottom of this article.1
Here are examples of the eligibility criteria for the Zulresso Infusion Copay Assistance Program:
- Have private, commercial health insurance
- Be prescribed Zulresso for FDA-approved use
- Reside in the United States or US territory (residents of Massachusetts and Rhode Island are not eligible)
- Be treated by a healthcare professional in the United States or US territory
- Be 15 years of age or older
Zulresso Free Drug Program
This program provides Zulresso at no cost for eligible patients who meet income criteria who otherwise would not be able to access this medication. If you are underinsured or uninsured and meet financial eligibility criteria, you may qualify for this program.1
Here are examples of the eligibility criteria for the Zulresso Free Drug Program:
- Be prescribed Zulresso for FDA-approved use
- Reside in the United States or US territory
- Be treated by a healthcare professional in the United States or US territory
- Be 15 years of age or older
- Have a household income less than or equal to 500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- Be uninsured or be uninsured under any of the following circumstances: no healthcare insurance, Insured but the insurance does not cover Zulresso, Insured with coverage for Zulresso but ineligible for the Zulresso Copay Assistance Programs, and cannot afford the medication.
Other Ways to Lower the Cost of Zulresso
Trintellix discounts are available from some online resources and the manufacturer’s website. These and other options may help save money when getting your prescription filled for Zulresso.
RxAssist
RxAssist is an online patient assistance resource center. This website has information about patient assistance and savings programs for prescription medications such as Zulresso. RxAssist has a search feature where you can enter the name of a medication and find available savings programs and discounts. RxAssist provides links to the manufacturer copay assistance programs and may include more money-saving options when they become available. Information is frequently updated and patients are encouraged to check back often for the latest information.6
HSA Accounts
A health savings account (HSA) is a part of high-deductible health insurance plans. With an HSA, you can set aside pre-tax money from your paycheck to pay for certain health expenses. This means the money you contribute to this account is not subject to federal taxes, leaving the full amount available for use. Contact your company directly to learn if your Zulresso prescription is eligible.7
How to Get a Zulresso Prescription
To get a prescription for Zulresso, you will first need a psychiatric evaluation. Begin by consulting your primary provider, who may be a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. They may refer you to a psychiatrist to further evaluate your depression symptoms. A provider doing an evaluation will consider your medical history, any medications or substances you are using, and other factors. With this information, they will then determine whether Zulresso is a suitable treatment for you.
To get prescribed Zulresso online, you will also start by getting evaluated by an online psychiatric provider. We have thoroughly reviewed platforms like Talkiatry or Circle Medical that prescribe antidepressants like Trintellix, and found them each to be a good place to get started with an evaluation. If your provider feels Trintellix is a good fit for your depression symptoms, they may offer you an online prescription for the medication.
To use this medication, physicians will work with you to sign up and complete work for an FDA program called Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). The purpose of this program is to help providers monitor your safety when taking this medication.8 It should be noted that Zulresso is a medication you can only receive in a certified healthcare facility.
Online Psychiatry and Medication Management Covered by Insurance
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who takes your insurance and is seeing new patients. They’re in-network with major insurers and offer medication management. Get started with a short online assessment
Zulresso Alternatives
For some individuals, Zulresso alternatives may need to be considered. It may take a few weeks before you feel the full effects of Zulresso. Most antidepressant medications can take several weeks to take effect. Everyone responds in a unique way to medication, and your age, health history, and previous experience with side effects can have an impact. Your doctor will help to decide which medication may work best for you.
Prescriber’s Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Zulresso?
Trintellix, containing the active ingredient vortioxetine, is a brand name antidepressant medication. Trintellix is approved for treating major depressive disorder in patients 15 years and older. The safety and effectiveness of Zulresso in patients less than 15 years of age have not been established.9
How Does Zulresso Work?
Zulresso works by targeting a certain chemical in the brain called GABA, which is a neurotransmitter. Zulresso works to balance these chemicals, which may affect a person’s mood and emotions and improve postpartum depression symptoms.9
Why Is Zulresso So Expensive?
Brand name medications like Zulresso undergo costly research for safety and effectiveness under the patent.10
Is There a Generic Version of Zulresso?
No, currently a generic version of Zulresso is not available.
Can You Use a Zulresso Savings Programs With Insurance?
It depends, some savings programs may allow it while others may not. Check with the program you are applying to understand their restrictions on using insurance.
How Can I Lower My Long-Term Prescription Zulresso Costs?
For those who qualify, patient assistance and discount programs can also help you lower the cost of Zulresso.
Can I Use Discounts for Zulresso at My Pharmacy?
Discounts for Zulresso are limited since prescriptions for this medication cannot be filled at the pharmacy. They are typically ordered and given in a health clinic or a hospital. Discounts can be applied through your prescriber.
Is There a Zulresso Manufacturer Coupon Available?
No, there is no manufacturer coupon available for Zulresso. But there are savings programs on the official website that patients may apply for.
Does the Cost of Zulresso Vary Depending on the Strength?
It’s possible. Costs may also vary depending on your insurance and the pricing in your location. The dosage of your prescription may also be a factor.
Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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Zulresso Financial Support | ZULRESSO® (brexanolone) CIV. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.zulresso.com/resources/financial-assistance
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Zulresso Prices. (n.d.). GoodRx.com. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/zulresso
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Medicaid List of Covered Drugs (Formulary). (June, 2024). HealthPartners.com. Retrieved from https://www.healthpartners.com/ucm/groups/public/@hp/@public/documents/
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Financial Support for Zulresso. (n.d.). ZulressoHCP.com. Retrieved from https://www.zulressohcp.com/content/dam/www_zulresso_com
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TRICARE Formulary Search. (n.d.). Express-Scripts.com. Retrieved from https://www.express-scripts.com/frontend/open-enrollment/tricare/fst/#/
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Program Details, Sage Therapeutics, Inc. (n.d.). RxAssist.org. Retrieved from https://www.rxassist.org/search/prog-details
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What Are HSA-eligible Plans? (n.d.). Healthcare.gov. Retrieved from (https://www.healthcare.gov/high-deductible-health-plan/hdhp-hsa-information/
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What Is the Zulresso REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy)? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.zulressorems.com/#Public
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ZULRESSO- brexanolone injection, solution. (July 17, 2024). DailyMed.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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Generic Drugs: Questions & Answers. (March 16, 2021). FDA.gov. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/frequently-asked-questions-popular-topics/generic-drugs-questions-answers
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