Myrbetriq Cost Without Insurance: How to Manage Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Myrbetriq Cost Without Insurance: How to Manage Out-of-Pocket Expenses
- Todd P
If you’ve been prescribed Myrbetriq (mirabegron) to manage overactive bladder (OAB), you may have experienced sticker shock at the pharmacy counter—especially if you don’t have insurance coverage. With monthly prices ranging from $400 to $600 or more, Myrbetriq can place a significant financial burden on many patients.
This article explains why Myrbetriq is expensive, what to do if you’re paying out of pocket, and strategies to lower your costs.
Why Is Myrbetriq So Expensive Without Insurance?
Myrbetriq is a brand-name prescription medication made by Astellas Pharma. It is used to treat symptoms of OAB, such as urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence.
There are a few key reasons why Myrbetriq is so expensive:
It’s only available as a brand-name medication. There is no FDA-approved generic version in the U.S. at this time.
Patent protection is still in place. This prevents other manufacturers from producing lower-cost generics.
U.S. drug pricing is unregulated. Unlike in other countries, pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. can set their own prices without government caps.
As a result, if your insurance doesn’t cover Myrbetriq—or if you don’t have insurance—you may be paying full price out of pocket.
What If Insurance Doesn’t Cover Myrbetriq?
Even if you do have insurance, coverage for Myrbetriq can be limited. Some insurance plans require:
Step therapy (trying cheaper medications first)
Prior authorization from your doctor to confirm medical necessity
High copays or coinsurance under certain plans
Medicare and Medicaid plans may cover Myrbetriq, but only after fulfilling strict requirements. And if you’re uninsured, the cost can be especially challenging.
Typical Myrbetriq Prices Without Insurance
Without insurance, here’s what you might expect to pay in the U.S.:
30-day supply (25 mg or 50 mg tablets): $400–$600 USD
90-day supply: $1,200–$1,800 USD
Prices can vary by pharmacy and region, so it’s worth shopping around or using online price comparison tools.
Does the Manufacturer Offer Savings Programs?
Astellas does provide a copay savings card, but it only helps those with commercial (non-government) insurance. The card may lower your monthly cost significantly, but:
It’s not valid for Medicare, Medicaid, or other government programs.
It typically caps how much it covers per fill.
It doesn’t help uninsured patients.
If you don’t qualify for the savings card, you’ll need to explore other strategies.
Is Myrbetriq Cheaper in Canada?
Yes, Myrbetriq is available in Canada. Because Canada has government-regulated drug pricing, the same medication often costs much less than in the U.S.
A 30-day supply of Myrbetriq may costs $105 USD through a Canadian pharmacy referral service.
U.S. patients can legally import up to a 90-day supply for personal use with a valid U.S. prescription.
This can be a helpful option for patients who are paying full price in the U.S. and need an affordable long-term solution.
How to Save on Myrbetriq Without Insurance
If you’re paying the full cost yourself, here are several ways to reduce what you spend:
1. Use Prescription Discount Cards
Programs like GoodRx, SingleCare, and WellRx may help you find lower prices at participating pharmacies. These tools let you compare costs and access coupons that reduce the price at the counter.
2. Check Different Pharmacies
Not all pharmacies charge the same. Prices may be lower at warehouse clubs (like Costco), big box stores, or even local independent pharmacies.
3. Ask About a 90-Day Supply
Some pharmacies offer reduced pricing on a 90-day supply, especially if you pay cash. Ask your doctor to write a prescription for three months to check if this saves money.
4. Explore Lower-Cost Alternatives
Myrbetriq is not the only medication for overactive bladder. Generic medications like oxybutynin, tolterodine, or solifenacin may be more affordable and covered by insurance. These drugs work differently but may still offer symptom relief.
Talk to your doctor about whether one of these might work for you.
Final Tips for Managing Myrbetriq Costs
If you’re facing high out-of-pocket costs for Myrbetriq, here’s what you can do:
Compare prices at local and online pharmacies using discount programs.
Speak with your doctor about alternatives that may be covered or less expensive.
Ask about Canadian pharmacy referral services that can legally ship to U.S. residents with a valid prescription.
See if you qualify for patient assistance programs for low-income individuals.
Managing overactive bladder is important for your quality of life. With the right resources and support, you don’t have to let high costs stop your treatment.