How Much is Aripiprazole Without Insurance?

Aripiprazole or Abilify (brand name) is an antipsychotic drug that is commonly prescribed to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, manic depression, and some symptoms of Tourettes and autism. Generic Aripiprazole is covered by most medicare and insurance plans; however, without insurance, the out-of-pocket cost can range from about $12.25 to $900, depending on quantity and dosage.    

How much does Aripiprazole cost without insurance?

There are several factors that influence the price of Aripiprazole: dosage, tablet count, method of administration (how you take the medication), and the generic vs. brand name version. Additionally, the price of a prescription can vary based on the pharmacy since Aripiprazole cannot be obtained over the counter.  

Below is the average cost for thirty tablets of 5mg generic Aripiprazole from different pharmacies nationwide. Although prices are subject to differ based on where you live, the cheapest options were found at Walmart for $7.26 and Wegmans for $14.14. 

Cost of Generic Aripiprazole at Major Pharmacies  

Source: GoodRX 

Factors that Influence Aripiprazole Cost   

As previously mentioned, there are several factors that can influence the cost of Aripiprazole. As the price breakdown is not always upfront, it's important to know what might be increasing the cost of your prescriptions. Some factors that affect the cost of Aripiprazole include brand name prescription, dosage, and route of administration, such as a traditional oral tablet, vial, oral dissolving tab, or oral liquid solution. 

Generic vs. Brand Name Cost of Aripiprazole  

Brand-name medications are much more expensive than generic medications, although there is little difference between the two. Generic medications can be 85 percent cheaper than their brand-name equivalents. Generic and brand-name medications undergo the same testing and approval process and have the same safety, dosage, and effectiveness. Furthermore, it's important to note that you should never be hesitant about generic medications, as they are a great way to save money on prescriptions.  

Below is a cost comparison of generic Aripiprazole and its brand-name counterpart, Abilify. Abilify is significantly more expensive than Aripiprazole, with the cheapest option (without insurance coverage) for thirty 5mg tablets at Wegmans for $581.46.

Cost Comparison of Generic and Brand-Name Aripiprazole

Source: GoodRX 

How much does an oral solution or tablet of aripiprazole cost?

In addition to the traditional pill or oral tablet administration method, Aripiprazole can be prescribed as an oral liquid solution or oral dissolving tab. Both alternative methods are not covered by insurance, and the cost varies based on the dosage. However, the dissolving tab is typically the more expensive option. 

Below is a cost comparison of the standard 150mL prescription of oral solution Aripiprazole and dissolving tab prescription for 30 tablets of 10mg and 15mg dosage. 

Cost Comparison of Oral Solution and Dissolving Tab 

Source: Drug.com 

How much does a dosage of aripiprazole cost?   

Aripiprazole oral tablets are available in many different doses that are prescribed for a number of reasons. When prescribing Aripiprazole for the first time, doctors will typically start with the lowest dosage and make adjustments to increase or decrease as needed, depending on the condition or severity of symptoms. 

Cost Comparison of Dosage by Quantity 

Below is a cost comparison of the different doses and quantities of generic Aripiprazole. Both are available in doses of: 2mg, 5mg, 10mg, 15mg, 20mg and 30mg. Additionally, each dose can be prescribed in quantities ranging from 30 to 100 tablets.  

2mg  

5mg  

10mg  

15mg  

20mg 

30mg  

Source: Drugs.com 

Aripiprazole Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)   

If your doctor has suggested or recently prescribed you Aripiprazole, you may have a few questions and concerns. Below are some commonly asked questions about Aripiprazole. 

What is Aripiprazole?    

Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic drug that is prescribed to treat certain mental and mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Tourette's syndrome, and irritability associated with autistic disorder. Additionally, Aripiprazole is used in combination with other medications to treat depression. Aripiprazole works to restore the balance of chemicals in the brain, which decreases hallucinations, nervousness, and mood swings, as well as improves concentration and clear thinking. 

When Should You Take Aripiprazole?   

No matter the route of administration (oral liquid solution, tablet, or dissolving tab), Aripiprazole should be taken by mouth, typically once a day with or without food. Additionally, Aripiprazole should be taken around the same time every day. No matter the route of administration, you should follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or confusion about the instructions.  

It's important not to take more or less of your prescribed dose or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of Aripiprazole and gradually increase or decrease the dose depending on how well the medication works for you and the side effects you experience. 

What Are the Side Effects of Aripiprazole?  

There are several side effects and risks that come with taking Aripiprazole. Especially if you have just started Aripiprazole or your doctor has recently adjusted your prescribed dosage, it's important to discuss the risk and document the side effects you experience. Potential side effects include: 

• Headache
• Nervousness
• Dizziness or feeling unsteady
• Heartburn
• Stomach pain
• Weight gain
• Pain in arms, legs, or joints
• Increase salivation
• Tiredness

What is Schizophrenia?    

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that causes individuals to have an abnormal interpretation of reality and can result in a combination of hallucinations and disordered behavior that can impair daily function. Symptoms of schizophrenia and diagnosis generally occur in adults mid-to-late 20s but also can be seen in teenagers as well. People with schizophrenia require lifeline treatment, and Aripiprazole is often prescribed to reduce symptoms. Common Symptoms of Schizophrenia include: 

• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Disorganized thinking and speech
• Extremely Disorganized or abnormal behavior
• Negative symptoms, such as lack of emotion or facial expressions
• Trouble sleeping
• Lack of motivation

With Bipolar Disorder, What is the Difference Between Mania, Hypomania, and Depressive Episodes?  

Bipolar Disorder is a condition that causes extreme mood swings, including emotional highs ( mania and hypomania) and lows (depression). There are multiple types of bipolar and related disorders that include episodes of mania, hypomania, and depression. Symptoms are often unpredictable and can cause uncertain changes in mood and behavior.  

Mania and hypomania have the same symptoms but are two distinct episodes. Mania is more severe than hypomania and can cause noticeable problems in work, school, and social activities. Symptoms of mania and hypomania include three or more of the following symptoms: 

• Abnormally upbeat or wired
• Increases activity, energy, or agitation
• Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence
• Decrease need for sleep
• Racing thoughts
• Poor-decision making

Like mania and hypomania, major depressive episodes can affect daily activities, including work and school. A depressive episode includes five or more of the following symptoms: 

• Feeling sad, empty or hopeless
• Loss of interest or feeling or no pleasure in all activities
• Significant weight loss or weight gain
• Either insomnia or sleeping too much
• Restlessness or slowed behavior
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Decreases ability to think or concentrate
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive inappropriate guilt

Bottom Line  

Aripiprazole is a common medication used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and manic depression. Although the generic medication is significantly cheaper than the brand-name version, the prescription can still be expensive without insurance, as the cost depends on the administration type and the dosage. 

Prescription medications are essential to managing your mental and physical health but can be costly. When it comes time to get your medications refilled, worrying about the cost should be the last thing on your mind. With a Mira membership and MiraRX, you get access to up to 80 percent off prescription medication, low-cost lab testing, and affordable urgent care visits. Sign up today!