If you’re considering treatment options for managing certain kinds of heart conditions, you may want to learn more about Plavix (clopidogrel). It’s a prescription drug used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in certain adults.

Specifically, Plavix may be prescribed for adults:

Plavix comes as a tablet you swallow.

Keep reading for details on Plavix and cost, and how to save money on prescriptions.

Note: For more details on Plavix, see this in-depth article.

The price you pay for Plavix can vary. It may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage (if you have it), and the pharmacy you use.

To find out how much you’ll pay for Plavix, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Note: If you have insurance, you may need to get prior authorization before your insurance provider will cover Plavix. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss Plavix in regard to your treatment. Then the insurance company will determine whether the drug is covered. If Plavix requires prior authorization and you don’t receive it before you start treatment, you could pay the full cost of the drug.

Be sure to ask your insurance company whether Plavix requires prior authorization.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Plavix and cost.

How does the cost of Plavix compare with the cost of its generic version?

The cost of brand-name Plavix compared with the generic version (clopidogrel) can vary based on whether you’re paying out of pocket or have insurance coverage. In general, Plavix is more expensive than clopidogrel.

If you have insurance, your cost will depend on your plan coverage and benefits. You may be able to save on the cost of Plavix if you qualify for any financial savings programs such as coupons or drug discount cards.

If you have insurance coverage, check with your provider about any cost differences between the brand-name and generic versions of this drug. Keep in mind, your plan may only cover the lower-cost option unless your doctor specifically requests Plavix for you.

If you don’t have insurance, your cost may be lower for the generic version than for brand-name Plavix.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about any cost difference between Plavix and clopidogrel. You can also ask them about any financial assistance that may be available to help you pay for your prescriptions.

And be sure to check out “Can I get help paying for Plavix?” below for some helpful resources.

What’s the cost of Plavix per month?

The cost of Plavix per month varies based on several factors. For example, the monthly price of the 75-milligram (mg) dose may depend on whether you have insurance coverage or are paying out of pocket. It can also depend on any cost savings programs you’re eligible for and which pharmacy you use.

To find out your exact cost for Plavix per month, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. If you have insurance, check with your plan provider.

How much does Plavix cost without insurance?

The cost of Plavix without insurance can vary depending on:

  • the pharmacy you choose to fill your prescription
  • the quantity you’re prescribed (such as a 30-day or 90-day supply)
  • whether you qualify and apply for any cost savings programs, such as a copay card

Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out your exact cost for Plavix without insurance. They can also suggest ways to help you save on the cost of this drug.

Plavix is available as the generic drug clopidogrel. The generic version contains an exact copy of the active drug in the brand-name medication. The generic is considered just as safe and effective as the original drug but generally costs less.

To find out how the costs of Plavix and clopidogrel compare, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

If you’ve been prescribed Plavix and you’re interested in using clopidogrel instead, talk with your doctor. They may prefer that you take one version instead of the other. If you have insurance, you’ll also need to check with your provider, as it may only cover one or the other.

Why is there such a cost difference between brand-name drugs and generics?

Years of research and testing are needed to ensure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective. This testing can make the drugs expensive. The drugmaker of a brand-name drug can sell the drug for up to 20 years. After that, other drugmakers can create generic versions. This competition in the market can lead to lower costs for generics. And because generics have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they don’t need to be studied again. This can also lead to lower generic costs.

If you take Plavix long term, you may be able to lower your costs in the following ways:

Look into getting a 90-day supply of your medication. You may be able to get a 90-day supply of Plavix if approved by your insurance company. This could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost of Plavix. If you’re interested in getting a 90-day supply of this drug, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Use a mail-order pharmacy to get your medication. Using a mail-order pharmacy might help lower your cost for Plavix. And you could get your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order drugs. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug through mail order. If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need help covering the cost of Plavix or understanding your insurance, check out these resources:

On these sites, you can find insurance information, details on drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards and other services.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you still have questions about the cost of Plavix, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to give you a better idea of what you’ll pay for this drug. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’ll pay for Plavix.

Examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor or insurance provider include:

  • Is brand-name Plavix covered by my insurance?
  • Are there lower-cost treatment options for my condition?
  • How can I find out if I’m eligible for cost savings programs for Plavix?

To learn more about Plavix, see these articles:

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.