Xywav (calcium/magnesium/potassium/sodium oxybates) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat certain sleep disorders. Xywav’s cost may depend on factors such as your dosage and whether you have health insurance.

Xywav is used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in adults and some children with narcolepsy. It’s also prescribed for adults with idiopathic hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness of unknown cause).

Xywav comes as a liquid solution that you swallow. For more details on Xywav, see this in-depth article.

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

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

Note: If you have insurance, you may need to get prior authorization before your insurance provider will cover Xywav. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss Xywav in regard to your treatment. Then the insurance company will determine whether the drug is covered. If Xywav 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 Xywav requires prior authorization.

Xywav only comes as a brand-name drug. It’s not currently available in a generic version. A generic contains an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication but tends to cost less.

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 manufacturer 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.

Xywav is available only through a certified pharmacy. The FDA sometimes requires certified pharmacies for certain drugs to help make sure they’re prescribed safely.

To find out ways to save money on your long-term drug costs, ask your doctor or call the Xywav certified pharmacy at 866-997-3688. They may be able to provide a savings coupon or suggestions for ways to reduce the cost of your prescription.

If you need help covering the cost of Xywav 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 the certified specialty pharmacy.

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

How does the cost of Xywav compare with that of similar drugs, such as Xyrem?

The cost of Xywav and Xyrem (sodium oxybate) tend to be similar, but a price difference may depend on factors such as your health insurance (if you have it) and whether either drug has a coupon available.

Xywav and Xyrem are both brand-name drugs made by the same drug manufacturer. Xyrem was made as a low sodium version for people who need to manage their salt intake. Neither drug is available in a generic version. And they are both handled by the same certified pharmacy.

If you have questions about the cost of Xywav compared with Xyrem, talk with your doctor or insurance provider. They can share more details on treatment costs for your specific situation. You can also call the certified pharmacy at 866-997-3688 for more information.

How much does Xywav cost without insurance?

Generally, your cost will be higher without insurance. However, if you’re eligible for the Xywav patient assistance program, your cost may be significantly decreased.

You can also visit Optum Perks* to get price estimates for Xywav when you use coupons from the site. Optum Perks coupons are meant to be used without insurance copays or benefits.

To find out the exact cost of Xywav without insurance, ask your doctor or call the certified pharmacy at 866-997-3688.

* Optum Perks is a sister site of Healthline.

If you still have questions about the cost of Xywav, talk with your doctor or the certified pharmacy. 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’d pay for Xywav.

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

  • Does my cost for Xywav depend on my dosage?
  • Will my Medicare plan cover the cost of Xywav?
  • How does the cost of Xywav compare with Provigil (modafinil)?

To learn more about Xywav, 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.