Quick answer: most patients end up paying between $0 and $15 a month after discounts, even though the sticker price looks a lot higher. If you've been Googling "Austedo cost" and feeling overwhelmed, stick around I'll walk you through why the price can seem steep, what tools actually bring it down, and exactly what steps you can take right now to keep your outofpocket bill low.
What Drives Price
Understanding the forces behind Austedo's price tag is the first step to taming it. The drug isn't a mystery; it's a blend of manufacturing costs, market dynamics, and the insurance maze that decides how much you actually shell out.
How is the list price set?
The wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) for Austedo in 2025 hovers around $650$720 for a 30day supply of the 3mg tablets, according to the manufacturer's pricing sheet. That number is the "list price" you'll see on pharmacy websites before any insurance or coupons are applied.
Why does insurance matter?
Insurance plans negotiate their own rebates with Teva, the maker of Austedo. A preferredcoverage tier in many Medicare PartD plans can shave 3040% off the WAC. Medicare's own data shows that about 90% of beneficiaries with a PartD plan receive the drug at a copay under $15 after the plan's discount.
Does pharmacy type change the price?
Yes. Specialty pharmacies often charge a dispensing fee that can add $20$30, while brickandmortar retail pharmacies sometimes offer lower fees but might not accept all discount programs. Mailorder can be the cheapest route for a 90day supply, especially when paired with a copay card.
Is There a Generic
When it comes to generic options, the short answer is: not yet.
Current status of a generic Austedo
As of 2025, Austedo remains a brandonly medication. The FDA's Orange Book still lists no approved generic equivalents for deutetrabenazine, the active ingredient. FDA records confirm the patent protection is still in force.
Why brands cost more than generics
Patents protect the research and development investment, which means only the brand can sell the drug until the patent expires. When a generic finally arrives, you'll typically see a 3060% price drop because competition drives the market down.
Ways to Save
Now for the fun part the moneysaving tools that actually work.
Austedo coupons & freetrial voucher
Teva offers a 30day freetrial voucher that gives you your first month at no cost. The voucher is accessed through the Austedo Card portal. All you need is a valid prescription and a participating pharmacy.
Austedo discount program
The Teva Shared Solutions copay assistance program caps most patients' outofpocket cost at $10 per month. Eligibility is broad: you don't need to be lowincome, just have a prescription for Austedo and a pharmacy that accepts the program. Signup is free, and the card can be used at both retail and mailorder pharmacies.
Patient assistance programs
If you're uninsured or your income falls below a certain threshold, the Teva Cares Foundation may cover the entire cost. You'll need to provide proof of income, a recent prescription, and a copy of your ID. The hotline (18772374881) can guide you through the paperwork.
Medicare & Medicaid hacks
For Medicare PartD users, the LowIncome Subsidy (LIS) reduces the monthly copay to about $11.20, regardless of the list price. You can check your subsidy eligibility on the Medicare website.
Bulk supply discounts
Negotiating a 90day supply with your insurance can lower the permonth cost by roughly 1015%. Many specialty pharmacies offer free shipping for larger orders, which adds another savings layer.
Prior Authorization Steps
Getting Austedo approved isn't always a walk in the park, but with the right roadmap you can avoid unnecessary delays.
Stepbystep guide
- Ask your prescriber to submit the priorauthorization (PA) through CoverMyMeds. Most doctors have a direct link in their electronic health record.
- Make sure the diagnosis code (Tourette syndrome, Huntington's disease, or other FDAapproved indications) matches your prescription.
- Track the PA status in the portal; you'll receive email updates when the insurer approves or requests additional info.
- Once approved, apply the Austedo discount program or coupon before you pick up the medication.
Common pitfalls
Missing the correct dosage, using a nonparticipating pharmacy, or forgetting to include the insurance member ID are the usual culprits. Doublecheck every field; it saves you a week of waiting.
Real Cost Stories
Numbers are helpful, but realworld examples bring them to life. Below are three quick case studies that illustrate how the same drug can cost wildly different amounts depending on the support you tap into.
Patient A Commercial insurance, $0 outofpocket
Maria, a 32yearold with a private PPO plan, used the freetrial voucher for her first month, then switched to the Teva Shared Solutions card. Her insurer placed Austedo in a preferred tier, so after the card's $10 cap, her plan covered the rest. Result: $0 per month after the first month.
Patient B Medicare PartD + LIS, $11.20/month
John, 68, qualifies for the LowIncome Subsidy. With his Medicare plan, the LIS caps his copay at $11.20 regardless of the list price. He also enrolls in the discount program, which brings his cost down from an estimated $25 to the LIS amount.
Patient C Uninsured, $0 through assistance
Leah, a college student without any coverage, applied to the Teva Cares Foundation. She provided taxreturn excerpts proving her income was below $20,000. The foundation approved her for full coverage, and she now receives Austedo at no cost.
Compare Similar Drugs
Drug | Average Monthly Cost (2025) | Insurance Coverage % | Saving Programs |
---|---|---|---|
Austedo (brand) | $650$720 (list) | 94% (incl. Medicare) | Freetrial, Copay card, PAP |
Ingrezza (valbenazine) | $600$680 (list) | 88% | Manufacturer coupons |
Offlabel alternatives | Varies | Varies | Rarely |
Even though Austedo's list price looks high, the combination of freetrial vouchers and the Teva Shared Solutions program usually makes it the most affordable option for movementdisorder patients.
Tips for Long-Term Savings
Thinking ahead can prevent surprise bills months down the road. Here are four habits that keep your wallet happy.
Ask for a 90day supply
Most insurers allow a threemonth refill if you have stable dosing. This not only reduces the permonth price but also cuts down on pharmacy dispensing fees.
Quarterly price checks
Drug prices fluctuate. Use a pricecomparison tool like GoodRx every three months to see if a new coupon or discount program has appeared.
Stack programs wisely
You can usually combine the freetrial voucher with the copay card, because the voucher covers the entire cost first, and the card is applied to any subsequent fill. Just make sure your pharmacy processes them in the right order.
Stay enrolled in assistance programs
Eligibility for the Teva Shared Solutions card never expires, but you have to revalidate your address annually. Set a calendar reminder so you don't accidentally lose the benefit.
Conclusion
While the headline "Austedo cost" can feel intimidating, the reality is that most patients pay well under $15 a month once the right savings tools are in place. By understanding what drives the price, exploring the (stillabsent) generic options, and leveraging coupons, discount programs, and assistance plans, you can keep your outofpocket expense low and focus on what matters most feeling better.
Now it's your turn: have you tried any of these programs? Share your experience in the comments, or ask any questions you still have. Together we can make the medication cost conversation a little less stressful for everyone.
FAQs
What is the average out‑of‑pocket cost for Austedo?
Most patients pay between $0 and $15 per month after insurance discounts, coupons, or assistance programs are applied.
Are there any generic versions of Austedo available?
As of 2025, no generic equivalent for deutetrabenazine (Austedo) has been approved; the drug remains brand‑only.
How can I get a free‑trial voucher for Austedo?
Visit the Austedo Card portal, register with a valid prescription, and select the 30‑day free‑trial voucher, which covers the first month at no cost.
What steps are required for prior authorization of Austedo?
Your prescriber must submit a prior‑authorization through CoverMyMeds, include the correct diagnosis code, and ensure the pharmacy is enrolled in the program.
Can Medicare or Medicaid reduce my Austedo cost?
Medicare Part D beneficiaries with the Low‑Income Subsidy pay about $11.20 per month, and many Medicaid plans cover the drug fully or with minimal copays.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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