Ways to reduce the cost of narcolepsy medications

Narcolepsy is a neurological condition that severely disrupts the body and brain’s sleep/wake cycles.

The characteristic symptom is excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), an overwhelming desire for sleep that occurs during normal waking hours.

However, EDS is often not the only symptom. People with narcolepsy can also experience fragmented sleep, poor sleep quality, hallucinations, sleep paralysis, cognitive symptoms (like problems with thinking, concentration, and memory), and REM sleep behavior disorder, which causes a person to physically act out their dreams.

People with narcolepsy type 1 also experience cataplexy, sudden episodes of extreme muscle weakness or muscle paralysis. (People with narcolepsy type 2 do not experience cataplexy, but some eventually develop this symptom, leading to a re-evaluation of a diagnosis).

Narcolepsy is a condition that can affect every aspect of a person’s life. Many people with the condition must limit driving, and some are unable to operate a vehicle due to safety concerns. Many people experience difficulties with work, relationships, and social life. Symptoms can make it difficult for a person to take care of their physical and mental health.

Another area of life that can be impacted by narcolepsy is finances.

The financial impact of narcolepsy

Research shows that financial stress is common among people with narcolepsy. EDS and other symptoms can limit employment and career opportunities. Many people require multiple medications to manage the condition—medications to promote alertness, medications to improve sleep quality, medications to manage other symptoms. The cost of treatment is often a financial burden for many people.

Reducing the cost of treatment

Treatment cost is an important consideration when managing any health condition. Cost can prevent a person from taking a medication as prescribed. Medical bills and out-of-pocket expenses can result in significant financial distress, a lower quality of life, additional health problems, and poor mental health.

If the cost of medication for narcolepsy is a concern, there are several strategies that may be worth exploring.

Talk to your healthcare providers

Your healthcare providers are your partners in treatment. If cost is causing you stress or stopping you from taking a medication, contact your healthcare provider and be honest about your concerns. They are there to help you find solutions and may be able to recommend strategies or resources that can help.

Contact your health insurance provider

Medication costs and coverage can vary between different insurance plans. Contact your insurance provider to find out what medications are covered. Work with your healthcare provider to determine if medications that are covered are potential treatment options.

Compare pharmacy prices

You may also want to do a cost comparison between different pharmacies. Check if a prescription can be filled by an online pharmacy, and if the price is different compared to your local pharmacies. Also, some insurance plans have preferred, in-network pharmacies, which can affect pricing.

Also ask your healthcare provider if it is possible to get a prescription for a 90-day supply of any of your medications. You may also need to contact your insurance provider. A 90-day supply (compared to a typical 30-day supply) may reduce some of the cost. It can also save you a few trips to the pharmacy for refills.

Manufacturer discounts and savings

Many drug manufacturers offer programs to help reduce the cost of their medications. It’s worth visiting the website for the medications that you are taking or are considering taking. Check if there are programs available to reduce cost, and what requirements must be met in order to qualify for these programs.

Two types of programs to look for:

Copay cards

These are typically issued to people who have insurance through a provider or insurance they have purchased on their own. Copay cards have a discount code that will be presented to a pharmacist to apply a discount to a specific drug. These are also known as copay savings programs.

Patient assistance programs (PAPs)

These are usually for people who are uninsured or underinsured and cannot cover the cost of a medication. Eligibility and enrollment processes vary from program to program.

State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs

Some states offer financial assistance programs for medications, called State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs). Eligibility can vary from program to program and medication to medication. You can check for programs in your state by visiting the National Conference of State Legislatures.