The average cost of a Vivitrol shot is $1,176.50 when administered as part of an opioid treatment program (OTP). This cost may be fully or partially covered by a health insurance plan.
Vivitrol is a brand-name version of the drug, naltrexone. It is an extended-release medication that is administered once a month in the form of an intramuscular injection.
Learn more about using Vivitrol for alcohol and opioid addiction
Is Vivitrol Covered By Insurance?
Vivitrol is covered by many health insurance plans, including Medicaid, which may cover the full or partial cost of Vivitrol for alcohol dependence or opioid use disorder.
Whether your insurance plan covers Vivitrol treatment can depend on:
- your specific insurance policy
- state of residence
- clinical diagnosis
- treatment setting in which the shot is received
Some health insurance providers may only cover Vivitrol shots that are administered in certain treatment settings. Prior authorization, copay, and deductible requirements may apply.
Cost Of Vivitrol Without Insurance
Without insurance, the cost of Vivitrol is about $1,176.50 a month on average, when you get the shot as part of an opioid treatment program (OTP).
What this cost includes:
- monthly Vivitrol shot
- administration of the drug
- related treatment services
The retail cost of Vivitrol per unit can vary, ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 for a 380 milligram (mg) extended-release shot, depending on the pharmacy visited.
Factors That Affect The Cost Of Vivitrol
Several factors can significantly impact how much you’ll pay for Vivitrol, whether you have insurance coverage or not. Learning about these variables can help you better estimate your costs and find ways to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Key factors that affect Vivitrol pricing include:
- Insurance Type and Coverage: different plans have varying copays, deductibles, and coinsurance requirements
- Formulary Status: whether Vivitrol is listed as a preferred or non-preferred drug on your insurance plan
- Prior Authorization Requirements: some insurers require doctor approval before covering the medication
- Geographic Location: healthcare costs vary significantly between states and regions
- Healthcare Facility Type: hospital clinics typically charge more than independent treatment centers or doctor’s offices
- Payment Assistance Programs: availability of manufacturer discounts, sliding scale fees, or income-based programs
- Dosage and Treatment Duration: how long you stay on Vivitrol affects your total treatment costs
- Deductible Status: whether you’ve met your annual insurance deductible impacts your immediate costs
Many treatment providers are willing to work with people on payment plans or help them access manufacturer assistance programs to make Vivitrol more affordable.
How Can I Get Help Paying For Vivitrol?
A reduced cost for Vivitrol may be available through a payment assistance program, or a co-pay savings program for those with commercial, public, or private insurance. Eligibility requirements, such as having an FDA-approved diagnosis for receiving Vivitrol treatment, may apply in order to receive cost assistance.
Vivitrol Treatment Costs FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the cost of Vivitrol treatment.
❓ What’s Included In The Cost Of Vivitrol Treatment?
✔️ Vivitrol is a medication that must be administered alongside a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for the treatment of opioid dependence.
For this reason, the cost of Vivitrol treatment involves not just the cost of the medication, but also the administration of the drug and related support services.
❓ Does Vivitrol Have A Generic Version?
✔️ There is no generic version of Vivitrol that is approved for opioid use disorder.
Naltrexone, the primary ingredient in Vivitrol, is available as a generic drug in pill form, sold under the names naltrexone, Revia, and Depade.
❓ Does Medicaid Cover Vivitrol?
✔️ Vivitrol is covered by Medicaid plans in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Prior authorization, copayment, and other eligibility requirements may apply.
Read more about Medicaid coverage for Vivitrol
❓ How Much Is Vivitrol Out Of Pocket?
✔️ Vivitrol costs over $1,100 for a once-monthly shot. This is the amount a person would likely be required to pay out-of-pocket without insurance coverage.
❓ Is Vivitrol The Same As Suboxone?
✔️ No. Suboxone is a medication that contains buprenorphine and naloxone. Vivitrol is an injectable form of naltrexone, a non-addictive opioid antagonist.
Both Vivitrol and Suboxone are medications that are approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to treat opioid use disorder, also known as opioid addiction.
❓ Is Vivitrol Worth The Cost?
✔️ Vivitrol can serve as a supportive treatment for people who are on the journey towards recovery from alcohol or opioid use disorder.
For many people, Vivitrol is a helpful medication, due to its ability to help reduce cravings and prevent the euphoric effects of these substances. For more information about the cost of Vivitrol or how to find affordable addiction treatment near you, you can browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
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- Vivitrol — Co-pay Savings Program
https://www.vivitrol.com/opioid-dependence/co-pay-savings-program - U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — How much does opioid treatment cost?
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/medications-opioid-use-disorder
