6 Things to Know About a Vitamin D Prescription

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps your body to absorb calcium. It is crucial to maintain muscle health, brain health, a strong immune system, and strong bones. Vitamin D can be made by our bodies, from exposure to sunshine. Vitamin D can also be obtained through some, but not many foods.

Unfortunately, because Vitamin D is not found in most foods, and sunshine alone won’t provide adequate Vitamin D, many Americans do not get sufficient Vitamin D.

If you’re found to have insufficient levels of Vitamin D, your health care provider may prescribe it for you. Here are 6 things to know about a Vitamin D prescription.

What is prescription-strength Vitamin D?

Prescription-strength Vitamin D is a high dose of Vitamin D that is not available over-the-counter. Most over-the-counter Vitamin D supplements offer at most 10,000 International Units (IU). Prescription-strength Vitamin D contains 50,000 IU.

Why did my doctor prescribe Vitamin D?

Your doctor prescribed Vitamin D, to ensure you have adequate levels of this crucial nutrient. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to many preventable health conditions. If you are found to be Vitamin D deficient or are at risk of becoming Vitamin D deficient your doctor may prescribe it for you.

Your health care provider may also prescribe Vitamin D if you have certain medical conditions. Individuals with hypoparathyroidism, osteomalacia, hypocalcemia, or certain bone diseases are likely to have Vitamin D prescribed to them.

Am I at risk for Vitamin D deficiency?

Certain people are more at risk for Vitamin D deficiency than others. If you’re at risk for Vitamin D deficiency your doctor may prescribe that you take an over-the-counter supplement, or prescription Vitamin D as a preventative measure. Groups who are at increased risk of Vitamin D deficiency include:

Seniors/older adults
Pregnant women
Individuals with darker skin
Individuals who have had had gastric bypass surgery
Individuals who have osteoporosis
Individuals who have kidney disease
Individuals who have liver disease
Individuals who have Crohn's disease
Individuals who have Celiac disease

Can I get a prescription for Vitamin D without insurance?

If you are prescribed prescription-strength Vitamin D, you will have to fill it at a pharmacy. But, you do not need insurance to obtain the prescription.

To save money on prescription-strength Vitamin D without insurance, use a prescription drug coupon from RxSaver. RxSaver prescription drug coupons can be used without insurance, or in place of your insurance to save up to 80% on prescription medications.

How much does prescription Vitamin D cost?

The cost of prescription Vitamin D without insurance starts at $5.43* for 1250 mcg and 12 capsules using an RxSaver coupon.

The cost of prescription Vitamin D will vary based on dosage and quantity, as well as pharmacy. Using a free prescription drug coupon from RxSaver can help you find the best price on Vitamin D at pharmacies in your area.

What’s the difference between over-the-counter Vitamin D and prescription Vitamin D?

The difference between over-the-counter Vitamin D and prescription Vitamin D is that OTC Vitamin D isn’t as strong as prescription Vitamin D. Prescription-strength Vitamin D can be five times as strong as over-the-counter Vitamin D supplements.

Always Talk to Your Health Care Provider

Before you begin taking any new supplements, vitamins, or over-the-counter medications, talk with your health care provider. Your health care provider will educate you on the recommended dosage of vitamins, supplements, or other over-the-counter medications. They will also review any current medications you are taking to prevent unwanted medication interactions.

Vitamin D: 1250 mcg / 30 capsules

*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 4/12/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.