The Cost of Cough Medicine Without Insurance

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a record number of job losses throughout the country. Now, more than ever, people are looking for ways to save money on essential purchases, such as prescription medications.

For many, a job loss has meant a loss of health insurance as well. If you are concerned about paying for your medicine without insurance, know that RxSaver has options for you.

How much do cough medications cost without insurance?

The cost of cough medications without insurance starts at $11.92 for 100 mg and 30 tablets [for a prescription of benzonatate][1] using an RxSaver coupon.

The following are three commonly prescribed cough medications and their prices with RxSaver™. You can save an average of 80% to 85% off the brand-name price by using equivalent generic drugs. Pharmacy coupon prices vary by location and pharmacy, so be sure to use RxSaver to check pricing at your local pharmacy.

[1]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/benzonatate/coupons

[2]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/benzonatate/coupons

[3]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/promethazine-dm/coupons

[4]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/hydrocodone-bitartrate-homatropine-methylbromide/coupons

Can you buy cough medicine over the counter?

Some cough medicines are available over the counter without a prescription. However, if your cough is not relieved by over-the-counter products or it persists for more than a few weeks, you may need to talk to a doctor about prescription medications.

Many doctors’ offices are adhering to social distancing mandates. This means that they may be temporarily closed or seeing only patients with emergency or urgent issues. If you cannot see your doctor in person during the COVID-19 pandemic, you can choose from several telehealth services that can provide a new prescription or refill an old one.

When do you need cough medicine?

Some types of coughs, particularly a wet cough (one that produces phlegm), are your body’s way of clearing your lungs and respiratory passages. It may not be necessary to treat this type of cough unless it interferes with your daily activities or with your sleep.

You should talk to a health care provider if your cough lasts more than a few weeks or your cough is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

• thick, greenish-yellow mucus
• wheezing
• fever
• shortness of breath
• fainting
• swelling in the ankles
• weight loss

Get emergency care if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• choking
• vomiting
• problems breathing or swallowing
• coughing up blood or pink-colored mucus
• chest pain

If you cannot see your doctor in person during the coronavirus pandemic, you can use a telehealth service from the comfort and safety of your home.

How does cough medicine work?

Cough medicines work by different methods depending on the ingredients they contain:

• Expectorants: Expectorants help loosen mucus in your lungs and airways to help you cough it up. Products that contain guaifenesin are expectorants.
• Antitussives (cough suppressants): Cough suppressants work by reducing your cough reflex. Medications in this category include benzonatate, codeine, hydrocodone, and dextromethorphan (DM).
• Antihistamines: Some cough medications contain antihistamines, such as chlorpheniramine, promethazine, and brompheniramine, which help dry up mucus.

Always Compare Prices with RxSaver Before Filling Your Prescription for Cough Medicine

Losing your job or health insurance is a traumatic event. If you are sick, getting well should be your priority, not worrying about how you will pay for your medicines. That is why it’s important to know that there are affordable options for obtaining your medications without insurance.

If you need a new prescription, you can access telehealth services from the comfort of your own home. A telehealth provider can also approve refills, and some states are allowing emergency refills of up to 30-day supplies of medication without a prescription.

Remember that you do not have to go without your medicine. Regardless of your financial position or employment situation, RxSaver can help you find affordable prices for your medication.

benzonatate: 100 MG / 30 TAB

promethazine: 6.25-15/5, 120 ml

hydrocodone-homatropine: 5-1.5 MG/5, 30 tablets

*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 1/11/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.