The Cost of High Blood Pressure Medicine Without Insurance

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a massive disruption in the workforce, with rates of unemployment increased to 8.2% at the start of the month.

For many, losing their job means losing their health insurance. If you are currently uninsured and concerned about the cost of your medications, RxSaver has affordable options for paying for your prescriptions without insurance.

How much do high blood pressure medications cost without insurance?

The cost of high blood pressure medications without insurance starts at $4.00* for 20mg and 30 tablets for a prescription of lisinopril using an RxSaver coupon.

The following are five commonly prescribed high blood pressure medications and their average prices with an  RxSaver™ coupon. Specific prices vary by location and pharmacy, so be sure to use RxSaver to check pricing in your area.

Can You Buy High Blood Pressure Medicine Over the Counter?

You need a prescription from a health care provider to purchase high blood pressure medicine. To keep both patients and staff safer during the coronavirus pandemic, most doctors’ offices are practicing social distancing guidelines. This means that many offices are temporarily closed or are only seeing patients with urgent or emergency health concerns in the office. If you cannot see your doctor in person during the pandemic, there are several telehealth services that can provide new prescriptions or refills on an old prescription.

When Do You Need High Blood Pressure Medicine?

New guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association classify blood pressure in the following five categories:

• normal blood pressure: less than 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury)
• elevated blood pressure: systolic (top number) pressure between 120 and 129 and diastolic pressure (bottom number) of less than 80
• stage 1 hypertension: systolic pressure between 130 and 139 or diastolic pressure between 80 and 89
• stage 2 hypertension: systolic pressure of at least 140 mm Hg or diastolic pressure of at least 90 mmHg
• hypertensive crisis: systolic pressure over 180 mmHg or diastolic pressure over 120 mmHg

A health care provider will decide when you need high blood pressure medicine based on the guidelines listed above as well as on your symptoms, your family history, and your lifestyle. If your doctor’s office is closed, or if your health issues make it safest for you to stay at home during the pandemic, you can use a telehealth service without leaving the safety or comfort of your own home.

How Do High Blood Pressure Medicines Work?

High blood pressure medications help lower your blood pressure by several mechanisms. The following are common classes of high blood pressure medicines and their mechanisms of action:

• Diuretics (water pills): Diuretics work in your kidneys to help you get rid of excess water. Excreting the extra water from your body helps to reduce blood volume and lower blood pressure. Medications in this category include hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide (Lasix).
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: These medications help relax your blood vessels by blocking your body from making angiotensin II, a chemical that narrows blood vessels. Drugs in this class include lisinopril (Prinivil and Zestril) and enalapril (Vasotec).
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers: Medications in this category help to relax blood vessels by blocking the receptors where angiotensin II binds. Medicines in this class include losartan (Cozaar) and olmesartan (Benicar).
• Calcium channel blockers: Calcium channel blockers help lower blood pressure by preventing calcium from entering your heart and artery cells. Blocking calcium channels reduces the strength with which your heart and arteries contract and permits blood vessels to relax and open. Medications in this category include amlodipine (Norvasc) and diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac, and others).

Are there over-the-counter medications available for high blood pressure?

There are no FDA-approved over-the-counter medications to treat high blood pressure. If your health care provider recommends medication for your high blood pressure, they will prescribe prescription medication to help treat the condition.

There are various over-the-counter medications that can negatively affect specific blood pressure medications, so be sure to share every medication you currently take, including OTC medications, with your doctor when discussing possible treatment options.

Compare Prices with RxSaver Before You Fill Your High Blood Pressure Medicine

Losing your job or your health insurance can wreak havoc on your finances and your household. Fortunately, you do not have to go without your high blood pressure medicine if you are uninsured. RxSaver can help you find more affordable prices for your medication, regardless of your current employment status.

*Average pricing based on the following dosages:

lisinopril: 20 MG / 30 tablets

amlodipine: 10 mg/ 30 tablets

losartan-hydrochlorothiazide: 100-25 mg / 30 tablets

metoprolol succinate: 25 mg / 30 tablets ER 24hs

losartan potassium: 50 mg / 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.