Helping Patients Navigate the Cost of Adzenys XR

Cost is one of the most common reasons patients discontinue or never fill an Adzenys XR prescription. As a brand-name medication with no generic equivalent, Adzenys XR presents a significant financial barrier for many patients — particularly those who are uninsured, underinsured, or on high-deductible plans.

This guide equips prescribers with practical strategies for helping patients reduce their out-of-pocket costs and maintain treatment adherence.

What Patients Are Paying for Adzenys XR

Understanding the cost landscape is essential for having informed conversations with patients:

• Cash price (uninsured): $300 to $450 per 30-day supply, depending on strength and pharmacy
• Commercially insured (with coverage): Copays typically range from $30 to $75 with a savings card, though patients without a savings card or with high-deductible plans may pay significantly more
• Commercially insured (not covered): Many plans do not include Adzenys XR on their formulary or require step therapy through generic amphetamine salts first. In these cases, the patient may face the full cash price.
• Medicaid: Coverage varies by state. Some state Medicaid programs cover Adzenys XR with prior authorization; others do not.

By comparison, generic mixed amphetamine salts (generic Adderall XR) cost $30 to $80 for a 30-day supply, making the cost differential substantial. This price gap is a primary driver of non-adherence for patients specifically prescribed the ODT formulation.

Manufacturer Savings Programs

Tris Pharma, the manufacturer of Adzenys XR, offers a copay savings card program for eligible patients:

• Eligibility: Commercially insured patients (not Medicare, Medicaid, or other government-funded programs)
• Potential savings: Copay reduced to as low as $30 per fill
• How to access: Patients can enroll through the Adzenys XR website (adzenysxrodt.com) or receive a card at your office
• Duration: Typically valid for 12 months with renewal options

Clinical tip: Keep copay cards or enrollment information in your office. Handing a patient a savings card at the point of prescribing significantly increases the likelihood they'll actually fill the prescription.

Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)

For uninsured or financially distressed patients, manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs may provide Adzenys XR at no cost:

• Check the Tris Pharma website or contact their medical affairs team for current PAP availability
• NeedyMeds.org and RxAssist.org maintain updated databases of available assistance programs
• Eligibility typically requires documentation of income and insurance status

Coupon and Discount Card Options

For patients who don't qualify for manufacturer programs or who need immediate cost relief, third-party discount cards can help:

• GoodRx, SingleCare, RxSaver — These free discount platforms negotiate pharmacy pricing and can sometimes reduce the cost of brand-name medications, though savings on Adzenys XR specifically may be modest given its brand-only status
• Pharmacy-specific programs — Some pharmacies (Costco, Walmart, independent pharmacies) may offer more competitive pricing on certain brand-name medications
• Optum Perks, BuzzRx, Inside Rx — Additional discount card options worth checking for patient-specific pricing

Important caveat: Discount cards cannot be combined with insurance or manufacturer copay cards. They work best for uninsured patients paying cash. Advise patients to compare their insurance copay, manufacturer card price, and discount card price to determine the lowest option.

For a comprehensive patient-facing overview of savings options, refer patients to our guide on how to save money on Adzenys XR.

Generic Alternatives and Therapeutic Substitution

When cost is prohibitive and the ODT formulation is not clinically essential, consider therapeutic alternatives:

• Generic mixed amphetamine salts ER (generic Adderall XR): $30–$80/month. The most cost-effective amphetamine-based option. Available in capsule form that can be opened and sprinkled on food if swallowing is an issue.
• Generic lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse generic): Now available as of 2023. Costs vary but are significantly less than brand Adzenys XR. Prodrug with lower abuse potential.
• Dyanavel XR: Amphetamine extended-release oral suspension by Tris Pharma. Liquid formulation useful for patients who can't swallow pills. Still brand-name but may have different coverage.
• Mydayis: Triple-bead mixed amphetamine salts for longer duration (up to 16 hours). Brand-name, but may be covered by plans that don't cover Adzenys XR.

The decision to switch should be individualized. Some patients are prescribed Adzenys XR specifically because they cannot swallow capsules or tablets, they have a clinical preference for the amphetamine base over mixed salts, or they've failed other formulations. Document these reasons clearly to support prior authorization requests.

Building Cost Conversations into Your Workflow

Medication cost is a clinical issue, not just an administrative one. Patients who can't afford their medication don't take it — and untreated ADHD carries its own substantial costs in terms of productivity, safety, and quality of life.

Here are strategies for integrating cost discussions into your practice:

At the Point of Prescribing

• Ask about insurance coverage and formulary status before writing the prescription
• Discuss the cash price proactively — don't wait for the patient to discover it at the pharmacy
• Provide a manufacturer savings card or PAP application at the visit
• Document clinical rationale for Adzenys XR specifically (e.g., dysphagia, failed alternative trials) to support prior authorization

At Follow-Up Visits

• Ask if the patient was able to fill the prescription and at what cost
• If the patient reports cost barriers, revisit savings options or consider therapeutic alternatives
• Monitor for gaps in therapy that may indicate affordability issues

Leveraging Your Staff

• Train medical assistants or office coordinators to assist with copay card enrollment and prior authorization submissions
• Create a resource sheet for your most commonly prescribed brand-name medications with current savings program information
• Consider designating a staff member as your "cost navigation" point person

Helping Patients Find Adzenys XR in Stock

Even when cost is addressed, availability can be a separate barrier. The ongoing stimulant shortage means patients may struggle to find Adzenys XR at their preferred pharmacy.

Direct patients to Medfinder for Providers to check real-time pharmacy availability. You can also reference our provider guide on helping patients find Adzenys XR in stock for additional strategies.

Final Thoughts

The cost of Adzenys XR is a real and recurring barrier for many patients. By proactively discussing cost, providing savings resources at the point of prescribing, and knowing when to consider therapeutic alternatives, you can help more patients access and maintain the treatment they need.

Addressing cost isn't just good patient care — it's a critical component of treatment adherence for controlled substances that patients cannot stockpile or fill early.

For a patient-oriented version of this information, share our guide on saving money on Adzenys XR with your patients.