How to Help Your Patients Save Money on Azstarys: A Provider's Guide to Savings Programs

Updated:

February 16, 2026

Author:

Peter Daggett

Summarize this blog with AI:

A provider's guide to helping patients save on Azstarys. Copay cards, discount programs, generic alternatives, and cost conversation strategies.

How to Help Your Patients Save Money on Azstarys

For many patients with ADHD, the cost of medication is the single biggest barrier to adherence. Azstarys — a newer brand-name stimulant with no generic available — can cost patients $350 to $571 per month out of pocket. Even with insurance, high copays and prior authorization hurdles can lead to abandoned prescriptions.

As a prescriber, you're in a unique position to help. By knowing which savings programs exist and proactively discussing costs, you can significantly improve the chances that your patients actually fill and continue their Azstarys prescriptions.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Azstarys savings programs, discount options, and strategies for integrating cost conversations into your clinical workflow.

What Patients Are Paying for Azstarys

Understanding the current cost landscape helps frame the conversation:

  • Cash price (no insurance): $350–$571 per month for 30 capsules, depending on the pharmacy and dosage strength
  • With commercial insurance: Varies widely. Many plans require prior authorization. Some require step therapy through generic Methylphenidate or Amphetamine products first. Copays can range from $30 to $150+ depending on formulary tier.
  • Medicare/Medicaid: Coverage is inconsistent. Many state Medicaid programs do not cover Azstarys, and Medicare Part D plans may place it on a high-cost specialty tier.
  • Generic availability: There is no generic Azstarys as of early 2026. Patents were eligible for challenge as of May 2025, but no generic has been approved.

The bottom line: for a significant number of patients, the retail price is prohibitive without some form of financial assistance.

Manufacturer Savings Programs

Corium Copay Savings Card

Corium (a Sun Pharmaceutical company) offers a copay savings card that can reduce the patient's out-of-pocket cost to as little as $60 per month.

Key details:

  • Available at azstarys.com/savings-and-support
  • Eligible for commercially insured patients only
  • Not valid for patients with government insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, VA)
  • Patients can enroll online or by calling the number on the Azstarys website
  • The card can typically be used at most retail pharmacies

Clinical tip: Have your front office staff or medical assistants keep copay card information on hand to share with patients at the time of prescribing. A printed card or QR code in the exam room can save patients the step of searching for it themselves.

Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)

As of early 2026, Corium does not offer a formal manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance program (PAP) for uninsured or underinsured patients beyond the copay savings card. This is a notable gap, especially for patients without commercial insurance.

However, third-party resources may help:

  • NeedyMeds — Database of patient assistance programs, discount drug cards, and disease-specific resources
  • RxAssist — Comprehensive directory of pharmaceutical company PAPs and other assistance options
  • RxHope — Helps patients apply for manufacturer and foundation-based assistance programs

Direct patients (or their caregivers) to these resources if they don't qualify for the manufacturer copay card.

Coupon and Discount Cards

Prescription discount cards can help uninsured patients or those whose insurance doesn't cover Azstarys. These cards are free to use and work at most major pharmacies:

  • GoodRx — Often shows the lowest available price across pharmacies in the patient's area. Patients can search at goodrx.com/azstarys.
  • SingleCare — Another popular discount card accepted at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and most chains.
  • RxSaver — Compares prices across local pharmacies and offers printable or digital coupons.
  • Optum Perks — UnitedHealth Group's discount program, accepted at 60,000+ pharmacies.
  • BuzzRx — Free discount card with savings on brand-name and generic medications.

Important note: Discount cards cannot be combined with insurance. They function as an alternative to insurance pricing. For brand-name drugs like Azstarys, the discount may still result in a high price — but it's worth checking, especially compared to the full cash price.

For a comprehensive list of savings options for patients, see our patient-facing guide on how to save money on Azstarys.

Generic Alternatives and Therapeutic Substitution

When cost is a primary barrier and the patient hasn't tried other options, consider whether a therapeutic substitution might be appropriate:

Methylphenidate-Based Alternatives

  • Generic Dexmethylphenidate ER (Focalin XR) — Contains the same active metabolite as Azstarys. Available as a generic, typically $30–$80/month with a discount card. This is the closest pharmacological alternative.
  • Generic Methylphenidate ER (Concerta) — Extended-release methylphenidate using OROS technology. Widely available and affordable.
  • Generic Methylphenidate IR — Immediate-release, taken 2-3 times daily. Very inexpensive ($10–$30/month) but requires multiple daily doses.

Amphetamine-Based Alternatives

  • Generic Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) — Another prodrug stimulant, now available as generic. Similar long-acting profile but amphetamine-based. Typically $30–$80/month with discount cards.
  • Generic Mixed Amphetamine Salts ER (Adderall XR) — Extended-release amphetamine. Widely used and inexpensive as a generic.

When to Keep Patients on Azstarys

Therapeutic substitution isn't always appropriate. Consider maintaining the Azstarys prescription when:

  • The patient has tried and failed other methylphenidate formulations
  • The patient specifically benefits from the prodrug mechanism (smoother onset/offset)
  • Previous medications caused intolerable side effects
  • The patient is stable and adherent on Azstarys
  • Cost assistance programs make it affordable for the patient

Building Cost Conversations into Your Workflow

Research consistently shows that patients rarely initiate conversations about medication cost, even when it's a significant barrier. Here are practical strategies for making cost discussions a routine part of your prescribing workflow:

1. Ask About Cost at Every Prescribing Decision

A simple question like "Do you have any concerns about the cost of this medication?" or "Would you like me to check if there are savings programs available?" can open the door. Make it part of your standard prescribing checklist.

2. Know the Prior Authorization Landscape

Many insurers require prior authorization (PA) for Azstarys and may mandate step therapy through generic alternatives first. Familiarize yourself with the most common PA requirements for your patient population's major insurers. Consider using electronic PA tools (like CoverMyMeds) to streamline the process.

3. Provide Savings Resources at the Point of Prescribing

Don't wait for the patient to encounter sticker shock at the pharmacy. Hand them the copay card information, a list of discount card options, or a printed resource sheet when you write the prescription. This small step can prevent prescription abandonment.

4. Designate a Staff Member as the "Benefits Navigator"

If your practice volume allows, train a medical assistant or office coordinator to help patients navigate insurance coverage, prior authorizations, and savings programs. This takes the burden off the clinician while ensuring patients get the financial help they need.

5. Use Medfinder for Pharmacy Availability

Cost isn't the only barrier — availability matters too. Direct patients and staff to Medfinder for Providers to quickly identify pharmacies that have Azstarys in stock. Knowing where to send the prescription can prevent delays and wasted trips.

6. Document Cost Discussions

Note in the patient's chart that cost was discussed and what resources were provided. This supports continuity of care and demonstrates patient-centered prescribing practices.

Final Thoughts

Medication cost is a clinical issue, not just a financial one. When patients can't afford their prescriptions, they don't take them — and outcomes suffer. By proactively discussing cost, providing savings resources, and knowing when therapeutic substitution is appropriate, you can help more of your ADHD patients stay on treatment.

For additional provider resources, visit Medfinder for Providers. For clinical details on Azstarys, see our guides on how Azstarys works, Azstarys drug interactions, and the Azstarys shortage update for providers.

Does Azstarys have a manufacturer copay card?

Yes. Corium offers a copay savings card that can reduce patient costs to as little as $60 per month. It's available at azstarys.com/savings-and-support and is valid for commercially insured patients only — not for Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare beneficiaries.

What is the cheapest alternative to Azstarys?

Generic immediate-release methylphenidate is the most affordable option at $10–$30 per month. For a closer pharmacological match, generic dexmethylphenidate ER (Focalin XR) contains the same active metabolite and typically costs $30–$80 per month with a discount card.

Is there a generic version of Azstarys available?

No. As of early 2026, no generic version of Azstarys has been approved. Patents were eligible for challenge starting in May 2025, but generic manufacturers have not yet brought a product to market.

How can I help patients who can't afford Azstarys and don't have commercial insurance?

Direct them to third-party resources like NeedyMeds.org, RxAssist.org, and RxHope.com. Prescription discount cards (GoodRx, SingleCare) may also help. If cost remains prohibitive, consider therapeutic substitution to a generic methylphenidate or amphetamine formulation.

Why waste time calling, coordinating, and hunting?

You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.

Try Medfinder Concierge Free

Medfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We believe this begins with trustworthy information. Our core values guide everything we do, including the standards that shape the accuracy, transparency, and quality of our content. We’re committed to delivering information that’s evidence-based, regularly updated, and easy to understand. For more details on our editorial process, see here.

25,000+ have already found their meds with Medfinder.

Start your search today.
99% success rate
Fast-turnaround time
Never call another pharmacy