Cost as an Adherence Barrier

For providers prescribing Benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex), the clinical decision is only half the equation. If patients can't afford the medication, they won't take it — or they'll ration doses, skip refills, or abandon treatment entirely.

Weight loss pharmacotherapy already faces significant coverage barriers. Many commercial insurers exclude anti-obesity medications from their formularies. Medicare Part D generally does not cover weight loss drugs. And patients who lack prescription drug coverage face the full cash price, which can range from $70 to over $600 depending on the pharmacy and whether discount programs are applied.

As a prescriber, you're uniquely positioned to help patients navigate these financial obstacles. This guide outlines the practical tools and strategies available in 2026.

What Patients Actually Pay for Benzphetamine

Understanding the pricing landscape helps you set patient expectations and guide them toward the most affordable options:

• Generic Benzphetamine with a discount card: Approximately $70 to $128 for 90 tablets (50 mg)
• Cash price without discounts: Up to $625 for 90 tablets
• Low-end pricing: As low as $11.24 for 14 tablets through select discount programs

The spread between the lowest discount price and the full cash price is substantial — often 5x to 8x — which means the choice of pharmacy and discount program significantly impacts out-of-pocket cost.

Insurance Coverage Landscape

Coverage for Benzphetamine is inconsistent across payers:

• Commercial insurance: Variable. Many plans exclude weight loss medications or require prior authorization. Step therapy protocols may require documented failure of Phentermine before covering Benzphetamine.
• Medicare Part D: Generally does not cover weight loss medications.
• Medicaid: Coverage varies by state. Some state Medicaid programs cover anti-obesity medications; others do not.

When coverage is denied, the strategies below become essential for maintaining patient access.

Manufacturer Savings Programs

Unlike many brand-name medications, there is no manufacturer savings program currently available for Benzphetamine. Neither the brand-name products (Didrex, Regimex) nor generic manufacturers offer copay cards, patient assistance programs, or direct-to-patient savings initiatives.

This means patients and providers must rely on third-party discount programs and other strategies outlined below.

Discount Cards and Coupon Programs

Third-party prescription discount platforms are the primary cost-reduction tool for Benzphetamine. These programs negotiate rates with pharmacies and pass savings to the consumer at no cost.

Key Platforms to Recommend

• GoodRx — The most widely recognized discount platform. Patients can search for Benzphetamine, compare prices across nearby pharmacies, and present a coupon at the counter. Available as a website and mobile app.
• SingleCare — Offers competitive pricing and is accepted at most major chains including CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart.
• RxSaver — Another option for comparing pharmacy prices with downloadable coupons.
• BuzzRx, Optum Perks, America's Pharmacy — Additional platforms that may offer lower prices at specific pharmacies.

How to Integrate This Into Your Workflow

Consider these practice-level strategies:

• Print or email a GoodRx/SingleCare coupon along with the prescription. Many EHR systems support this.
• Have front desk staff direct patients to discount platforms during checkout.
• Post a notice in exam rooms informing patients about available discount programs for weight loss medications.
• Include pricing guidance in your after-visit summary so patients know what to expect at the pharmacy.

Generic Substitution

Benzphetamine is available as a generic, and generic substitution should always be the default recommendation. The cost difference is significant:

• Brand-name Didrex or Regimex: Higher cost, no additional clinical benefit over generic
• Generic Benzphetamine HCl: As low as $70 for 90 tablets with a discount card

Ensure prescriptions are written to allow generic substitution (avoid "Dispense as Written" unless clinically necessary). Verify with patients that the pharmacy is dispensing the generic formulation.

Patient Assistance and Charitable Resources

While no manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance program exists for Benzphetamine, patients in financial hardship may benefit from broader assistance resources:

• NeedyMeds (needymeds.org) — Database of patient assistance programs, discount cards, and disease-specific resources.
• RxAssist (rxassist.org) — Comprehensive directory of pharmaceutical assistance programs.
• State pharmaceutical assistance programs — Some states offer prescription assistance for uninsured or underinsured residents.

These resources are particularly valuable for patients who are uninsured, on fixed incomes, or facing financial hardship.

Pharmacy Shopping and Price Variability

Benzphetamine pricing varies significantly between pharmacies — even within the same zip code. Encourage patients to:

• Compare prices at multiple pharmacies before filling the prescription
• Consider independent pharmacies, which sometimes offer more competitive cash pricing than chains
• Use MedFinder to locate pharmacies that stock Benzphetamine, particularly if supply is constrained

Price transparency tools empower patients to make informed decisions. The difference between the most and least expensive pharmacy options can easily exceed $400 for the same 90-tablet supply.

Having Cost Conversations With Patients

Many patients are reluctant to bring up cost concerns. Proactively addressing affordability normalizes the conversation and improves adherence:

At Prescribing

• "Benzphetamine is available as a generic, which keeps the cost lower. With a discount card, most patients pay around $70 to $128 for a 90-day supply."
• "There's no manufacturer coupon for this medication, but services like GoodRx and SingleCare can significantly reduce the price."
• "If cost is a concern, let me know — we can explore options together."

At Follow-Up

• "Were you able to fill the prescription without any issues?"
• "How was the cost? Are you having any trouble affording refills?"
• "If the price is a barrier, we can look at alternatives or different savings programs."

For patients who find Benzphetamine unaffordable despite discount programs, consider therapeutic alternatives. Phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira) is often less expensive and more widely covered by insurance. Orlistat (Alli) is available over the counter without a prescription. For a comprehensive comparison, refer to our guide on alternatives to Benzphetamine.

Helping Patients Find Benzphetamine in Stock

Cost isn't the only barrier — availability can also be challenging. As a Schedule III controlled substance subject to DEA production quotas, Benzphetamine supply can be affected by broader stimulant shortages. For strategies on helping patients locate pharmacies with stock, see our provider's guide to finding Benzphetamine in stock.

Final Thoughts

The absence of a manufacturer savings program makes Benzphetamine a medication where provider-initiated cost guidance is especially important. By recommending generic substitution, directing patients to discount card platforms, proactively discussing cost, and monitoring for affordability barriers at follow-up, you can significantly improve treatment adherence and patient outcomes.

The tools are available — the key is integrating them into your prescribing workflow. For more provider-focused resources, visit MedFinder for Providers.