Cost Is an Adherence Barrier — Here's How to Help

You've evaluated your patient, determined that Lidopro Patch is the right fit for their musculoskeletal pain, and written the prescription. Then you hear: "I can't afford it." Or worse — you never hear anything, because the patient simply doesn't fill the prescription.

Medication cost is one of the most significant barriers to adherence, and Lidopro Patch — priced between $150 and $350 per box without insurance — is no exception. As a prescriber, you're in a unique position to help patients navigate the cost landscape before they abandon treatment.

This guide covers what your patients are actually paying, available savings programs, discount strategies, and how to build cost conversations into your clinical workflow.

What Patients Are Paying for Lidopro Patch

Understanding the financial reality helps you set expectations and identify patients who need cost support:

• Cash price: $150–$350 per box, depending on the pharmacy and quantity. Prices vary significantly between locations.
• Insurance coverage: Variable. Lidopro Patch may not be on all formularies, particularly at large chain pharmacies. Some plans require prior authorization or step therapy with OTC alternatives first.
• Distribution channel: Lidopro Patch is distributed primarily through independent pharmacies and physician-dispensing networks, not major chains. This can create access challenges for patients accustomed to filling prescriptions at CVS or Walgreens.
• No generic equivalent: There is no direct generic version of Lidopro Patch. Generic Lidocaine patches (4% OTC or 5% Rx) are available at $15–$80 but lack the Menthol and Methyl Salicylate components.

Manufacturer Savings Programs

Terrain Pharmaceuticals (TerrainRx), the manufacturer of Lidopro Patch, works directly with independent pharmacies and physician offices to provide competitive pricing. Here's what to know:

• Physician dispensing: If your practice participates in physician dispensing, Terrain Pharmaceuticals can supply Lidopro Patch directly to your office. This allows you to dispense to patients at the point of care, often at a lower cost than retail pharmacy pricing. It also eliminates the patient's need to find a pharmacy that stocks it.
• Independent pharmacy partnerships: Terrain Pharmaceuticals works with independent pharmacies to ensure competitive pricing. If your patient has a preferred independent pharmacy, connecting them with Terrain's distribution network may help.
• Direct contact: For patients experiencing financial hardship, contacting Terrain Pharmaceuticals directly may uncover additional savings options. While there is no publicly listed formal patient assistance program, the company may have resources available on a case-by-case basis.

Coupon and Discount Cards

Prescription discount cards can sometimes reduce the cost of Lidopro Patch, particularly at pharmacies that stock it:

• GoodRx — Check for available coupons and compare prices across pharmacies. If a pharmacy shows pricing on GoodRx, it likely stocks the product.
• SingleCare — Another discount card option that may offer savings at participating pharmacies.
• RxSaver — Compares prices across pharmacies and may show discount availability.
• BuzzRx, Optum Perks, ScriptSave WellRx — Additional discount card programs worth checking.

Important caveat: discount card pricing for Lidopro Patch will vary significantly by pharmacy, and not all pharmacies that accept these cards will stock the product. Encourage patients to verify both price and availability before making the trip.

For a patient-facing version of savings strategies, share our article on how to save money on Lidopro Patch.

Patient Assistance Programs

For patients with financial hardship who lack adequate insurance coverage:

• NeedyMeds (needymeds.org) — Database of patient assistance programs and discount options. May list resources applicable to Lidopro Patch or its individual ingredients.
• RxAssist (rxassist.org) — Comprehensive database of pharmaceutical assistance programs.
• RxHope (rxhope.com) — Helps patients apply for manufacturer and foundation assistance programs.

While Lidopro Patch does not have a widely publicized formal patient assistance program, these databases may identify alternative pathways for patients who cannot afford their medication.

Generic Alternatives and Therapeutic Substitution

When cost is prohibitive and Lidopro Patch specifically isn't feasible, consider these alternatives:

Single-Ingredient Options

• Generic Lidocaine 5% Patches (Rx) — $15–$80, widely available. Provides the anesthetic component only.
• Generic Lidocaine 4% Patches (OTC) — Available without a prescription at most pharmacies.
• Voltaren Gel (Diclofenac Sodium Topical, OTC) — A topical NSAID for arthritis and joint pain. Different mechanism but addresses the inflammatory component.

OTC Combination Products

• Salonpas Pain Relief Patch — Contains Methyl Salicylate and Menthol (two of three Lidopro Patch ingredients) at a fraction of the cost.
• Aspercreme with Lidocaine Patch — OTC Lidocaine patch for temporary pain relief.

When to Consider Substitution

Therapeutic substitution makes sense when:

• The patient cannot afford Lidopro Patch and has no insurance coverage
• The patient's pain is adequately managed by a single-ingredient alternative
• Step therapy is required by insurance before covering Lidopro Patch

However, for patients who've tried single-ingredient products without adequate relief, Lidopro Patch's three-ingredient combination with hydrogel delivery may offer meaningful clinical benefit worth the additional cost. Document this rationale — it can support prior authorization requests.

For a full comparison of alternatives, see our alternatives guide.

Building Cost Conversations Into Your Workflow

Proactive cost conversations improve adherence and patient trust. Here's how to integrate them:

At the Point of Prescribing

• Mention cost upfront: "Lidopro Patch typically runs $150–$350 without insurance. Let me help you find ways to reduce that."
• Ask about coverage: "Does your insurance cover topical pain patches? Have you had any issues filling specialty medications before?"
• Offer alternatives proactively: "If cost is a concern, we have some other options we can discuss."

In Your EHR or Workflow

• Flag patients with high-deductible plans or no Rx coverage
• Keep a quick-reference list of current Lidopro Patch pricing and alternatives
• Set up a follow-up check at 7–14 days to confirm the prescription was filled

For Your Front Office or Care Team

• Train staff to direct patients to Medfinder for Providers to help locate pharmacies that stock the medication
• Keep printed information about discount card options in the office
• If your office dispenses Lidopro Patch, ensure patients know this is an option at checkout

Helping Patients Find the Medication

Cost isn't the only barrier — availability matters too. Lidopro Patch's limited distribution network means patients may struggle to find a pharmacy that carries it. Direct your patients and staff to Medfinder for Providers to check real-time pharmacy availability, or review our clinical guides on helping patients find Lidopro Patch in stock and the current shortage and availability update for prescribers.

Final Thoughts

Lidopro Patch can be a highly effective topical pain management option, but its cost and limited distribution can create barriers for patients. By proactively discussing pricing, connecting patients with savings programs and discount cards, considering appropriate therapeutic alternatives, and using tools like Medfinder to locate availability, you can significantly improve the likelihood that your patients actually fill — and continue — their prescriptions.

The conversation about cost doesn't have to be awkward. Patients appreciate providers who acknowledge the financial reality of their treatment. A 30-second cost check at the point of prescribing can prevent weeks of non-adherence.