The Cost Challenge: Why Providers Need to Address Viloxazine Affordability

Viloxazine (brand name Qelbree) is an effective non-stimulant ADHD treatment, but its cost presents a significant barrier for many patients. With cash prices ranging from $350 to $500 per month and no generic available as of 2026, many patients struggle to afford continuous treatment — even with insurance.

As a prescriber, you play a critical role in connecting patients with savings programs and navigating the insurance landscape. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the tools and strategies available to help your patients access Viloxazine affordably.

For clinical background, see our provider-focused articles on Viloxazine availability for providers and helping patients find Viloxazine in stock.

Manufacturer Savings Programs From Supernus Pharmaceuticals

Qelbree Savings Card

Supernus Pharmaceuticals offers the Qelbree Savings Card for eligible commercially insured patients. Key details:

• Eligible patients may pay as little as $0 copay
• Maximum benefit applies per prescription (check current terms on the Supernus website)
• Available to patients with commercial insurance — not available to patients covered by Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or other government-funded programs
• Patients can enroll online at the Qelbree website or through your office

This is often the most impactful first step for commercially insured patients. Encourage your staff to have enrollment information readily available and to proactively offer it when prescribing Viloxazine.

Supernus Patient Assistance Program (PAP)

For patients who are uninsured or underinsured, the Supernus Cares Patient Assistance Program may provide Viloxazine at no cost. Eligibility is typically based on:

• Household income (usually below a certain percentage of the federal poverty level)
• Lack of prescription drug coverage or inadequate coverage
• U.S. residency

Applications typically require prescriber involvement — you may need to sign the application or provide clinical documentation. Familiarize your practice with the application process to minimize delays.

Independent Patient Assistance Resources

Beyond manufacturer programs, several independent organizations can help patients find financial assistance:

• NeedyMeds (needymeds.org) — Comprehensive database of patient assistance programs, discount cards, and coupons
• RxAssist (rxassist.org) — Directory of patient assistance programs organized by medication
• RxHope (rxhope.com) — Helps patients apply for manufacturer assistance programs

These resources are particularly valuable for patients who don't qualify for manufacturer programs or who need help navigating the application process.

Navigating Insurance Coverage and Prior Authorization

Most commercial insurance plans and many managed Medicaid plans cover Viloxazine, but with significant restrictions:

Common Insurance Requirements

• Prior authorization (PA) — Nearly universal for Viloxazine. Submit PA requests proactively when prescribing.
• Step therapy — Many insurers require documentation that the patient has tried and failed a stimulant medication before approving Viloxazine.
• Tier placement — Typically Tier 3 or specialty tier, resulting in higher copays even with coverage.

Tips for Successful Prior Authorization

1. Document stimulant trials thoroughly — Include specific medications tried, doses, duration, side effects experienced, and clinical rationale for discontinuation.
2. Cite clinical reasons for non-stimulant preference — Substance use history, cardiac concerns, anxiety comorbidity, patient/parent preference for non-controlled substance, and prior adverse reactions are all valid reasons.
3. Use diagnosis-specific language — Reference DSM-5 criteria and document functional impairment.
4. Appeal denials — Initial denials are common. Peer-to-peer reviews often result in approval when clinical rationale is clearly articulated.
5. Leverage your EHR — Many EHR systems now have integrated PA workflows that can streamline the process.

Pharmacy Strategies to Reduce Patient Costs

Mail-Order Pharmacy

Many insurance plans offer lower copays through mail-order pharmacies. A 90-day supply through mail order often costs less than three separate 30-day fills at retail. Advise patients to check their plan's mail-order options.

Specialty Pharmacy Networks

Some insurers route brand-name medications through specialty pharmacy networks. While this can be inconvenient, it sometimes offers better pricing. Check with the patient's plan to see if this applies.

Pharmacy Shopping Tools

Recommend MedFinder to patients who need help locating Viloxazine in stock at pharmacies near them. The platform also helps identify pharmacies that may offer better pricing. For a patient-facing guide, share how to check pharmacy stock.

Coupon and Discount Card Options

While the manufacturer savings card is usually the best option for insured patients, pharmacy discount cards can sometimes help uninsured patients reduce costs. Options include:

• SingleCare
• GoodRx
• RxSaver
• Optum Perks

However, note that for a brand-name medication like Qelbree without a generic alternative, discount card savings may be limited compared to the manufacturer savings card or PAP. These are most useful as a bridge while PAP applications are being processed.

Building a Practice-Level Savings Workflow

To consistently help patients access affordable Viloxazine, consider implementing these practice-level strategies:

1. Create a Viloxazine savings checklist — Include manufacturer savings card enrollment, PAP application, PA submission, and alternative pharmacy options.
2. Train front-office staff — Ensure they understand the savings programs and can guide patients through enrollment at the point of prescribing.
3. Stock printed materials — Keep Qelbree Savings Card brochures and PAP applications in exam rooms.
4. Follow up on PA status — Designate a staff member to track PA submissions and follow up on pending requests.
5. Use MedFinder for Providers — Visit medfinder.com/providers for tools and resources designed specifically for prescribers managing medication access challenges.

When Cost Remains a Barrier: Discussing Alternatives

Despite best efforts, some patients may be unable to afford Viloxazine. In these cases, it's important to have an informed conversation about alternatives:

• Atomoxetine (Strattera) — Available as a generic, significantly less expensive. Different serotonin profile but similar norepinephrine mechanism.
• Guanfacine ER (Intuniv) — Generic available. Alpha-2 agonist, different mechanism entirely.
• Clonidine ER (Kapvay) — Generic available. Another alpha-2 agonist option.
• Stimulant medications — Many generics available at very low cost.

For a patient-facing comparison, share alternatives to Viloxazine.

Staying Informed on Availability and Pricing

The Viloxazine landscape is evolving. Stay current on:

• Generic entry timeline — Monitor patent expiration dates and any paragraph IV challenges
• Formulary changes — Insurance formularies update annually; Viloxazine coverage may improve over time
• Shortage updates — While not currently on the FDA shortage list, localized stocking issues persist. See our provider shortage update for the latest.

For the patient perspective on savings, you can also share how to save money on Viloxazine directly with patients.

Bottom Line

Viloxazine's brand-only status and high cost make affordability a key concern for patients and providers alike. By proactively leveraging manufacturer savings programs, navigating insurance requirements effectively, and connecting patients with independent assistance resources, you can help ensure that cost doesn't prevent patients from accessing this important non-stimulant ADHD treatment. Visit medfinder.com/providers for additional provider tools and resources.