Daytrana Is Expensive — And Getting Harder to Afford

If you've been prescribed Daytrana (Methylphenidate transdermal patch), you already know it's not cheap. With a cash price of $350 to $500 for a 30-day supply, Daytrana has always been one of the more expensive ADHD medications on the market. And now that it's been effectively discontinued by its manufacturer, the usual money-saving strategies are more limited than ever.

In this guide, we'll cover every option for reducing the cost of Daytrana — as well as cost-saving strategies for the alternative medications you may need to switch to.

How Much Does Daytrana Cost Without Insurance?

Here's what you can expect to pay for Daytrana out of pocket in 2026:

• Daytrana 10 mg/9 hr (30 patches): $350–$420
• Daytrana 15 mg/9 hr (30 patches): $370–$440
• Daytrana 20 mg/9 hr (30 patches): $380–$460
• Daytrana 30 mg/9 hr (30 patches): $400–$500

These prices reflect the brand-name product, as no generic version of Daytrana has ever been approved. The price may vary depending on the pharmacy, and with the medication being discontinued, some pharmacies may charge more for any remaining inventory.

That works out to roughly $12 to $17 per day — or $4,200 to $6,000 per year — making Daytrana significantly more expensive than most oral Methylphenidate products.

Coupons and Discount Cards

In normal circumstances, pharmacy discount cards can significantly reduce the cost of brand-name medications. However, Daytrana's discontinued status creates a unique challenge:

What's Available

• GoodRx, SingleCare, RxSaver, and other discount cards: These platforms typically negotiate pricing with pharmacies based on available supply. Since Daytrana is no longer being manufactured, most discount card platforms show it as "unavailable" or "no pricing available." However, it's still worth checking — if a pharmacy has stock, the discount card may still work.
• Optum Perks, BuzzRx, America's Pharmacy: Same situation. The discount exists in theory, but only if a pharmacy has the medication to sell.

What's No Longer Available

• Noven manufacturer savings card: Noven Pharmaceuticals previously offered a copay savings card that could reduce out-of-pocket costs to as low as $25 per month for eligible patients. This program is no longer active since the company discontinued Daytrana.
• Manufacturer rebates: No longer available.

Tips for Using Discount Cards

If you do find Daytrana in stock at a pharmacy:

1. Check multiple discount card platforms — prices can vary significantly between them
2. Ask the pharmacist to run the discount card before you pay — sometimes the pharmacy's cash price is actually lower
3. Some discount cards work better at certain pharmacy chains — try comparing CVS, Walgreens, and independent pharmacies

Patient Assistance Programs

Patient assistance programs (PAPs) provide free or reduced-cost medications to patients who meet income and insurance eligibility requirements. Here's the current landscape for Daytrana:

Manufacturer PAP

Noven Pharmaceuticals previously operated a patient assistance program for Daytrana. This program is no longer active due to the product's discontinuation.

Third-Party PAP Resources

While Daytrana-specific programs have ended, these organizations can help you find assistance for alternative ADHD medications:

• NeedyMeds (needymeds.org) — comprehensive database of patient assistance programs, discount cards, and free clinics. Search for your alternative medication to find available programs.
• RxAssist (rxassist.org) — database of pharmaceutical company PAPs. Useful for finding manufacturer programs for whichever alternative medication your doctor prescribes.
• RxHope (rxhope.com) — helps connect patients with manufacturer assistance programs.
• Partnership for Prescription Assistance — connects uninsured and underinsured patients with assistance programs.

Other Ways to Save on ADHD Medication

Since Daytrana is effectively unavailable, let's look at how to save money on the alternative medications you're most likely to switch to:

Switch to a Generic Alternative

The biggest savings come from switching to a medication that has a generic version. Here's what you could save:

• Generic Methylphenidate ER (Concerta equivalent): $50–$150/month vs. $350–$500 for Daytrana — savings of $200–$400/month
• Generic Ritalin LA (Methylphenidate ER capsules): $40–$120/month — savings of $230–$430/month
• Generic Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse equivalent): $30–$80/month — savings of $270–$470/month

That's a potential savings of $2,400 to $5,640 per year just by switching from Daytrana to a generic alternative.

Use Insurance Effectively

• Check your formulary: Call your insurance company or check their website to see which ADHD medications are on their preferred drug list. Preferred generics typically have the lowest copays ($5–$25/month).
• Prior authorization: If your doctor prescribes a brand-name alternative, ask about prior authorization. Document that you were previously on Daytrana (discontinued) to strengthen the approval.
• Appeal denials: If a prior authorization is denied, appeal. Include documentation of Daytrana's discontinuation and your clinical need for the specific alternative.

Explore Manufacturer Savings for Alternatives

Many brand-name ADHD medications offer their own savings programs:

• Quillivant XR: Check the manufacturer's website for savings cards — may reduce copay to $25–$50/month
• Jornay PM: Ironshore Pharmaceuticals offers a patient savings program
• Azstarys: Corium offers copay assistance for eligible patients

Compare Pharmacy Prices

Prices for the same medication can vary dramatically between pharmacies. Use Medfinder to compare availability, and check GoodRx or SingleCare for price comparisons across pharmacies in your area.

Some cost-saving pharmacy options:

• Costco Pharmacy: Often has lower prices, and you don't need a Costco membership to use the pharmacy
• Walmart $4 list: Some generic Methylphenidate formulations may be available at reduced prices
• Mail-order pharmacy: Your insurance may offer lower copays for 90-day supplies through mail order

A Realistic Look at Costs

Here's what ADHD treatment is likely to cost you in 2026, depending on your coverage:

• With good insurance (generic preferred): $5–$30/month
• With insurance (brand preferred): $30–$75/month
• With discount card (generic): $30–$150/month
• Cash price (generic): $40–$150/month
• Cash price (brand): $200–$450/month

Compare this to Daytrana's $350–$500/month cash price, and you can see that switching to a generic alternative is likely to save you significant money — even if you don't have insurance.

Final Thoughts

The irony of Daytrana's discontinuation is that most patients will actually spend less on their ADHD medication after switching to a generic alternative. While losing a medication that works is never easy, the financial burden of Daytrana was real — and the alternatives are both effective and more affordable.

If you're still searching for Daytrana, use Medfinder to check availability. And if you're ready to switch, talk to your doctor about which alternative is the best fit — then use the savings strategies above to keep your costs as low as possible.

For more information on available alternatives, read our guide to Daytrana alternatives. And for the latest on availability, check our 2026 shortage update.