How to Save Money on Lomustine in 2026: Coupons, Discounts, and Patient Assistance

Lomustine (Gleostine) is one of the most expensive oral chemotherapy drugs in the United States. A single dose can cost $600–$2,950 at retail, and most patients take it every 6 weeks throughout their treatment course. Without insurance, the annual cost can exceed $20,000 — and since Medicare and Medicaid no longer cover it, even insured patients may face significant out-of-pocket costs. Here's a complete guide to every savings option available for lomustine patients in 2026.

How Much Does Lomustine Cost Without Insurance?

The cost varies by strength and quantity, but here are approximate retail prices for Gleostine as of 2026:

10 mg capsules (5 ct): ~$601–$604 retail

40 mg capsules (5 ct): ~$506–$600 retail

100 mg capsules (5 ct): ~$1,384–$2,950 retail (brand-name)

Because lomustine is dosed by body surface area, your actual dose may require multiple capsule strengths — and you pay for each. Only one dose is dispensed at a time (every 6 weeks) by safety regulation.

Option 1: GoodRx Coupons

GoodRx offers coupons for generic lomustine that can reduce costs to as low as $672 for the most common version at participating pharmacies. GoodRx coupons are used instead of insurance — you present the coupon at the pharmacy and pay the discounted cash price.

How to use GoodRx:

Visit GoodRx.com or download the GoodRx app

Search for "lomustine" and enter your zip code and dosage

Compare prices at nearby pharmacies

Print, email, or show the coupon on your phone at the pharmacy

Option 2: SingleCare Discount Card

SingleCare is another free prescription discount service. For Gleostine 10 mg (5 capsules), SingleCare may reduce the retail price from approximately $603 down to $215.75. SingleCare works at major chains including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Kroger — but only at pharmacies that actually carry lomustine, so confirm availability first.

Option 3: Prescription Hope Patient Assistance

Prescription Hope is a national medication access program that works with pharmaceutical manufacturers' patient assistance programs. Through Prescription Hope, lomustine is available for approximately $70 per month. The program works alongside any existing insurance you may have.

Note: Prescription Hope is not a coupon or insurance plan — it's an advocacy service. Enrollment and processing takes some time, so apply as early as possible, ideally before you need your first dose.

Option 4: NeedyMeds and Other PAP Programs

NeedyMeds.org maintains a database of patient assistance programs for low-income or uninsured patients. Search for "lomustine" to find any available manufacturer or nonprofit PAPs. Your oncologist's office social worker may also be aware of disease-specific programs through the National Brain Tumor Society or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Option 5: Commercial Insurance — Prior Authorization Tips

If you have private commercial insurance, lomustine may be covered — but prior authorization is almost always required. Tips to speed up the PA process:

Ask your oncologist to submit the PA request with full clinical documentation: diagnosis, MGMT status, treatment history, and clinical rationale

If denied, request a peer-to-peer review — oncologist directly discusses the case with the insurer's medical reviewer

Appeal denials with supporting published guidelines (NCCN, EANO, etc.) and clinical trial data

Ask if the drug is covered under the medical benefit rather than pharmacy benefit (applicable if it can be administered in-office)

Option 6: Medicare Patients — Special Considerations

Standard Medicare Part D does not cover lomustine since NextSource's 2021 withdrawal. However:

Some Medicare Advantage plans with pharmacy benefits may still cover it — check your specific plan formulary

Medigap (supplemental) plans may offset costs if your Advantage plan covers it partially

Prescription Hope and GoodRx remain available regardless of Medicare status

Finding the Lowest-Cost Pharmacy

Even with a discount coupon, you need to find a pharmacy that actually stocks lomustine. medfinder calls pharmacies near you to check which ones have your medication available. Once you know where to go, you can compare prices using GoodRx or SingleCare to find the best deal.

Summary: Best Savings Options at a Glance

Prescription Hope: ~$70/month — best for low-income or uninsured patients

SingleCare: Up to 64% off retail — best if the drug is available at a participating retail pharmacy

GoodRx: Generic lomustine from $672 — good at Walmart, Kroger, and other retail pharmacies

Commercial insurance PA: Copay varies widely — start early and appeal denials

For tips on locating a pharmacy with lomustine in stock, see our related guide: How to Find Lomustine In Stock Near You.