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

Mesalamine XR is not a cheap medication. Without insurance or a discount program, the cash price for a 30-day supply of generic mesalamine extended-release capsules can run $450–$700, and brand-name formulations like Pentasa or Apriso can easily reach $500–$700 or more per month. For patients managing ulcerative colitis — a lifelong condition — these costs add up fast.

The good news: there are multiple legitimate ways to dramatically reduce what you pay for Mesalamine XR. This guide walks through every option available in 2026.

What Does Mesalamine XR Actually Cost?

Prices vary significantly based on formulation, strength, and where you fill:

Generic Mesalamine ER 0.375 g (Apriso-strength): Average retail approximately $450/month; with GoodRx coupon, as low as $37–$38 for 120 capsules (30-day supply)

Generic Mesalamine ER 500 mg (Pentasa-strength): Retail from approximately $558 for 120 capsules; GoodRx coupon may bring this down significantly at select pharmacies

Brand Apriso or Pentasa: Approximately $500–$700/month without manufacturer assistance or insurance

Option 1: GoodRx Coupons

GoodRx is one of the most effective tools for reducing the cost of generic Mesalamine XR. According to GoodRx, you can get mesalamine ER for as low as $37.62 — a savings of 92% off the average retail price of $449.79. This applies to the 0.375 g capsule formulation.

To use GoodRx: look up your drug on goodrx.com or the GoodRx app, select your dosage and pharmacy, and show the coupon code at the counter. GoodRx coupons cannot be combined with insurance — you use one or the other, whichever is cheaper.

Option 2: SingleCare Discount Cards

SingleCare offers savings cards for mesalamine that can reduce cost to as low as $74.52 for certain formulations. Like GoodRx, SingleCare is used instead of insurance, not with it. Participating pharmacies include CVS, Walmart, Kroger, Walgreens, and most major chains.

Option 3: Salix Pharmaceuticals Savings Card (Apriso)

Salix Pharmaceuticals (a Bausch Health company), which manufactures brand-name Apriso, offers a savings card for eligible patients. Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 for their first fill and $10 for subsequent fills, with a maximum benefit of $100 per fill. This offer is not valid for patients with Medicare, Medicaid, or other government insurance.

To activate a Salix savings card, visit the Apriso patient savings page on the Bausch Health or Salix website, or ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Option 4: Bausch Health Patient Assistance Program

For patients who are uninsured or underinsured, Bausch Health offers a Patient Assistance Program (PAP) for Apriso that can provide the medication at reduced or no cost for qualifying patients. Income requirements and application procedures apply. Contact Bausch Health directly or visit their patient support resources to apply.

Option 5: Prescription Hope and Third-Party Assistance Services

Services like Prescription Hope act as advocates to enroll patients in manufacturer assistance programs. They charge a flat monthly service fee (approximately $50/month) and handle the application process. This can be worth it for patients on brand-name mesalamine who are uninsured or whose insurance doesn't cover the medication.

Option 6: Insurance — Use It Wisely

If you have commercial health insurance, mesalamine formulations are typically covered at Tier 1 or Tier 2 for generics, and may require prior authorization for brand-name options. Your co-pay will vary by plan.

Key tip: always compare your insurance co-pay against a GoodRx or SingleCare price — sometimes the discount card is cheaper than your insurance co-pay, especially for generic mesalamine. Your pharmacist can run both prices before you decide.

Option 7: 90-Day Supply Savings

Filling a 90-day supply instead of a 30-day supply typically lowers your per-dose cost, regardless of whether you're using insurance or a discount card. Many insurance plans also offer lower co-pays for 90-day mail-order fills. You'll need your doctor to write a 90-day prescription to access mail-order pricing.

Quick Savings Summary

With GoodRx: As low as $37–$45/month for generic Mesalamine ER

With Salix savings card (Apriso): $0 first fill, $10 subsequent fills for eligible commercially insured patients

With insurance (generic, Tier 1): $0–$30 co-pay for most commercial plans

With PAP (uninsured): Potentially $0 through Bausch Health for qualifying patients

Struggling to find Mesalamine XR at a pharmacy near you? Beyond cost savings, medfinder can help you locate which pharmacies near you currently have your medication in stock — an important first step before you can use any savings program.

See also: How to find Mesalamine XR in stock near you.