If you have certain health conditions, you may want to learn more about dexamethasone.

Dexamethasone is a generic prescription drug that’s used to treat certain inflammatory and immune-related conditions in adults and children. It comes in several different forms, including an injectable solution, tablets, eye drops, and an oral solution.

Examples of conditions that dexamethasone is used to treat include:

Dexamethasone comes in several brand-name versions. For more information, see the “Is dexamethasone available as a brand-name drug?” section below.

Dexamethasone belongs to a group of drugs called glucocorticoids (a type of steroid).

Keep reading to for details about dexamethasone and cost, and how to save money on prescriptions.

Note: For more details about dexamethasone, including information on its other uses, see this in-depth article.

The price you pay for dexamethasone can vary. It may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use. The cost will also depend on how much you have to pay for an office visit with your doctor to receive the dexamethasone injection.

To find out how much you’ll pay for dexamethasone, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about dexamethasone and cost.

Does the cost of dexamethasone depend on the form (such as tablets, eye drops, an injectable solution, or other forms)?

Yes, in some cases, the cost of dexamethasone may depend on the form of the drug you use. For example, the dexamethasone injectable solution may cost more than other forms because of the packaging and materials that come with it.

The cost of the various other forms of dexamethasone can vary, depending on certain factors. These may include the condition being treated and how long you take the medication.

It’s important to note that not all forms of dexamethasone are appropriate for all conditions. Your doctor can tell you more about which type of dexamethasone is best for you.

If you have questions about the cost of dexamethasone, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How much does dexamethasone cost without insurance?

The cost of dexamethasone without insurance can depend on several factors. These include:

  • the condition dexamethasone is being used to treat
  • the form of dexamethasone you use
  • the severity of your condition and your dosage (how much you take)
  • how long your dexamethasone treatment lasts
  • if you use a discount program or coupon

Your doctor can tell you more about your dexamethasone prescription and how much it may cost.

For more information about ways to pay for your prescription, see the “Can I get help paying for dexamethasone?” section below.

Dexamethasone is a generic prescription drug. It also comes in the following brand-name versions:

  • Dexamethasone Intensol
  • Dextenza
  • Dexycu Kit
  • Maxidex
  • Ozurdex
  • Hemady (this form of dexamethasone is only approved for use with other drugs for multiple myeloma)

A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be just as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

To find out how the costs dexamethasone and its brand-name versions compare, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

If your doctor has prescribed dexamethasone, and you’re interested in using a brand-name version instead, talk with your doctor. They may prefer one version or the other. In addition, you’ll need to check with your insurance provider. This is because it may not cover all versions of the drug.

If you take dexamethasone long term, you may be able to lower the cost in the following ways:

  • Look into getting a 90-day supply of your medication. You may be able to get a 90-day supply of dexamethasone if your insurance company approves it. This could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost of dexamethasone. If you’re interested in getting a 90-day supply of this drug, talk with your doctor or insurance provider.
  • Use a mail-order pharmacy to get your medication. Using a mail-order pharmacy might help lower the cost of dexamethasone. Plus, you could get your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the costs of mail-order drugs. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug through mail order. If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need help covering the cost of dexamethasone or understanding your insurance plan, check out these websites:

On these sites, you can find insurance information, details about drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards and other services.

If you have questions about how you can pay for dexamethasone, you may also want to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you still have questions about the cost of dexamethasone, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to give you a better idea of what you’ll pay for this drug. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk to your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’d pay for dexamethasone.

Examples of questions that you may want to ask your doctor or insurance provider include:

  • Will my dosage of dexamethasone affect the cost of the drug?
  • Are there lower-cost drugs that could treat my condition?
  • Is there a less expensive alternative to Dexamethasone Intensol?

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.