Linzess (linaclotide) is a brand-name prescription medication. It’s used to treat the following conditions:

Linzess comes as a capsule that you swallow.

Keep reading for details on Linzess and cost and how to save money on prescriptions.

Linzess retail price
$282
Save up to $8 per fill off of the retail price
The retail price of Linzess is $282. Save up to $8 per fill off of the retail price.

The price you pay for Linzess can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage (if you have it), and the pharmacy you use. To find out how much you’ll pay for Linzess, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Note: If you have insurance, you may need to get prior authorization before your insurance provider will cover Linzess. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss the drug in regard to your treatment. Then the insurance company will determine whether the drug is covered. If Linzess requires prior authorization and you don’t receive it before you start treatment, you could pay the full cost of the drug.

Be sure to ask your insurance company or pharmacist whether Linzess requires prior authorization.

Coupons and savings

To save money on your Linzess prescription, explore these Optum Perks coupons.

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

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

Financial support may be available through the Linzess Savings Program. It’s similar to a manufacturer coupon and has an option for people with certain types of insurance to get a 30-day or 90-day supply for a lower cost. This copay assistance is usually not available to people with Medicare, Medicaid, or state or federal marketplace insurance plans. To learn more about this program, visit the website or call 855-859-5614.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Linzess and cost.

How much does Linzess cost per month with Medicare or commercial insurance as well as without insurance?

Because Linzess is a brand-name drug, it’ll likely be expensive without insurance.

If you have insurance, your cost or copay for the drug will depend on your specific plan. Medicare and Medicaid plans will be different from employer plans and marketplace plans.

While some health insurance plans will likely cover Linzess, others may cover a different drug for treating health conditions with constipation.

If you want to save money, ask your doctor about other drugs less expensive than Linzess that might work as well for your condition.

Does the price of Linzess vary depending on the strength (72 mcg, 145 mcg, 290 mcg) I’m prescribed?

Linzess comes as a capsule that contains 72 micrograms (mcg), 145 mcg, or 290 mcg. Each strength is used for a specific condition. For example, the dose for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation is 290 mcg by mouth once daily.

It’s possible that the cost of the drug might be more for a higher dose if you pay out of pocket at some pharmacies. But if you use a savings card or health insurance, the price will probably be the same for each dose. You might also pay less per capsule if you get a 90-day supply. (Check out “How can I lower my long-term drug costs?” below for more information.)

Linzess only comes as a brand-name drug. It’s not currently available in a generic version. A generic drug contains an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication but tends to cost less.

Why is there such a cost difference between brand-name drugs and generics?

Years of research and testing are needed to ensure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective. This testing can make the drugs expensive. The manufacturer of a brand-name drug can sell the drug for up to 20 years. After that, other drugmakers can create generic versions. This competition in the market can lead to lower costs for generics. And because generics have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they don’t need to be studied again. This can also lead to lower generic costs.

If you take Linzess long term, you may be able to lower your costs 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 Linzess if approved by your insurance company. The Linzess Savings Program may be able to help with this*. It could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost of the drug.

If you have questions about getting a 90-day supply of Linzess, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Use a mail-order pharmacy to get your medication. Using a mail-order pharmacy might help lower your cost for Linzess. And you could get your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order drugs. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug through mail order. The Linzess Savings Program may be able to help with this*.

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.

* This program is not available to those enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, or other state or federal healthcare programs.

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.