Question 1

How can I lower the cost of my bupropion

Accepted Answer

You can lower cost of your bupropion using one of the 4 following drug savings programs: Rx Advantage Card for bupropion, Canadian Prescription Savings for bupropion, bupropion Drug Coupons, bupropion Patient Assistance Programs

Question 2

What dosages is bupropion available in?

Accepted Answer

bupropion is available as a 150 mg and 300 mg extended-release oral tablet.

Question 3

What is bupropion used for?

Accepted Answer

bupropion is an atypical antidepressant that is used to treat: Depression Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – only bupropion HCl extended-release (bupropion)

Question 4

How does bupropion work?

Accepted Answer

bupropion is an atypical antidepressant. It’s not fully known how the medication works but it’s thought to boost norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain, which can help to improve mood and depression.

Question 5

How do I take bupropion?

Accepted Answer

bupropion is typically started at 150 mg by mouth once daily in the morning. After 4 days, your provider might raise your dose to 300 mg once daily.

Question 6

Is it safe for me to take bupropion?

Accepted Answer

bupropion is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have any of the following:
History of seizures
History of eating disorders (e.g., bulimia or anorexia)
Stopping alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antiepileptic medications suddenly
Take, have recently taken (within the last 14 days), or plan to take (within the next 14 days) medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as rasagiline (Azilect) or selegiline (Eldepryl)
Treatment with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue

Question 7

bupropion Common Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of bupropion: Headache Dry mouth Nausea Trouble sleeping Dizziness Sore throat Constipation Restlessness (agitation) Stomach pain Anxiety

Question 8

bupropion Serious Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Serious side effects are rare with bupropion. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Suicidal thoughts and changes in mood or behavior
Serious allergic reactions: itchy skin, skin rash, hives, swelling, shortness of breath, chest pain
Severe skin reactions: painful rash, fluid-filled blisters, fever, sore throat, peeling skin
Seizures
Manic episodes: very high or low energy, angry or very happy, problems with sleep
Vision problems: eye pain, changes in vision, swelling or redness in or around the eye

Question 9

Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on bupropion

Accepted Answer

The following medications may interact with bupropion:  CYP2B6 inducers: Dose increase may be necessary if coadministered with CYP2B6 inducers (e.g., ritonavir, lopinavir, efavirenz carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin) based on clinical response but should not exceed the maximum recommended dose. Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6: Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6 and can increase concentrations of: antidepressants (e.g., venlafaxine nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline) antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone, thioridazine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), and Type 1C antiarrhythmics (e.g., propafenone flecainide). Consider dose reduction when using with bupropion. Digoxin: May decrease plasma digoxin levels. Monitor digoxin levels. Drugs that lower seizure threshold: Dose bupropion with caution. Dopaminergic drugs (levodopa and amantadine): CNS toxicity can occur when used concomitantly with bupropion. MAOIs: Increased risk of hypertensive reactions can occur when used concomitantly with bupropion. Drug-laboratory test interactions: bupropion can cause falsepositive urine test results for amphetamines.

Question 10

Who makes bupropion?

Accepted Answer

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

Question 11

Is bupropion safe in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

It is not known if bupropion will harm your
unborn baby. You and your doctor will have to decide if you should take bupropion while you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. There is an independent pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in
women exposed to any antidepressants during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged
to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or visiting online at MGH Center for womens mental health.

Question 12

What is the brand name for bupropion?

Accepted Answer

WELLBUTRIN XLWELLBUTRIN SRWELLBUTRIN

Question 13

How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my bupropion prescription?

Accepted Answer

After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your bupropion prescription

Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.

Question 14

How do the NowPatient bupropion savings programs work?

Accepted Answer

After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.

Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.

Question 15

Are the NowPatient bupropion savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.

	Rx Advantage Card* for bupropion	Canadian Prescription Savings* for bupropion	bupropion Drug Coupon*	bupropion Patient Assistance Program*
Insured (federal, state or government)	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Insured (Commercial or Private)	Available	Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Uninsured	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company

*This is not insurance.

Question 16

Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of bupropion?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below

	Rx Advantage Card* for bupropion	Canadian Prescription Savings* for bupropion	bupropion Drug Coupon*	bupropion Patient Assistance Program*
Brand	Yes	Yes	Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company	Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Generic	Yes	Yes	No	No

*This is not insurance.

Question 17

If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the bupropion savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?

Accepted Answer

If you are insured with Medicare and the bupropion drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.

If you are denied Medicaid for bupropion, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Question 18

I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the bupropion prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, bupropion is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed bupropion for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.

Question 19

I am commercially or privately insured and none of the bupropion prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.

If you cannot afford your copay contribution, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.

The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.

Question 20

If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the bupropion prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay contributions?

Accepted Answer

If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:

1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for bupropion

If you are having trouble paying for your bupropion medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for bupropion you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:

Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
bupropion is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers bupropion
If bupropion is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications

You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.

2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for bupropion

If you are having trouble paying for your bupropion medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for bupropion you will need to meet the following criteria:

You live in and are being treated in the United States
You are insured and your plan covers bupropion
If bupropion is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications

You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.

3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for bupropion

Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your bupropion treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for bupropion you will need to meet the following criteria:

You must be currently insured and have coverage for bupropion
You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.

You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.