Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| 200mg Tablets Generic (30-day) | $15 – $40 | $0 – $10 |
| 200mg Tablets Generic (90-day) | $30 – $60 | $0 – $15 |
What Affects the Cost
- Brand-name vs. generic availability
- Insurance formulary tier placement
- Pharmacy choice (retail vs. mail-order vs. Costco)
- Manufacturer savings cards and coupons
- Dosage and quantity prescribed
- Geographic location
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Covered as Tier 1 generic on most plans
Most insurance plans use a tiered formulary: Tier 1 (generic) $0-$15 copay, Tier 2 (preferred brand) $25-$75, Tier 3 (non-preferred brand) $50-$150, Tier 4 (specialty) $100-$500+. Prior authorization may be required for certain medications. Step therapy may require trying cheaper alternatives first.
How to Save Money
- Always ask for generic when available — saves 50-90%
- Use GoodRx, RxSaver, or similar discount cards
- Costco pharmacy is open to non-members and often has lowest prices
- Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs offers transparent low pricing
- Manufacturer patient assistance programs provide free medication to qualifying patients
- HSA/FSA funds can cover medication costs tax-free
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Hydroxychloroquine treats rheumatoid arthritis, lupus (SLE), and certain other autoimmune conditions. It is one of the safest DMARDs.
Generic hydroxychloroquine costs $15 to $40/month, making it very affordable for long-term autoimmune disease management.
Yes, annual eye exams are recommended after 5 years of use (or sooner with risk factors) to screen for retinal toxicity.