Why is Ranexa So Expensive? Save on Meds for Angina
high drug prices
Ranexa—ranolazine extended-release, which is ranolazine ER—is a very expensive medication.
For the people it treats, this is a big problem. Ranexa ER is a common and effective angina treatment. Angina isn’t a small-deal condition; rather, it’s a life-altering challenge. People who have angina endure intense chest pain and discomfort on a regular basis. (Angina is often described as a squeezing sensation in the chest … that can also be felt in the back, jaw, neck, arms, and shoulders.)
Heart problems like Angina can be serious and extremely difficult to live with. Medications like Ranexa ER can provide enough relief for angina patients to live much more comfortably, but that comfort comes at a steep price.
Why is Ranexa so expensive … and is there anything you can do about it? We’ve got tips to share.
Angina, Its Treatment, Your Options, and How to Save
If you or a loved one is managing angina, you don’t need to deal with crushing medicine bills, too.
Before we talk about ways to save up to 31% on your angina medication, we’ll provide some need-to-know information about how these medications work.
What Is Angina and How Does It Affect Individuals?
Angina is a heart condition that comes hand in hand with intense chest pain.
But the pain isn’t the worst thing about the condition. Angina often imposes relatively strict limits on the types of activities a patient can engage in. This can lead to a decrease in the quality of a patient’s life.
The psychological toll of angina can be weighty, too, as people with angina tend to experience a hefty dose of fear (on a very regular basis) about their health and their future.
These symptoms make finding a workable angina treatment a must for the person diagnosed and their families to thrive.
Common Treatments for Angina
The best way for every patient to treat their angina will depend on their unique symptoms.
The usual approach is multifaceted. Generally, doctors will recommend that patients incorporate a series of lifestyle challenges into their routine and daily choices—such as a heart healthier diet, regular exercise, reduced alcohol intake, and cessation of smoking if applicable.
In many cases, doctors will also recommend medication. A common first-line option is Ranexa.
What Is Ranexa ER Used For?
Ranexa (ranolazine) is specifically used for treating chronic angina.
Angina happens because of reduced blood flow to the heart and is often a symptom of coronary artery disease. Ranexa works to help alleviate symptoms by improving blood flow to the heart—which helps the heart work more efficiently, and, often, with far less pain.
Since Ranexa leverages this root-of-the-cause approach, Ranexa is used to treat angina that recurs over a long period of time, not one-off or acute episodes of angina.
Ranexa is an extended release medication so it typically does not need to be taken multiple times per day. “ER” stands for “extended release.” When a patient takes Ranexa, the tablet releases the medication on a slow drip all day, instead of all at once. This can help reduce side effects of the medication and support steady bloodstream medication levels over a longer period.
For example, while Ranexa reduces the frequency of angina attacks and allows patients to increase their physical activity with lessened discomfort, this medication can’t do everything. Unlike other angina meds, Ranexa doesn’t lower a patient’s heart rate or blood pressure.
Of course, regardless, you’re going to need to find a medication that you can afford.
Why is Ranexa so expensive?
In the United States, Ranexa might retail for as high as $440.00 for 60 500mg capsules. (That’s about $7.30 per capsule.)
For medications that need to be taken daily, that adds up fast.
Why is Ranexa so expensive?
There are several factors that might contribute to Ranexa’s high cost. These factors include:
- The costs of developing new drugs
- The costs of ongoing manufacture of Ranexa
- The cost of marketing and distributing Ranexa
- The lack of other drugs that provide Ranexa’s specific value add
While there are other medications that treat angina, when patients find an angina medication that works for them, they tend to stick with it—as long as they’re able to afford to do so.
Unfortunately, the fact that Ranexa is quite expensive can be a barrier for many patients.
Fortunately, American patients who know how to buy medications from Canada online pharmacy and international drug websites can save on brand-name Ranexa.
You can buy brand-name Ranexa for a little over $5.00 per pill (in a supply of 60 pills for about $330.00.) That represents about 31% in savings.
Looking for more ways to save?
Here, through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can also buy generic Ranexa, or ranolazine ER, for a little over $1.00 per pill.
Are There Other Cost-Effective Angina Treatments? Alternatives to Ranexa ER
As we mentioned above, Ranexa isn’t the only medications that can treat angina.
If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option, if Ranexa ER isn’t working for you, or if you just want to be aware of your options as you and your doctor determine your best path forward, it may be worth knowing about these three common options.
Isordil
Isordil (isosorbide dinitrate) is a nitrate drug that doctors usually prescribe to prevent angina attacks. While Isordil won’t stop an angina attack that is already happening, it can be effective in reducing future pain. If you need help with pain happening right now, it’s important to know that Isordil will not provide immediate relief.
It works as a vasodilator, which means that it eases the overall workload on the heart by widening blood vessels.
You can buy generic Isordil through NorthWestPharmacy.com for about $0.20 per pill.
Imdur
Imdur (isosorbide mononitrate) is also a vasodilator; and, like Isordil, Imdur focuses on long-term angina attack reduction. It’s preventative, so, if you’re in the midst of an angina attack, reaching for Imdur will not bring the relief you need.
Since Imdur widens blood vessels and reduces the heart’s workload, Imdur may allow patients to have a higher tolerance to exercise, which can in turn increase a patient’s quality of life.
You can buy brand Imdur through NorthWestPharmacy.com for about $0.70 per pill.
Minitran Patch
Minitran Patch (nitroglycerine) contains, yes, nitroglycerine. When used properly in a medical setting, nitroglycerine is a vasodilator, which can provide relief to an overworked heart.
The Minitran Patch differs from Imdur and Isordil in its route of administration. Patients apply the Minitran Patch directly to their skin. Once affixed, the patch will continuously dispense medication to aid with angina prevention.
You can buy brand Minitran Patch through NorthWestPharmacy.com for a little over $1.00 per patch.
Lifestyle Changes and Natural Remedies for Managing Angina
While it’s unlikely that lifestyle changes and natural remedies alone will cure your angina, it’s often a good idea to be aware of what type of choices you can make in your day-to-day to boost your heart health.
Incorporating some of these actions into your routine can make you feel better, and could help you reduce your required medication dosage.
When you get diagnosed with angina, your doctor may recommend the following lifestyle shifts.
- Dietary adjustments. You may wish to focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, while limiting foods high in salt and saturated fats.
- Regular exercise. If you can engage in physical activity without experiencing pain, it may be a good idea to incorporate walking or swimming into your daily routine. This can improve your cardiovascular health, which, in turn, can reduce angina episodes.
- Stress management. If you’re stressed on a regular basis, that can exacerbate your angina. Learning stress management techniques like breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation can help.
- Smoking cessation. Smoking is a big risk factor for heart disease. If you can quit smoking, you’ll likely be able to reduce the frequency of your angina attacks.
Again, it’s important to maintain a realistic mindset. It may not be possible for you to embrace all of these lifestyle changes, and that’s okay; and, even if you did, you could still need Ranexa or other angina medication.
Still, if you’re able, considering these shifts can help you manage your angina and increase your quality of life.
Saving on Ranexa and Other Angina Medications
If you’re in a place where you need to treat a chronic condition like angina with ongoing medication and save money at the same time, you might be feeling anxious about your options.
In America, medication is expensive, and prices don’t seem to be going down anytime soon.
Fortunately, there are a few strategies you can employ to reduce the cost of your angina treatments.
Tips for Reducing Medication Costs
Consider these two tips if you need to save money on angina medication.
If you can, opt for generic products. Generic medications contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs; so generic ranolazine ER should give you the same therapeutic effect as Ranexa.
(You can buy generic ranolazine ER through NorthWestPharmacy.com for about $1.00 per pill.)
However, it’s important to realize that generic meds aren’t exactly the same as brand-name versions, and there’s a very small chance that generic ranolazine won’t work as well for you. It’s a good idea to find a pharmacy that sells both brand and generic medications for reasonable prices so you can make the best choice for your treatment.
Ask your doctor for a longer-supply prescription. If you know you’re going to be taking Ranexa for angina treatment for a long time, see if your doctor would recommend a 60- or 90-day prescription, instead of requiring you to get a new supply every month. Usually, this will bring the cost per unit down a little bit, making it a more affordable option.
How to Order through an Online Canadian Pharmacy
A consistently reliable, convenient way to save on your prescription medications is to order them through an online Canadian pharmacy. This can sound like a logistics-heavy option, but, in reality, it’s a lot easier than you think.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Find an accredited Canadian pharmacy with excellent reviews. (Pro tip: Searching for a CIPA-approved pharmacy is an excellent start.)
- Make sure you have a valid, updated prescription for the medication you require. You’ll need to upload it during your buying process.
- Locate the medication you need at the online pharmacy of your choice.
- Check out through the website’s safe, private payment portal.
And that’s it! Before you know it, your brand-name or generic Ranexa will be delivered to your doorstep.
Buy Affordable Meds for Angina Through NorthWestPharmacy.com
Online and international Canadian pharmacies can be a game-changer for American patients facing increasingly high medication costs at their local brick-and-mortar pharmacies. Through NorthWestPharmacy.com, a CIPA-approved Canadian pharmacy website, you can buy safe, authentic, brand-name medications for up to 90% off their typical American retail prices.
Interested in talking to a member of our team, placing an order, or learning more about affordable prices on angina treatments? Call 1.866.539.5330 or contact us online. The team at NorthWestPharmacy.com looks forward to supporting you and your healthcare journey.
