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Affordability Check

How to afford Gastrografin

Generic name: diatrizoate meglumine and diatrizoate sodium

Pick how you're covered. We'll show you the cheapest legitimate way to get Gastrografin — your insurance copay, manufacturer savings, charity grants, or cash price. It takes 30 seconds and we never ask for your personal information.

How are you covered for prescriptions?

Pick the one that fits you. We'll show you the cheapest way to get this drug.

Pick an option above to see your specific path.

Different insurance means different laws and different savings. For example, Medicare patients cannot use manufacturer copay cards (federal law) — but the manufacturer almost always has a Patient Assistance Program that gives the drug free.

About Gastrografin and its cost

What is this medication? Gastrografin is a water-soluble, iodinated contrast medium used primarily for the examination of the gastrointestinal tract during X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scans. It contains the active ingredients diatrizoate meglumine and diatrizoate sodium, which work by blocking X-rays as they pass through the body. This allows healthcare providers to see a clear outline of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines on diagnostic images, helping them to identify structural issues or abnormalities within the digestive system.

This medication is commonly used when a patient is suspected of having a gastrointestinal obstruction, perforation, or leak, as its water-soluble nature makes it safer than barium in certain medical situations. It can be administered either orally as a liquid to drink or rectally as an enema, depending on the specific area of the digestive tract that needs to be visualized. In addition to standard X-rays, it is frequently used to enhance the detail of CT scans to provide a more comprehensive view of the internal organs and tissues.

Gastrografin is made by Bracco. Like most brand-name drugs, it's priced at a high list price — but patients rarely pay that list price. The options above are the real paths most people use to get it affordably.

Common questions

What's the cheapest way to afford Gastrografin?

It depends on your insurance. On Medicare, apply for the manufacturer's Patient Assistance Program (PAP) — it gives the drug free if you meet income requirements. With private insurance, the manufacturer copay card usually drops your copay to $0-$25. Uninsured patients should compare the PAP with Cost Plus Drugs cash price.

Can I use a copay card with Medicare for Gastrografin?

No — federal law (the Anti-Kickback Statute) prohibits manufacturer copay cards on Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, and VA prescriptions. But Bracco has a separate Patient Assistance Program for Medicare beneficiaries. Check the options above.

Does my Medicare Part D plan cover Gastrografin?

Part D coverage varies by plan. We query the CMS Prescription Drug Plan file to show you what percentage of plans cover it and at what tier. For your exact copay, pick "Medicare" above and check your plan's Summary of Benefits, or log in to Medicare.gov.

How long does a Patient Assistance Program take?

Most PAPs take 2-6 weeks from application to first fill. Ask the manufacturer about a "bridge supply" — many will ship 30 days free while your application is being reviewed so you don't go without the drug.

What if I have a high-deductible plan?

For generics, Cost Plus Drugs cash price is often cheaper than your deductible-phase copay. For brand names, the manufacturer copay card almost always wins. A GoodRx coupon can be a last resort for uncovered drugs, but it doesn't count toward your deductible.

Are there charity grants for Intestinal Perforation?

Charities like HealthWell Foundation, PAN Foundation, Good Days, and the National Organization for Rare Disorders provide copay help for specific conditions. Funds often run out mid-year — apply early. We list the specific grants for your condition in the options above.

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