Affordability Check
How to afford Megestrol Acetate
Generic name: Megestrol Acetate
Pick how you're covered. We'll show you the cheapest legitimate way to get Megestrol Acetate — your insurance copay, manufacturer savings, charity grants, or cash price. It takes 30 seconds and we never ask for your personal information.
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 Megestrol Acetate and its cost
What is this medication? Megestrol acetate is a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone that is primarily used to treat severe loss of appetite and extreme weight loss. It is frequently prescribed for patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or advanced cancer who are suffering from cachexia, a condition involving the wasting of muscle and body fat. The medication works by stimulating the appetite and altering metabolic processes to help individuals regain body mass and improve their overall nutritional status. In addition to its role as an appetite stimulant, megestrol acetate is utilized as a hormonal therapy for certain types of cancer. It is specifically indicated for the palliative treatment of advanced breast cancer and endometrial cancer that has returned or metastasized. By interfering with the hormones that contribute to the growth of these tumors, the medication helps to manage the disease and reduce the rate at which cancer cells spread throughout the body.
Megestrol Acetate is made by Hikma Pharmaceuticals. 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 Megestrol Acetate?
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 Megestrol Acetate?
No — federal law (the Anti-Kickback Statute) prohibits manufacturer copay cards on Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, and VA prescriptions. But Hikma Pharmaceuticals has a separate Patient Assistance Program for Medicare beneficiaries. Check the options above.
Does my Medicare Part D plan cover Megestrol Acetate?
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 Cachexia?
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.
More about Megestrol Acetate
Full Megestrol Acetate drug page
FDA label, prior authorization rules, full indications list
More options for Cachexia
Drugs, grants, and assistance for this condition
Guide to Patient Assistance Programs
How PAPs work, who qualifies, typical wait times
If your insurance denied coverage
5-level appeal playbook — Medicare has a 60% win rate at Level 3