18mg · 30-count · Mental Health · Brand: Concerta · Generic available
| Pharmacy | Cash Price | Per-30-Day Equiv. |
|---|---|---|
| Costco Cheapest | $351.95 | $351.95 |
| Walmart | $391.05 | $391.05 |
| Kroger | $420.38 | $420.38 |
| Target | $464.38 | $464.38 |
| Rite Aid | $1050.96 | $1050.96 |
| CVS | $1099.84 | $1099.84 |
| Walgreens | $1173.16 | $1173.16 |
The generic form of Methylphenidate (Methylphenidate HCl ER) contains the same active ingredient and is bioequivalent to the brand. Ask your pharmacist to dispense the generic — it works the same way, typically at a fraction of the brand-name cost.
Tip: In most states, pharmacists can substitute a generic unless your prescriber writes "dispense as written" (DAW).
Methylphenidate (18mg) is sold under the brand name Concerta and the generic Methylphenidate HCl ER. A standard supply tracked here is 30 units at 18mg.
Pharmacy pricing is not regulated in the United States, so retailers set their own cash prices. Large retailers like Walmart and Costco typically offer lower prices on generics because they use prescriptions as a traffic driver. Chain pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens tend to charge more for the same medication.
Mental health medications often require ongoing refills, so pharmacy shopping can add up to meaningful savings over months of treatment. As a federally controlled substance, pharmacies may have additional refill restrictions and cannot always transfer prescriptions between states.
Shop around. The cheapest pharmacy tracked here (Costco at $351.95) charges meaningfully less than the most expensive option ($1173.16). A quick call can save real money.
Ask for the generic. If your doctor prescribed the brand-name Concerta, ask your pharmacist whether a generic is available. In most states, pharmacists can substitute a generic unless the prescriber writes "dispense as written."
Use a discount card. Services like GoodRx, SingleCare, and WellRx can sometimes negotiate prices lower than retail cash. The estimated low price for Methylphenidate is around $316.75.
Coverage depends on your specific plan and formulary. Most medications in this category are covered under standard health insurance, typically in Tier 1 or Tier 2. If your copay is higher than the cash price above, it may be cheaper to pay out of pocket — ask your pharmacist to compare.
Prices shown are estimated retail cash prices modeled from CMS's public NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) dataset, cross-referenced against typical major-chain retail markups. Actual prices vary by location and change frequently. RxCostCheck does not collect or sell your health data. Learn more →
How much does Methylphenidate cost without insurance?
Without insurance, Methylphenidate (18mg) ranges from $351.95 at Costco to $1173.16 at Walgreens. With a discount card, the price can be as low as $316.75.
Where is the cheapest place to fill Methylphenidate?
Costco currently offers the lowest estimated cash price at $351.95 for 30 18mg.
Is there a generic for Methylphenidate?
Yes — the generic Methylphenidate HCl ER is available and bioequivalent to Concerta. Ask your pharmacist to dispense the generic to save money.
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