Zonegran

Indicated For

partial seizures, epilepsy

About This Medication

# Zonegran Patient Assistance Programs Guide: How to Get Zonegran at Low or No Cost Zonegran (zonisamide) is a prescription medication used to help prevent and control partial seizures in adults with epilepsy, often taken alongside other anti-seizure drugs.[5][8] This guide explains patient assistance options to make Zonegran more affordable, including free medication programs, copay help, and government resources, since no specific manufacturer-sponsored program for Zonegran is detailed in available information.[1][4] ## About Zonegran **Zonegran** is the brand name for zonisamide, an anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) drug FDA-approved for treating focal-onset (partial) seizures in adults.[5][8] It works by slowing down excessive electrical activity in the brain to reduce seizure frequency. Doctors often prescribe it with other epilepsy medications rather than alone. The generic version, zonisamide, is widely available and typically cheaper—around $92 for a 30-day supply of 60 capsules (100 mg) without insurance, compared to higher costs for the brand.[5] Common doses are one capsule twice daily. Zonegran comes in capsules, while related products like Zonisade (zonisamide oral suspension) offer a liquid form for those who can't swallow pills.[2] Side effects can include drowsiness, loss of appetite, dizziness, or serious issues like metabolic acidosis or kidney stones—always follow your doctor's advice and report problems promptly.[8] Most insurance and Medicare plans cover it, but high copays or deductibles can make it unaffordable.[5][7] ## Who Qualifies for Assistance? Several programs help uninsured, low-income, or high-copay patients get **Zonegran** for free or low cost. Key options include: - **RxOutreach Patient Assistance Program**: Provides free Zonegran to those who can't afford it and meet financial criteria. Uninsured or low-income patients qualify; apply via their database.[4] - **Government Programs**: Medicaid (state-based) may cover full costs; apply via your state's portal. Medicare 'dual eligibles' (also on Medicaid) get help. Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help) aids Medicare patients in the coverage gap.[1] - **Copay Foundations** (for insured patients): - **Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation**: Helps with copays if income <400% FPL, Medicare coverage, U.S. resident, and FDA-approved use.[1] - **HealthWell Foundation**: Covers copays for insured U.S. patients if Zonegran is on their list.[1] - **Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief**: Assists insured patients with income ≤300-400% FPL (adjusted for household size/COLI), confirmed diagnosis.[1] Contact the drug maker or Epilepsy Foundation for more leads if denied elsewhere.[1][6] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Many programs use Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines. As of 2026, exact thresholds vary by program and household size—check current figures on official sites. Here's a general table based on common criteria (e.g., 400% FPL for PAN):[1] | Household Size | 300% FPL (Annual Income) | 400% FPL (Annual Income) | |----------------|---------------------------|---------------------------| | 1 (Individual) | ~$45,180 | ~$60,240 | | 2 (Couple) | ~$61,320 | ~$81,760 | | 3 | ~$77,460 | ~$103,280 | | 4 | ~$93,600 | ~$124,800 | *Notes: Add ~$16,140 per extra person for 300% FPL; ~$21,520 for 400% FPL. Alaska/Hawaii higher. Programs like PAN (400%) or PAF (300-400%) adjust for cost-of-living. Medicaid often <138% FPL. Verify with SSA or foundation sites.[1] ## Insurance Requirements - **Uninsured/Low-Income**: RxOutreach and similar PAPs for those without coverage.[4][7] - **Medicare**: Eligible for Extra Help if low-income; foundations like PAN require Medicare covering Zonegran.[1][7] - **Commercial/Private Insurance**: Copay programs (PAN, HealthWell, PAF) if plan covers drug but copays are high.[1] - **Medicaid**: Full coverage possible; not eligible for some commercial copay cards.[1][2] Zonisade notes restrictions—no federal/state program reimbursement for their free trials.[3] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Check Eligibility**: Use RxAssist.org or EpilepsyFoundation.org to search Zonegran programs.[6] Confirm income via pay stubs/tax returns. 2. **Gather Documents**: Prescription, proof of income (tax return/W-2s), ID, insurance card/denial if applicable.[1][4] 3. **Choose Program**: - RxOutreach: Search database at rxoutreach.org, apply online/patient center.[4] - Medicaid: Visit benefits.gov, select state.[1] - Extra Help: ssa.gov/medicare/part-d/extra-help or 1-800-772-1213.[1] - Foundations: PAN/healthwellfoundation.org; PAF at 866-512-3861 or site.[1] 4. **Submit**: Doctor may need to complete forms (e.g., PAP enrollment).[3][4] Mail/fax/online. 5. **Follow Up**: Track status via phone/email. ## Timeline and Delivery Processing varies: Government apps 30-45 days; foundations 1-2 weeks; RxOutreach quicker for approved meds.[1][4] Delivery by mail or pharmacy pickup. Refills require reapplication/reauthorization.[3] ## Alternatives if Denied - Try another program (e.g., Medicaid denial → Extra Help).[1] - Generic zonisamide via SingleCare/GoodRx coupons (save 80%).[5] - Epilepsy Foundation resources or call maker.[1][6] - Zonisade bridge program for first Rx if insured but delayed (prescriber submits).[3] ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and not medical/financial advice. Eligibility, terms change—verify with programs. Consult your doctor/pharmacist. Income tables approximate 2026 FPL; check HHS.gov for exacts. No endorsement of programs.

Program information last verified: March 25, 2026