If you have a certain kind of inflammatory condition, you may want to learn more about Dupixent (dupilumab) and its cost.
Dupixent is a prescription drug that’s used to treat:
- certain kinds of moderate to severe asthma in adults and some children
- moderate to severe eczema in adults and some children
- eosinophilic esophagitis in adults and some children
- chronic sinusitis (long-term swelling in your sinuses) with nasal polyps in adults
Dupixent comes in single-dose prefilled syringes or pens. It’s given as an injection under your skin.
Keep reading for information about the cost of Dupixent and how to save money on prescriptions.
Note: For more details on Dupixent, see this in-depth article.
The price you pay for Dupixent can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage (if you have it), and the pharmacy you use.
It will also depend on how much you have to pay for an office visit with your doctor if you receive Dupixent at your doctor’s office.
To find out how much you’ll pay for Dupixent, talk with your doctor or insurance provider.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Dupixent and cost.
Is the cost of Dupixent much higher without insurance than with insurance?
It’s possible. What you pay for Dupixent can depend on several factors. Your cost may be higher if you pay out of pocket, but the cost can also vary based on your insurance coverage.
Other factors that affect the price you pay include:
- how often you receive Dupixent injections
- if you receive treatments at your doctor’s office or give them to yourself at home
- if you have a set copay (your share of the cost) with insurance
- if you use the Dupixent MyWay Copay Card
To learn more about the cost of Dupixent, ask your doctor. They can provide more information about the price you’ll pay based on your dosage and other factors.
Why is Dupixent so expensive?
Dupixent is only available as a brand-name drug. It’s also a biologic drug, which means it’s made from parts of living organisms. But it’s not available as a biosimilar. Biosimilars are like generic versions of biologic drugs. In general, biologic drugs cost more than biosimilar drugs. To learn more about the cost difference between these types of drugs, see the “Is Dupixent available as a generic or biosimilar?” section below.
Dupixent’s cost may also be higher because it’s an injectable medication and may only be available through specialty pharmacies. And in some cases, you need to visit your doctor to receive a dose.
To learn more about ways to save on the cost of Dupixent, see the “Can I get help paying for Dupixent?” section below.
If you use Dupixent long term and you’re able to give yourself the injections at home, you may be able to lower Dupixent’s cost in the following ways:
- Look into getting a 90-day supply of your medication. You may be able to get a 90-day supply of Dupixent if approved by your insurance company. This could help lower your monthly cost of Dupixent. Talk with your doctor or insurance provider or see the manufacturer’s website for more information on how you could lower your cost of Dupixent per month.
- Use a mail-order pharmacy to get your medication. Dupixent is only available through specialty pharmacies. Using a mail-order specialty pharmacy might help lower the monthly cost of Dupixent. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order drugs. If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest specialty pharmacy options that could work for you.
Dupixent only comes as a brand-name drug. It’s a biologic drug, which means it’s made from parts of living organisms. Dupixent isn’t available in a biosimilar form. (Biosimilars are like generic drugs. But unlike generics, which are made for nonbiologic drugs, biosimilars are made for biologic drugs.)
Why is there such a cost difference between biologic drugs and biosimilar drugs?Biologic drugs can be expensive because of the research and testing needed to ensure their safety and effectiveness. The manufacturer of a biologic drug can sell it for up to
12 years . When the biologic drug’s patent expires, other drug makers can create biosimilar versions. This competition in the market may lead to lower costs for biosimilars. And because biosimilars are very similar to biologic drugs, they don’t need to be studied again. This can also lead to lower costs for biosimilars.
If you need help covering the cost of Dupixent or understanding your insurance, check out these websites:
On these sites, you can find insurance information, details on drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards and other services.
If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You may also be eligible for a savings card called the Dupixent MyWay Copay Card. This could save you money on your copay for Dupixent if you have insurance.
If you still have questions about the cost of Dupixent, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to give you a better idea of what you’ll pay for this drug. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’d pay for Dupixent.
Examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor or insurance provider include:
- Are there other lower-cost medications that could treat my condition?
- Does the cost of Dupixent depend on my dosage?
- Is my Dupixent prescription less expensive if I give myself the injections?
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.