If you’re looking at treatment options for chronic hepatitis C, you may want to learn more about Epclusa (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir).

Epclusa is a prescription drug that’s used to treat chronic hepatitis C in adults and some children.

It comes as tablets or pellets that you swallow. Epclusa contains two active ingredients: sofosbuvir and velpatasvir. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)

Keep reading for details on Epclusa and cost, and how to save money on prescriptions.

Note: For more details on Epclusa, see this in-depth article.

The price you pay for Epclusa can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage (if you have it), and the pharmacy you use.

To find out how much you’ll pay for Epclusa, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Note: If you have insurance, you may need to get prior authorization before your insurance provider will cover Epclusa. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss Epclusa in regard to your treatment. Then the insurance company will determine whether the drug is covered. If Epclusa requires prior authorization and you don’t receive it before you start treatment, you could pay the full cost of the drug.

Be sure to ask your insurance company whether Epclusa requires prior authorization.

Epclusa is a brand-name medication that’s also available as the generic drug sofosbuvir/velpatasvir. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. A generic is considered to be just as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics generally cost less than brand-name drugs.

To find out how the costs of Epclusa and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir compare, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

If you’ve been prescribed Epclusa and you’re interested in using sofosbuvir/velpatasvir instead, talk with your doctor. They may prefer that you take one version instead of the other. In addition, you’ll need to check with your insurance provider. This is because it may only cover one drug or the other.

Why is there such a cost difference between brand-name drugs and generics?

Years of research and testing are needed to ensure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective. This testing can make the drugs expensive. The manufacturer of a brand-name drug can sell the drug for up to 20 years. After that, other drugmakers can create generic versions. This competition in the market can lead to lower costs for generics. And because generics have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they don’t need to be studied again. This can also lead to lower generic costs.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Epclusa and cost.

What is the cost of Epclusa with insurance and without insurance?

The price you pay for Epclusa may vary depending on whether or not you have insurance coverage. If you have insurance, you can ask your insurance provider about your out-of-pocket costs, such as a copay. If you don’t have insurance, ask your doctor or pharmacist if they can provide more information about cost. Please see “Can I get help paying for Epclusa?” below for more information.

Are manufacturer’s coupons available for Epclusa?

Yes. The manufacturer has an Epclusa Co-Pay Coupon available to help cover the cost of Epclusa. It may be an option for you if you have insurance that covers prescription drugs. You can learn if you’re eligible for this program here.

If you need help covering the cost of Epclusa or understanding your insurance, check out these resources:

On these sites, you can find insurance copay 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.

If you still have questions about the cost of Epclusa, 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 Epclusa.

Examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor or insurance provider include:

  • Does one form of Epclusa cost more than the other?
  • Will my dosage of Epclusa affect the cost?
  • What other options do I have if I can’t afford my medication?

To learn more about Epclusa, see these articles:

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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.