If you’re looking at treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you may want to learn more about leflunomide (Arava).

Leflunomide is a generic prescription drug that’s used to treat RA in adults. It comes as a tablet that’s taken by mouth.

Leflunomide belongs to a group of drugs called pyrimidine synthesis inhibitors. It works by decreasing inflammation, which may help your symptoms of RA.

Keep reading for details about the cost of leflunomide and how to save money on prescriptions.

Note: For more information about leflunomide, see this in-depth article.

The price you pay for leflunomide can vary. The cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use.

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

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

Does the strength of leflunomide I’m prescribed (10 mg or 20 mg) affect the price of the drug?

It’s possible that the strength of leflunomide you’re taking may change the price of the drug. The cost of the medication may also depend on your insurance coverage and the pharmacy you’re using.

If you would like to know the cost of your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Are there factors that could increase the price I pay for leflunomide?

Yes, many factors may change the cost of your leflunomide prescription. Examples include:

  • the strength of your prescription (10 milligrams [mg] or 20 mg)
  • how many tablets you’re getting (a 30-day supply or a 90-day supply)
  • the pharmacy you’re using
  • if you have insurance and what your plan covers
  • if you’re taking brand-name Arava or generic leflunomide

For instance, in some cases, you may pay more for 20-mg tablets than for 10-mg tablets. Or, your insurance may prefer the brand-name or the generic form of leflunomide, and one may cost more. To find out the cost of leflunomide for you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How does the cost of leflunomide compare with the cost of methotrexate?

Both leflunomide and methotrexate are used to treat RA in adults. In some cases, these medications may even be used together.

The cost of leflunomide compared with that of methotrexate depends on many factors, including:

  • your dosage
  • the form of medication you’re taking (for example, methotrexate is available as an injection and a tablet)
  • if you’re taking the brand-name or generic form of the medication
  • the pharmacy you use
  • your insurance coverage

If you’re interested in finding out more about the cost differences between leflunomide and methotrexate, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They’ll be able to give you cost estimates. They can also help you determine which medication may be the best treatment option for you.

The generic drug leflunomide comes in a brand-name version called Arava. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be just as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics also tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

To find out how the costs of Arava and leflunomide compare, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

If you’ve been prescribed generic leflunomide and you’re interested in taking Arava instead, talk with your doctor. They may prefer one version over another. You’ll also need to check with your insurance provider. This is because it may only cover one drug or the other.

If you take leflunomide long term, you may be able to lower the cost in the following ways:

  • Look into getting a 90-day supply. You may be able to get a 90-day supply of leflunomide if your insurance company approves it. This could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in getting a 90-day supply of this drug, talk with your doctor or insurance provider.
  • Use a mail-order pharmacy. Using a mail-order pharmacy might help lower the cost of leflunomide. Plus, you could get your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order drugs. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug through mail order. And if you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need help covering the cost of leflunomide or understanding your insurance plan, check out these websites:

On these sites, you can find insurance information, details about drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards and other services.

If you have questions about how you can pay for leflunomide, you may also want to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

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

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

  • What other treatment options are available for my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) if I can’t afford leflunomide?
  • How can I lower the cost of my prescription?
  • Does my dosage of leflunomide affect the cost of the medication?

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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.