Monjuvi (tafasitamab-cxix) is a prescription drug used to treat diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Monjuvi’s cost may depend on factors such as your dosage, whether you have health insurance, and how much you’ll have to pay to have your infusion administered.
Specifically, Monjuvi is used in adults to treat diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that’s relapsed (returned after treatment) or refractory (quit responding to treatment).
The active ingredient in Monjuvi is tafasitamab-cxix*. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Monjuvi comes as a powder in a vial that’s mixed with liquid to make a solution. This solution is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time) by a healthcare professional.
Doctors prescribe Monjuvi along with another drug called Revlimid (lenalidomide). You’ll likely take this combination for up to 12 treatment cycles. Then your doctor will likely have you continue with Monjuvi alone.
For more details on Monjuvi, see this in-depth article.
* The reason “-cxix” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to show that this drug is distinct from similar medications that may be created in the future.
The price you pay for Monjuvi can vary. It may depend on your treatment plan and your insurance coverage (if you have it). It will also depend on how much you have to pay for an office visit with your doctor to receive Monjuvi.
To find out how much you’ll pay for Monjuvi, talk with your doctor or insurance provider.
Note: If you have insurance, you may need to get prior authorization before your insurance provider will cover Monjuvi. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss Monjuvi in regard to your treatment. Then the insurance company will determine whether the drug is covered. If Monjuvi 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 Monjuvi requires prior authorization.
Monjuvi is a biologic drug, which means it’s made from parts of living organisms. It doesn’t come 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 drugmakers 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 Monjuvi or understanding your insurance, check out these resources:
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 insurance provider.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Monjuvi and cost.
How does the cost of Monjuvi compare with that of Revlimid?
The cost of Monjuvi compared with the cost of Revlimid can depend on several factors. For example, your insurance may have different coverage for the different drugs.
Other factors that may affect how much you pay include:
- whether there are any coupon cost savings programs available for the drug you’re prescribed
- whether you have insurance or are paying out of pocket
- how long your treatment lasts
If you have questions about the cost of Monjuvi compared with that of similar medications, talk with your doctor or insurance provider. They can share more details on treatment costs based on your specific situation.
How much does Monjuvi cost without insurance?
What you’ll pay for Monjuvi without insurance depends on several factors. Generally, your cost will be higher without insurance.
Factors that could affect your cost include:
- your dosage
- whether you qualify for any savings programs
- how long your treatment lasts
To find out the exact cost of Monjuvi without insurance, ask your doctor.
You can also visit Optum Perks* to get price estimates for Monjuvi when you use coupons from the site. It’s important to note that Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.
* Optum Perks is a sister site of Healthline.
If you still have questions about the cost of Monjuvi, talk with your doctor. 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 Monjuvi.
Examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor or insurance provider include:
- If I can’t afford my medication, are there other treatments for my condition?
- How much will I have to pay to receive an infusion of Monjuvi?
- If I go to a different clinic, will the cost to receive the infusion be less?
To learn more about Monjuvi, 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.