Nplate (romiplostim) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts). Nplate’s cost may depend on factors such as your dosage, whether you have health insurance, and the pharmacy you use.

Nplate is used in adults and some children to treat a low platelet count caused by immune thrombocytopenia. It’s used when certain other treatments, such as corticosteroids, haven’t worked well.

The active ingredient in Nplate is romiplostim. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)

Nplate comes as a powder in a vial. Your doctor will mix the powder with sterile water to make a liquid solution. This is then given as an injection under the skin.

For more details on Nplate, see this in-depth article.

The price you pay for Nplate can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage (if you have it), and the pharmacy you use. It’ll also depend on how much you have to pay for an office visit with your doctor to receive Nplate.

To find out how much you’ll pay for Nplate, 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 Nplate. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss Nplate in regard to your treatment. Then the insurance company will determine whether the drug is covered. If Nplate 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 Nplate requires prior authorization.

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

Does Nplate’s 250-mcg strength cost less than its 500-mcg strength?

It’s unlikely that the cost of Nplate’s 250-microgram (mcg) strength will differ from the cost of its 500-mcg strength.

Your Nplate dosage is based on your body weight and platelet level. Your doctor will order the most convenient strength for your recommended dosage.

Your cost will mostly depend on your insurance plan and any costs from your doctor’s office. The dosage and strength of Nplate that you receive will likely have minimal effect on your cost.

Is Nplate covered by Medicare?

Medicare plans vary, so it’s always best to talk with your insurance provider to see whether they cover certain drugs.

Most Medicare Part D plans don’t cover the cost of Nplate. But if you receive your Nplate injections at your doctor’s office or clinic, your Medicare Part B plan may provide insurance coverage. And some Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans may cover Nplate.

If you have questions about Medicare coverage and Nplate, contact your insurance provider.

Nplate 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. 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 drug manufacturer of a biologic drug can sell it for up to 12 years. When the biologic drug’s patent expires, other drug manufacturers 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 Nplate 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 pharmacist.

If you still have questions about the cost of Nplate, talk with your doctor. They can 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 Nplate.

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

  • Will my dosage of Nplate affect the cost?
  • How much will it cost to receive my Nplate injection at my doctor’s office?
  • What are my options if I can’t afford my 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.