Rebif (interferon beta-1a) is a prescription drug that treats certain types of multiple sclerosis. Rebif’s cost may depend on factors such as your dosage, whether you have health insurance, and the pharmacy you use.

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

Note: Rebif may be available only from specialty pharmacies authorized to carry specialty medications. These medications include drugs that are complex, have high prices, are difficult to take, or have special use requirements.

If you want to know more about Rebif, such as side effects or how it works, see this in-depth article.

To learn the Rebif injection price you can expect to pay, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. They can tell you the exact cost of Rebif based on your situation.

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

Does the cost of Rebif depend on my dosage?

It’s possible. Your Rebif injection cost may depend on whether you have insurance or are paying out of pocket.

Rebif comes in three strengths:

  • 8.8 micrograms (mcg) per 0.2 milliliters (mL)
  • 22 mcg per 0.5 mL
  • 44 mcg per 0.5 mL

The typical dosage to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) is 22 mcg or 44 mcg three times per week. You receive your doses by injection under your skin. Your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then, they’ll increase it slowly over several weeks until you reach the right dosage to manage your condition.

The Rebif cost per month may be higher for the 44-mcg injection versus the 22-mcg injection if you’re paying out of pocket. The same is true for the Rebif cost per year.

If you have questions about the cost of Rebif, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Is a Rebif copay card available to save on the cost of the medication?

No, a Rebif copay card isn’t available. But Rebif’s drugmaker has a support service for people with private insurance. If you qualify, MS Lifelines can help you save on the cost of Rebif.

To learn more, talk with your insurance provider or doctor.

Rebif is a biologic drug, which means it’s made from parts of living organisms. Rebif is available only as a brand-name drug. It doesn’t come in a biosimilar form and doesn’t have a generic name. (Interferon beta-1a is Rebif’s active ingredient.) 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 manufacturer of a biologic drug can sell it exclusively 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 receive Rebif long term, you may be able to lower your costs 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 Rebif if approved by your insurance company. This could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost of Rebif. If you’re interested in getting a 90-day supply of this drug, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
  • Use a mail-order pharmacy to get your medication: Using a mail-order pharmacy might help lower your cost for Rebif. 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. 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.

Note: Rebif may be available only from specialty pharmacies authorized to carry specialty medications. Talk with your doctor to learn more about where you can fill your Rebif prescription.

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

On these pages, 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 have insurance, you may need to get prior authorization before your insurance provider will cover Rebif. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss Rebif in regard to your treatment. Then, the insurance company will determine whether the drug is covered. If Rebif 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 Rebif requires prior authorization.

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.