Sprycel (dasatinib) is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of leukemia. Sprycel’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 Sprycel can vary. To find out how much you’ll pay for this drug, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Sprycel only comes as a brand-name drug. It’s not currently available in a generic version. A generic contains an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication but tends to cost less.

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 exclusively 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 Sprycel and cost.

What’s Sprycel’s cost with insurance?

The cost of Sprycel with insurance depends on various factors. These include your specific plan benefits and whether you qualify for a savings program.

The cost may also depend on other factors, such as:

  • your copay (a set amount you pay for each prescription based on the drug tier)
  • your dose of Sprycel, which comes in several strengths, including 20-mg (milligram), 50-mg, and 70-mg tablets

To learn about the cost of Sprycel with insurance, talk with your insurance provider or your doctor. They can tell you what you can expect to pay.

Is Sprycel covered by Medicare?

If you have prescription drug coverage through Medicare, Sprycel will probably be covered. Your exact cost depends on your specific Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan.

Your cost also depends on your phase of coverage. For example, if your plan has a deductible, your cost will likely be higher until you’ve reached your deductible and lower afterward. (A deductible is an amount you pay before your insurance provider starts covering a share of the costs.)

Some people with Medicare may qualify for extra help. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about this.

If you take Sprycel 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 Sprycel if approved by your insurance company. This could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost of Sprycel. If you’re interested in 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 Sprycel. 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 Sprycel 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.

If you need help covering the cost of Sprycel 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 Sprycel. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss Sprycel in regard to your treatment. Then, the insurance company will determine whether the drug is covered. If Sprycel 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 Sprycel 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.