If you’re looking at treatment options for Dupuytren’s contracture or Peyronie’s disease, you may want to learn more about Xiaflex (collagenase clostridium histolyticum). It’s a prescription drug that’s used to treat these two conditions in adults.

Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that causes a buildup of connective tissue in your hands. This may lead to being unable to straighten one or more fingers. With Peyronie’s disease, plaques (scar tissue) form in the penis, which can cause the penis to curve painfully when erect.

Xiaflex comes as a powder that a healthcare professional mixes with liquid. They’ll then give the mixture as an injection into the affected area.

Keep reading for details on Xiaflex and cost, and how to save money on prescriptions.

Note: For more details on Xiaflex, see this in-depth article.

The price you pay for Xiaflex can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage (if you have it), and the pharmacy you use. It will also depend on how much you have to pay for an office visit with a healthcare professional to receive Xiaflex. You’ll likely need follow-up appointments so your doctor can check how well the drug is working for you.

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

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

What is the price of Xiaflex with Medicare coverage?

The price of Xiaflex you’ll pay depends on your specific Medicare plan. You may pay a different amount depending on whether you have a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Part B. Some Medicare plans may not cover Xiaflex.

If you have a Medicare plan, contact your doctor or your Medicare plan provider. Either can let you know what you’ll pay for Xiaflex.

How much is the cost per injection of Xiaflex with insurance and without insurance?

The amount you pay for an injection of Xiaflex depends on several factors, not just whether you have insurance coverage. But if you don’t have insurance, you’ll likely pay more for the drug.

The drugmaker of Xiaflex has a copay assistance program that might help cover the cost of Xiaflex. (A copay is a fixed amount that your insurance plan might require you to pay for your medication.) You may be eligible for this program even if you don’t have insurance. But if you have government insurance such as Medicare, you won’t qualify for this program.

For a few other resources that may help you pay less for Xiaflex with or without insurance, see the “Can I get help paying for Xiaflex?” section below. Your doctor may also have suggestions for ways to save on the cost of this drug.

Does the cost of Xiaflex treatment vary depending on whether the drug is used to treat Dupuytren’s contracture or Peyronie’s disease?

It’s possible. If you have insurance, your insurance company determines what medications and conditions it will cover. It also determines what copays or other costs you may have to pay.

Also, the number of Xiaflex injections you receive may depend on the severity of your Dupuytren’s contracture or Peyronie’s disease. And you’ll likely need to visit your doctor after each injection so they can see how well the drug is working for you.

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

On these sites, you can find insurance information, details on drug assistance programs, and other services.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Xiaflex only comes as a brand-name medication. Xiaflex 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 drugmaker 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 still have questions about the cost of Xiaflex, 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 to your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’d pay for Xiaflex.

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

  • Are there other lower-cost drugs that could treat my condition?
  • Are there other treatment options if I can’t afford Xiaflex?
  • What savings programs may I qualify for that apply to my Xiaflex prescription?

To learn more about Xiaflex, 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.