See the DrugPatentWatch profile for keytruda

The Keytruda Price Range: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Keytruda?

Keytruda, also known as pembrolizumab, is a medication used to treat various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and breast cancer. It is a type of immunotherapy that works by boosting the body's natural defenses to fight cancer cells.

Keytruda Price Range: How Much Does it Cost?

The cost of Keytruda can vary depending on several factors, including the patient's insurance coverage, the dosage, and the treatment duration. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the average wholesale price (AWP) of Keytruda is around $12,500 per month.

Factors Affecting Keytruda Price

Several factors can influence the price of Keytruda, including:

Dosage

The dosage of Keytruda can impact its price. The medication is available in two dosages: 2 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg. The higher dosage is typically more expensive.

Treatment Duration

The length of treatment with Keytruda can also affect its price. Patients may require multiple cycles of treatment, which can increase the overall cost.

Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage can significantly impact the out-of-pocket cost of Keytruda. Patients with private insurance may have a lower copayment or coinsurance compared to those without insurance or with government-funded insurance.

Manufacturer Discounts

Merck, the manufacturer of Keytruda, offers discounts and patient assistance programs to eligible patients. These programs can help reduce the cost of the medication.

Generic Options

There are no generic versions of Keytruda available yet. However, the patent for the medication is set to expire in 2028, which may lead to the development of generic alternatives.

Keytruda Price Range: A Breakdown

Here is a breakdown of the estimated cost of Keytruda based on the dosage and treatment duration:

2 mg/kg Dosage

* 1 month of treatment: $6,250 - $8,000
* 2 months of treatment: $12,500 - $16,000
* 3 months of treatment: $18,750 - $24,000

10 mg/kg Dosage

* 1 month of treatment: $12,500 - $16,000
* 2 months of treatment: $25,000 - $32,000
* 3 months of treatment: $37,500 - $48,000

Key Takeaways

* The cost of Keytruda can vary depending on several factors, including dosage, treatment duration, and insurance coverage.
* The average wholesale price of Keytruda is around $12,500 per month.
* Patients may be eligible for manufacturer discounts and patient assistance programs to reduce the cost of the medication.
* There are no generic versions of Keytruda available yet, but the patent is set to expire in 2028, which may lead to the development of generic alternatives.

FAQs

1. How much does Keytruda cost per month?

The average wholesale price of Keytruda is around $12,500 per month.

2. What factors affect the price of Keytruda?

The price of Keytruda is affected by dosage, treatment duration, insurance coverage, and manufacturer discounts.

3. Is there a generic version of Keytruda available?

No, there are no generic versions of Keytruda available yet. However, the patent is set to expire in 2028, which may lead to the development of generic alternatives.

4. How can I reduce the cost of Keytruda?

Patients may be eligible for manufacturer discounts and patient assistance programs to reduce the cost of the medication. Additionally, patients with private insurance may have a lower copayment or coinsurance compared to those without insurance or with government-funded insurance.

5. What is the average wholesale price of Keytruda?

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the average wholesale price of Keytruda is around $12,500 per month.

Cited Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Pembrolizumab (Keytruda). Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/pembrolizumab-keytruda>

Note: The prices mentioned in the article are estimates and may vary depending on the patient's location and insurance coverage.