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Yervoy: How Much of a Discount Can You Expect?

Introduction

Yervoy, also known as ipilimumab, is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer, including melanoma and lung cancer. As a biologic therapy, it works by stimulating the immune system to attack cancer cells. However, the cost of Yervoy can be prohibitively expensive for many patients, making it difficult for them to access this life-saving treatment. In this article, we'll explore how much of a discount you can expect to receive on Yervoy and what factors influence the price.

What is Yervoy?

Yervoy is a monoclonal antibody that targets the CTLA-4 protein, which is found on the surface of T-cells. By blocking this protein, Yervoy allows T-cells to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. It is approved by the FDA for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma and for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients whose tumors express PD-L1.

How Much Does Yervoy Cost?

The cost of Yervoy can vary depending on the dosage, administration, and location. According to the manufacturer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) of Yervoy is around $12,000 per month. However, this cost does not reflect the actual price that patients pay, as insurance companies, pharmacy benefit managers, and other intermediaries can negotiate discounts and rebates.

Discounts and Rebates

So, how much of a discount can you expect to receive on Yervoy? According to DrugPatentWatch.com, a website that tracks pharmaceutical patent information, the average discount on Yervoy is around 40-50%. This means that patients may pay around $6,000 to $8,000 per month for the medication, depending on their insurance coverage and the negotiations with their pharmacy benefit manager.

Factors Influencing the Price

Several factors can influence the price of Yervoy, including:

* Insurance coverage: Patients with private insurance may pay a higher copay or coinsurance than those with Medicare or Medicaid.
* Pharmacy benefit manager: The pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) can negotiate discounts and rebates with the manufacturer, which can affect the price paid by patients.
* Location: The cost of Yervoy can vary depending on the location, with patients in urban areas potentially paying more than those in rural areas.
* Dosage and administration: The dosage and administration of Yervoy can also impact the price, with higher doses or more frequent administrations resulting in higher costs.

What Can Patients Do to Reduce the Cost?

While the cost of Yervoy can be high, there are several steps patients can take to reduce the cost:

* Negotiate with the pharmacy: Patients can negotiate with their pharmacy to see if they can get a better price or discount.
* Use a patient assistance program: Bristol-Myers Squibb offers a patient assistance program that can help eligible patients receive Yervoy at a reduced cost.
* Consider a copay card: Some manufacturers offer copay cards that can help patients pay for their medication.
* Look into patient assistance foundations: Patient assistance foundations, such as the Patient Access Network Foundation, can provide financial assistance to patients who are unable to afford their medication.

Conclusion

Yervoy is a life-saving medication that can be expensive for many patients. While the cost of Yervoy can vary depending on several factors, patients can expect to receive a discount of around 40-50% off the wholesale acquisition cost. By negotiating with their pharmacy, using a patient assistance program, considering a copay card, and looking into patient assistance foundations, patients can reduce the cost of Yervoy and make it more affordable.

Key Takeaways

* Yervoy is a biologic therapy used to treat certain types of cancer.
* The cost of Yervoy can vary depending on the dosage, administration, and location.
* Patients can expect to receive a discount of around 40-50% off the wholesale acquisition cost.
* Several factors can influence the price of Yervoy, including insurance coverage, pharmacy benefit manager, location, and dosage and administration.
* Patients can take several steps to reduce the cost of Yervoy, including negotiating with their pharmacy, using a patient assistance program, considering a copay card, and looking into patient assistance foundations.

FAQs

Q: What is the wholesale acquisition cost of Yervoy?
A: The wholesale acquisition cost of Yervoy is around $12,000 per month.

Q: How much of a discount can I expect to receive on Yervoy?
A: Patients can expect to receive a discount of around 40-50% off the wholesale acquisition cost.

Q: What factors influence the price of Yervoy?
A: Several factors can influence the price of Yervoy, including insurance coverage, pharmacy benefit manager, location, and dosage and administration.

Q: How can I reduce the cost of Yervoy?
A: Patients can reduce the cost of Yervoy by negotiating with their pharmacy, using a patient assistance program, considering a copay card, and looking into patient assistance foundations.

Q: Is Yervoy covered by insurance?
A: Yervoy is covered by many insurance plans, but the level of coverage can vary depending on the plan and the patient's location.

Sources

1. Bristol-Myers Squibb. (n.d.). Yervoy (ipilimumab) Injection. Retrieved from <https://www.bms.com/our-portfolio/treatments/yervoy.html>
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Yervoy (ipilimumab) - Bristol-Myers Squibb. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-7531404>
3. Patient Access Network Foundation. (n.d.). Yervoy (ipilimumab) Copay Program. Retrieved from <https://www.ppanet.org/copay-programs/yervoy-ipilimumab-copay-program/>