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The Cost of Kadcyla Per Dose: A Comprehensive Guide

Kadcyla, also known as ado-trastuzumab emtansine, is a targeted cancer therapy medication used to treat certain types of breast cancer. As a patient or caregiver, it's essential to understand the cost of Kadcyla per dose to make informed decisions about treatment options. In this article, we'll delve into the cost of Kadcyla per dose, its pricing, and factors that affect its affordability.

What is Kadcyla?

Kadcyla is a prescription medication used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer, a type of cancer that affects the hormone receptors and the HER2 protein on the surface of cancer cells. It's a combination of trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets HER2, and emtansine, a chemotherapy agent that delivers a toxic payload to cancer cells.

Cost of Kadcyla Per Dose

The cost of Kadcyla per dose varies depending on several factors, including the patient's insurance coverage, location, and dosage. According to the manufacturer's website, the recommended dose of Kadcyla is 3.6 mg/kg every 3 weeks.

Average Cost of Kadcyla Per Dose

The average cost of Kadcyla per dose is around $4,500 to $5,000. However, this price can vary depending on the patient's insurance coverage and the pharmacy or healthcare provider.

Pricing and Insurance Coverage

Kadcyla is a costly medication, and its pricing can be a significant burden for patients. According to a report by the National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM), the average annual cost of Kadcyla is around $120,000. This cost can be a significant financial burden for patients, especially those with limited insurance coverage or high deductibles.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Kadcyla

Several factors can affect the cost of Kadcyla per dose, including:

* Insurance coverage: Patients with private insurance may have a lower out-of-pocket cost compared to those with Medicare or Medicaid.
* Location: The cost of Kadcyla can vary depending on the location and pharmacy.
* Dosage: The recommended dose of Kadcyla is 3.6 mg/kg every 3 weeks, but the actual dose may vary depending on the patient's condition and response to treatment.
* Discount programs: Some pharmaceutical companies offer discount programs or patient assistance programs to help make their medications more affordable.

Discount Programs and Patient Assistance Programs

Several pharmaceutical companies offer discount programs or patient assistance programs to help make their medications more affordable. For example, the manufacturer of Kadcyla, Genentech, offers a patient assistance program that provides free or reduced-cost medication to eligible patients.

Patient Assistance Programs

Patient assistance programs (PAPs) are programs that provide free or reduced-cost medication to eligible patients who are unable to afford their medication. PAPs are often offered by pharmaceutical companies and can be a valuable resource for patients who are struggling to afford their medication.

Discount Programs

Discount programs are programs that offer discounts on medication to eligible patients. These programs can be offered by pharmaceutical companies, pharmacies, or other organizations.

Conclusion

The cost of Kadcyla per dose can be a significant financial burden for patients, especially those with limited insurance coverage or high deductibles. However, there are several factors that can affect the cost of Kadcyla, including insurance coverage, location, dosage, and discount programs. By understanding the cost of Kadcyla per dose and exploring available discount programs and patient assistance programs, patients can make more informed decisions about their treatment options.

Key Takeaways

* The average cost of Kadcyla per dose is around $4,500 to $5,000.
* The cost of Kadcyla can vary depending on insurance coverage, location, and dosage.
* Discount programs and patient assistance programs can help make Kadcyla more affordable.
* Patients should explore available discount programs and patient assistance programs to make more informed decisions about their treatment options.

FAQs

1. What is the recommended dose of Kadcyla?
The recommended dose of Kadcyla is 3.6 mg/kg every 3 weeks.

2. How much does Kadcyla cost per dose?
The average cost of Kadcyla per dose is around $4,500 to $5,000.

3. What factors affect the cost of Kadcyla?
The cost of Kadcyla can vary depending on insurance coverage, location, dosage, and discount programs.

4. Are there any discount programs or patient assistance programs available for Kadcyla?
Yes, the manufacturer of Kadcyla, Genentech, offers a patient assistance program that provides free or reduced-cost medication to eligible patients.

5. How can patients make Kadcyla more affordable?
Patients can explore available discount programs and patient assistance programs to make more informed decisions about their treatment options.

Cited Sources

1. Genentech. (n.d.). Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine) Prescribing Information. Retrieved from <https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/kadcylaprescribinginformation.pdf>
2. National Institute for Health Care Management. (2019). The Cost of Cancer Medications in the United States. Retrieved from <https://www.nihcm.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Cost-of-Cancer-Medications-2019.pdf>
3. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-8409644>
4. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine). Retrieved from <https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/types-of-breast-cancer/treatment-options/kadcyla.html>
5. Genentech. (n.d.). Kadcyla Patient Assistance Program. Retrieved from <https://www.gene.com/patient-assistance-program/kadcyla-patient-assistance-program>