Cost of humira injections. Understanding Humira: Pricing, Assistance Programs, and Cost-Saving Options
How much does Humira cost. What are the available patient assistance programs for Humira. How can patients save money on Humira prescriptions. What factors affect Humira pricing.
Humira Pricing: Breaking Down the Costs
Humira (adalimumab) is a widely prescribed medication for various autoimmune conditions. Understanding its pricing structure is crucial for patients and healthcare providers alike. The cost of Humira can vary significantly depending on several factors.
For cash-paying customers, the price for a supply of 2 Humira subcutaneous kits (40 mg/0.4 mL) is approximately $7,299. This translates to about $3,649.51 per unit. It’s important to note that these prices are not applicable when using insurance plans.
Why is Humira so expensive? The high cost is attributed to several factors:
- Research and development expenses
- Manufacturing complexity
- Limited competition in the market
- Patent protection
Does the price of Humira vary? Yes, prices can fluctuate based on pharmacy location, supply chain issues, and market demand. Patients should always check with multiple pharmacies to find the best available price.
Humira Coupons and Discount Programs: Maximizing Savings
To help offset the high cost of Humira, various discount programs and coupons are available. These can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for eligible patients.
Drugs.com Discount Card
The free Drugs.com Discount Card is a valuable resource for patients looking to save on prescription medications. How does it work?
- Acts like a coupon
- Can save up to 80% or more on prescription costs
- Valid at major pharmacy chains and over 65,000 locations nationwide
- Applies to over-the-counter drugs and pet prescriptions as well
Is the Drugs.com Discount Card an insurance plan? No, it’s a drug discount program that can be used in place of insurance or to supplement existing coverage.
Humira Complete Savings Card
The Humira Complete Savings Card is another option for eligible commercially insured patients. What are the benefits?
- Patients may pay as little as $5 per monthly prescription
- Available for a specified number of uses per calendar year
- Additional information available by contacting 800-448-6472
Can all patients use the Humira Complete Savings Card? No, eligibility is limited to commercially insured patients who meet specific criteria.
Patient Assistance Programs: A Lifeline for Humira Users
For patients struggling with the cost of Humira, patient assistance programs (PAPs) can provide crucial support. These programs are typically sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and offer reduced-cost or free medications to qualifying individuals.
Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN)
The Patient Access Network Foundation offers assistance for Humira users. What are the eligibility requirements?
- Income between 400-500% of the Federal Poverty Level
- FDA-approved diagnosis (specific conditions listed on the program website)
- Must reside and receive treatment in the United States
- Have health insurance that covers Humira
How can patients apply for PAN assistance? All new enrollments are now done electronically or over the phone. Interested individuals should contact the program directly for the most up-to-date information.
myAbbVie Assist for Humira
AbbVie, the manufacturer of Humira, offers its own patient assistance program. What does myAbbVie Assist provide?
- Free medication for eligible patients
- Support throughout the treatment journey
- Resources and educational materials
Are there income requirements for myAbbVie Assist? Yes, specific income guidelines must be met, and these can vary based on household size and other factors.
Medicare Part D and Humira: Navigating Coverage Options
For patients with Medicare Part D coverage, understanding how Humira fits into their prescription drug plan is essential. What options are available for Medicare beneficiaries?
Humira Extra Help Subsidy
The Humira Extra Help Subsidy is designed to assist Medicare Part D beneficiaries. How does it work?
- Eligible patients may pay $8.25 or less per monthly prescription
- Requires application and acceptance into the Part D Extra Help program
- Additional information available by calling 800-448-6472
Is the Extra Help Subsidy automatic for all Medicare patients? No, individuals must apply and meet specific criteria to qualify for this additional assistance.
Factors Affecting Humira Pricing: Understanding the Variables
The cost of Humira can vary significantly based on several factors. Understanding these variables can help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about treatment options.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance plans play a crucial role in determining out-of-pocket costs for Humira. How does insurance affect pricing?
- Formulary placement (preferred vs. non-preferred drug status)
- Deductibles and copayments
- Prior authorization requirements
- Step therapy protocols
Can insurance coverage for Humira change? Yes, insurance formularies and coverage policies can change annually, so patients should review their plans regularly.
Dosage and Frequency
The prescribed dosage and frequency of Humira injections directly impact overall treatment costs. What factors influence dosing?
- Specific condition being treated
- Patient’s response to treatment
- Body weight (for certain indications)
- Presence of other medical conditions
Do all patients receive the same dose of Humira? No, dosing can vary based on the individual’s medical needs and the condition being treated.
Biosimilars and Generic Alternatives: The Future of Humira Pricing
As patents for Humira expire, the landscape of treatment options is evolving. Biosimilars and potential generic alternatives may impact future pricing and accessibility.
Humira Biosimilars
Biosimilars are highly similar versions of biologic medications like Humira. How do they affect the market?
- Increased competition can lead to lower prices
- May offer more affordable treatment options
- Require FDA approval for safety and efficacy
Are biosimilars exactly the same as Humira? While biosimilars are highly similar, they are not identical to the reference product due to the complex nature of biologic medications.
Future Generic Prospects
The potential for true generic versions of Humira remains a topic of interest in the pharmaceutical industry. What challenges exist in developing Humira generics?
- Complexity of biologic manufacturing processes
- Regulatory hurdles for approval
- Patent litigation and legal challenges
When might generic versions of Humira become available? The timeline for potential Humira generics is uncertain and depends on various regulatory and legal factors.
Comparing Humira Costs: International Perspectives
The pricing of Humira varies significantly across different countries, highlighting the complexities of global pharmaceutical markets. How do international prices compare to those in the United States?
Price Disparities
Humira prices can differ dramatically between nations. What factors contribute to these disparities?
- Government price negotiations and regulations
- Different healthcare system structures
- Varying patent protection laws
- Market size and demand
Why is Humira often less expensive in other countries? Many nations have centralized healthcare systems that allow for more direct price negotiations with pharmaceutical companies.
Access and Availability
The availability of Humira can also vary internationally. What impacts access to Humira globally?
- Regulatory approval processes
- National formulary decisions
- Local healthcare priorities
- Economic factors
Is Humira equally accessible in all countries? No, access can vary widely based on local healthcare policies, economic conditions, and regulatory environments.
Long-Term Cost Considerations for Humira Treatment
When considering Humira treatment, it’s essential to evaluate the long-term financial implications. What factors should patients and healthcare providers consider?
Ongoing Treatment Costs
Humira is often a long-term or lifelong treatment for many conditions. How do ongoing costs accumulate?
- Regular prescription refills
- Potential dose adjustments over time
- Associated medical visits and monitoring
- Management of potential side effects
Can long-term Humira costs be predicted accurately? While estimates can be made, individual factors and potential changes in health status or insurance coverage can affect long-term costs.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of Humira treatment is crucial for both patients and healthcare systems. What should be considered in this analysis?
- Improved quality of life
- Reduced need for other medical interventions
- Potential for disease remission
- Comparison with alternative treatments
How is the value of Humira treatment measured? Value assessments often consider both clinical outcomes and economic factors, including direct and indirect costs associated with the treated condition.
Navigating Insurance Challenges for Humira Coverage
Securing and maintaining insurance coverage for Humira can be complex. Understanding the process can help patients advocate for their treatment needs.
Prior Authorization
Many insurance plans require prior authorization for Humira. What does this process involve?
- Submission of clinical documentation
- Demonstration of medical necessity
- Proof of failure with other treatments (step therapy)
- Periodic renewal requirements
How long does prior authorization typically take? The process can vary, but it often takes several days to weeks for approval.
Appeals Process
If coverage for Humira is denied, patients have the right to appeal. What steps are involved in the appeals process?
- Gathering additional supporting documentation
- Submitting a formal appeal letter
- Potential involvement of healthcare providers in advocacy
- Consideration of external review options
Can appeals be successful? Yes, many patients have successfully overturned initial coverage denials through the appeals process.
The Role of Healthcare Providers in Managing Humira Costs
Healthcare providers play a crucial role in helping patients navigate the financial aspects of Humira treatment. How can providers assist with cost management?
Treatment Planning
Thoughtful treatment planning can help optimize costs. What strategies can providers employ?
- Considering cost-effective treatment sequencing
- Evaluating alternative therapies when appropriate
- Optimizing dosing schedules
- Monitoring for opportunities to reduce or space out treatments
Should cost be the primary factor in treatment decisions? While cost is important, clinical efficacy and patient safety should remain the primary considerations in treatment planning.
Patient Education and Support
Providers can empower patients with knowledge about managing Humira costs. What information should be shared?
- Available financial assistance programs
- Importance of adherence to minimize waste
- Guidance on insurance navigation
- Resources for ongoing support and information
How can providers stay informed about cost-saving options? Regular communication with pharmaceutical representatives, patient advocacy groups, and professional organizations can help providers stay updated on available resources.
In conclusion, managing the costs associated with Humira treatment requires a comprehensive understanding of pricing structures, assistance programs, and insurance dynamics. By leveraging available resources and working closely with healthcare providers, patients can optimize their access to this important medication while minimizing financial burden. As the landscape of biologic treatments continues to evolve, staying informed about new options and cost-saving opportunities will be crucial for both patients and providers.
Humira Prices, Coupons, Copay & Patient Assistance
Save
Humira
(adalimumab)
is a member of the antirheumatics drug class and is commonly used for
Ankylosing Spondylitis, Crohn’s Disease, Crohn’s Disease – Acute, and others.
The cost for Humira subcutaneous kit (40 mg/0.4 mL) is around $7,299 for a supply of 2 kits, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Quoted prices are for cash-paying customers and are not valid with insurance plans. This price guide is based on using the Drugs.com discount card which is accepted at most U.S. pharmacies.
Humira prices
Subcutaneous Kit
Quantity | Per unit | Price |
---|---|---|
2 | $3,649.51 | $7,299.02 |
Important: When there is a range of pricing, consumers should normally expect to pay the lower price.
However, due to stock shortages and other unknown variables we cannot provide any guarantee.
Quantity | Per unit | Price |
---|---|---|
2 | $3,649.51 | $7,299.02 |
Important: When there is a range of pricing, consumers should normally expect to pay the lower price.
However, due to stock shortages and other unknown variables we cannot provide any guarantee.
Quantity | Per unit | Price |
---|---|---|
2 | $7,294.29 | $14,588.57 |
Important: When there is a range of pricing, consumers should normally expect to pay the lower price.
However, due to stock shortages and other unknown variables we cannot provide any guarantee.
Humira Coupons, Copay Cards and Rebates
Humira offers may take the form of printable coupons, rebates, savings or copay cards, trial offers, or free samples.
Certain offers may be printable from a website while others may require registration, completing a questionnaire, or obtaining
a sample from a medical professional.
Drugs.com Printable Discount Card
The free Drugs.com Discount Card works like a coupon and can save you up to 80% or more off the cost of prescription medicines,
over-the-counter drugs and pet prescriptions.
Print Free Discount Card
Note: This is a drug discount program, not an insurance plan. Valid at all major chains including Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy,
Target, WalMart Pharmacy, Duane Reade and 65,000 pharmacies nationwide.
Humira Complete Savings Card
Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $5 per monthly prescription; for additional information contact the program at 800-448-6472.
- Applies to:
- Humira
- Number of uses:
- per prescription per calendar year
Form more information phone: 800-448-6472 or
Visit website
Humira Complete Savings Card Rebate
If your pharmacy does not accept the Savings Card eligible commercially insured patients may qualify for a rebate for the out-of-pocket cost after the patient paid in full for their prescription; for additional information contact the program at 800-448-6472.
- Applies to:
- Humira
- Number of uses:
- One rebate per prescription fill
Form more information phone: 800-448-6472 or
Visit website
Humira Extra Help Subsidy
Patients who have Medicare Part D coverage may be eligible to apply for the Part D Extra Help Subsidy and once accepted to the program may pay $8.25 or less per monthly prescription; for additional information contact the program at 800-448-6472.
- Applies to:
- Humira
- Number of uses:
- Per prescription until program expires
Form more information phone: 800-448-6472 or
Visit website
Patient Assistance & Copay Programs for Humira
Patient assistance programs (PAPs) are typically sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and offer cost-free or discounted medicines,
as well as copay programs, to individuals with low income or those who are uninsured/under-insured and meet specific criteria.
Eligibility requirements for each program may vary.
Provider: Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN)
Eligibility requirements:
- *See Additional Information section below
- Between 400-500% of FPL
- FDA Approved Diagnosis – See Program Website for Details
- Must reside and receive treatment in US
- *Patients must have health insurance and their insurance must cover the qualifying medication for which they seek assistance. Call for most recent medications as the list is subject to change and the medication for which you are seeking assistance must treat the disease directly. Note: All new enrollment is now done electronically or over the phone. Contact program for details.
Applicable drugs:
- Humira
(adalimumab)
Injection; Subcutaneous
More information please phone:
866-316-7263
Visit Website
Provider: myAbbVie Assist for Humira
Eligibility requirements:
- Must be uninsured or underinsured
- At or below 600% of FPL
- Not applicable
- Must reside in the US and be under the direct care of a US physician
- Any patient who requires the medication and are in need should call the company. Eligibility determined on a case-by-case basis. Patients with prescription drug coverage may be eligible on exception basis.
Applicable drugs:
- Humira
(adalimumab)
Injection; Subcutaneous
More information please phone:
800-222-6885
Visit Website
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How much does Humira cost without insurance?
Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on April 10, 2023.
The average cash price of Humira (generic name: adalimumab) without insurance is around $6,240 for 1 carton (2 pens) of 40 mg/0.4 mL using an online coupon, but most people do not pay this much. Your actual cost will depend upon which Humira product you need and the strength, if you have insurance, and your specific type of insurance.
Online coupons or copay cards may be useful if you are paying cash and not using insurance to cover your prescription. Keep in mind these prices are always subject to change.
Cash prices vary greatly among US pharmacies, even in the same city. It may be helpful to check the prices at several pharmacies if you are paying cash for your Humira prescription.
Related: View Humira Prices, Coupons and Patient Assistance Programs
If you are receiving Humira from a specialty pharmacy, be sure to also ask about using any copay cards, coupons or other discounts. This may lower your out-of-pocket costs, like copays. Specialty pharmacies often handle complex biologics like Humira. Specialty drugs may need special handling such as refrigeration, fast shipping, or additional monitoring by a health care provider for side effects.
Who can I call about getting Humira?
AbbVie provides insurance specialists from their Humira website to help guide you through coverage and access if you are prescribed Humira and do not have insurance.
To get further information about how to obtain Humira, you can call AbbVie at 1-800-448-6472 (1-800-4HUMIRA).
Can I get Humira if I don’t have insurance?
No insurance or unemployed
- If you do not have insurance or are unemployed, you may be eligible to receive Humira at no cost from the AbbVie Patient Assistance Program (myAbbVie Assist) or another foundation if you meet certain income criteria.
- According to AbbVie, financial need requirements will vary by medicine. Your eligibility may be based on your insurance coverage, household income, and projected out-of-pocket medical expenses.
- Other groups, such as nonprofit organizations, may be able to provide financial support for your medications. Talk to your health care provider about ways to afford your medication.
Does Medicaid cover Humira?
Medicaid
- Medicaid is a US government-run health insurance program that provides medical assistance for low-income individuals and families, or people with certain disabilities
- It is jointly run by the federal government and individual US states. State Medicaid programs may provide coverage for Humira but it can vary based on your state.
- To find out specific Humira coverage for a particular state Medicaid program, you can contact AbbVie at 1-800-448-6472.
Does Medicare cover Humira?
Medicare
Medicare is a US federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and those with certain disabilities. With Medicare, prescription coverage for Humira is available through many Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplemental Plans but you must enroll for these add-on plans separately.
- Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) – Medicare Advantage Plans provide hospital and medical insurance, and generally includes prescription coverage.
- Supplemental Plans (Part D) – A separate prescription coverage option that you can add to Medicare. You may be eligible to receive a low income subsidy (Extra Help) as well to help pay for Humira.
- If you have Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D, most plans will cover Humira with a copay.
Does my insurance cover Humira?
Commercial Insurance
The manufacturer of Humira, AbbVie, has a Copay Savings Card program in place to help you afford Humira if you have commercial insurance (i.e., through your employer or purchased through the Affordable Care Act). The co-pay assistance program is not available to patients with federal, state, or government-funded insurance programs.
While your insurance may help cover a portion of Humira cost, your copay may be unaffordable for you. In these circumstances the copay card can be used to help lower these costs.
The Humira Copay Savings card may reduce your out-of-pockets expenses to a little as $5 per prescription, but may have a maximum annual savings. These copay cards do not have an expiration date but you may need to re-enroll each year.
- In 2019, 94% of eligible patients with a Humira copay saving card received their Humira for $5 per month, every month.
- In 2021, more than 95% of commercial and Medicare Part D patients have coverage for Humira as a preferred, first-line medication on the insurance plans formulary.
- Contact AbbVie at 1-800-448-6472 to learn more.
What is Humira?
Humira is a biologic injectable protein known as a monoclonal antibody. It is used to treat many different autoimmune-types of diseases where inflammation leads to symptoms. It’s classified as a Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) alpha inhibitor, and binds to and blocks the action of TNF in our body to lower inflammation.
Humira has been developed through genetic engineering, and that is one reason it is so expensive. Humira has been one of the world’s best selling drugs for many years. It is given as a self-administered subcutaneous injection (under the skin).
Because Humira blocks the inflammatory process, it has a place in many autoimmune conditions with inflammation as a central mechanism, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Juvenile arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Plaque psoriasis
- Ulcerative colitis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa
- Uveitis
Is there a generic for Humira?
There is not a commercially available biosimilar option for Humira at this time. Several biosimilars for Humira have been approved by the FDA, but are not yet on the market.
In late 2016, the original Humira original patent expired opening doors for biosimilar development. Due to patents and other legal issues, these lower cost biosimilar products are not expected to become commercially available until 2023.
A biosimilar is a biological product that is very similar to a reference biologic and for which there are no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety, purity, and potency. Humira cannot have an exact generic copy due to manufacturing differences inherent for biological products.
If you need further information about how to obtain Humira, you can call AbbVie at 1.800.4HUMIRA (1.800.448.6472).
This is not all the information you need to know about Humira (adalimumab) for safe and effective use. Review the full Humira information here, and discuss this information with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Humira Injection [package insert]. North Chicago, IL: AbbVie Inc. Accessed March 25, 2021 at https://www.humira.com/humira-complete/insurance-coverage-explained
- Humira Price Guide. Drugs.com. Accessed March 25, 2021 at https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/humira
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Drug information
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Medical Disclaimer
HUMIRA prices in Moscow pharmacies
from 22,500 to 124,000 rubles
Release form
capsules 550 mg 30 pcs
HUMIRA available found in 8 pharmacies in Moscow
Public
Buy at pharmacy 900 50 Pre-book price 31.900 00
Viber
directions Route
90 030
HUMIRA reviews
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1 review 03 Arthritis injections
Humira is one of those remedies that effectively copes with the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. These are injections that need to be done twice a month. But one minus of this drug is the price of treatment with Humira injections. Unfortunately, not everyone can help themselves. But it’s good that there are some government programs for which the drug … More
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Instruction
Humira is a selective immunosuppressant. Pharmacological properties Adalimumab is obtained by recombination using human monoclonal antibodies. Peptide sequences in a molecule are of anthropological origin only. The adalimumab molecule has a high degree of affinity for TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor). With TNF-β binding is not observed. When bound to tumor necrosis factor,…
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How a pharmaceutical company made $114 billion on evergreen patents fixing the high price of the drug and limiting competition.
Write to itpc-eeca.org.
AbbVie holds the patent for the anti-inflammatory drug Humira, which is used to treat arthritis. The drug was approved back in 2002, and generic versions of the drug were supposed to become available in 2016. Why didn’t this happen?
In 2016, the patent for the base substance adalimumab expired and regulators approved Amgen’s generic Amjevita, as well as other generics. However, AbbVie used the US patent system to its advantage and blocked competitors from entering the market. AbbVie is suing Amgen, alleging that it infringes on 10 of its patents. Amgen argued that most of AbbVie’s patents were invalid, but the parties reached a settlement agreement in which Amgen agreed not to start selling its drug until 2023.
Over the next five years, AbbVie entered into similar agreements with nine other manufacturers who wanted to release their own versions of Humira. They all agreed to delay the market launch until 2023. Since then, AbbVie has earned $114 billion.
It is worth noting that such games with patent protection are not new to the pharmaceutical industry. Following the example of AbbVie, Amgen has accumulated secondary patents for its anti-inflammatory drug Enbrel, delaying the generic version by 13 years. Merck and its partners by some count have received 180 patents for their cancer-fighting drug Keytruda, and a new formula is being developed that could further extend the monopoly.
Over the past 20 years, AbbVie has raised the price of Humira about 30 times, most recently by 8 percent in January 2023. Since the end of 2016, the price of the drug has risen 60 percent to over $80,000 a year, according to research firm SSR Health. Another analysis found that Medicare, which covered 42,000 patients for Humira in 2020, spent $2. 2 billion more on the drug from 2016 to 2019 than it could have had competitors enter the market. Patients also said that because of the high price of the drug, they had to refuse treatment or postpone retirement.
In 2021, Humira’s sales accounted for more than a third of AbbVie’s total revenue, and over the entire period of the monopoly, the drug has brought the company about 208 billion US dollars.
In 2010, the Affordable Care Act created a pathway for the approval of so-called biosimilars, which compete with complex biological drugs such as Humira, which are made inside living cells. Unlike generic counterparts to traditional synthetic drugs, biosimilars are usually not identical to their brand-name drugs and cannot be replaced by a pharmacist.
It was hoped that biosimilars would drastically reduce the cost of expensive branded biologics. This is exactly what happened in Europe, but in the United States things have turned out differently – pharmaceutical companies have turned patents into a weapon against competition.