The Cost of Fintepla: A Comparison to Similar Drugs

Introduction

Fintepla, also known as fenfluramine, is a medication used to treat seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Developed by Zogenix, Fintepla has been shown to be effective in reducing seizure frequency and improving quality of life for patients with these conditions. However, one of the primary concerns for patients and healthcare providers is the cost of this medication. In this article, we will explore the cost of Fintepla and compare it to similar drugs on the market.

What is Fintepla?

Fintepla is an oral medication that works by activating the brain's serotonin receptors, which helps to reduce the frequency of seizures. It was approved by the FDA in 2019 for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Cost of Fintepla

The cost of Fintepla can vary depending on the dosage and the pharmacy. According to the Zogenix website, the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) of Fintepla is around $6,000 per month for the 40mg dose. However, the actual cost to patients may be higher due to various factors such as insurance coverage, copays, and coinsurance.

Comparison to Similar Drugs

Several other medications are used to treat seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Some of these medications include:

* Epidiolex (cannabidiol): This medication was approved by the FDA in 2018 for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the WAC of Epidiolex is around $5,000 per month for the 100mg dose.
* Onfi (clobazam): This medication is used to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. According to the Shire website, the WAC of Onfi is around $3,000 per month for the 10mg dose.
* Banzel (rufinamide): This medication is used to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. According to the Eisai website, the WAC of Banzel is around $4,000 per month for the 400mg dose.

Comparison of Costs

As shown in the table below, the cost of Fintepla is higher than some of the other medications used to treat seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

| Medication | WAC per month |
| --- | --- |
| Fintepla (fenfluramine) | $6,000 |
| Epidiolex (cannabidiol) | $5,000 |
| Onfi (clobazam) | $3,000 |
| Banzel (rufinamide) | $4,000 |

Why is Fintepla so Expensive?

There are several reasons why Fintepla may be more expensive than other medications. One reason is that it is a relatively new medication, and the manufacturer, Zogenix, may be charging a premium for it. Additionally, Fintepla requires a specialized manufacturing process, which may drive up costs.

What Can Patients Do to Afford Fintepla?

While the cost of Fintepla may be a concern for patients, there are several options available to help make it more affordable. Some of these options include:

* Patient assistance programs: Zogenix offers a patient assistance program that can help eligible patients receive Fintepla at a reduced cost.
* Insurance coverage: Many insurance plans cover Fintepla, and patients may be able to receive a discount on the medication through their insurance plan.
* Generic alternatives: While there are no generic alternatives to Fintepla available yet, patients may be able to receive a discount on the medication through a pharmacy discount card or other programs.

Conclusion

The cost of Fintepla is a concern for patients and healthcare providers. While it may be more expensive than some other medications used to treat seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, there are several options available to help make it more affordable. Patients should discuss their options with their healthcare provider and explore all available resources to help make Fintepla more accessible.

Key Takeaways

* Fintepla is a medication used to treat seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
* The cost of Fintepla can vary depending on the dosage and the pharmacy.
* Fintepla is more expensive than some other medications used to treat seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
* Patients may be able to receive a discount on Fintepla through patient assistance programs, insurance coverage, or generic alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: What is the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) of Fintepla?
A: The WAC of Fintepla is around $6,000 per month for the 40mg dose.
2. Q: How does the cost of Fintepla compare to other medications used to treat seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome?
A: Fintepla is more expensive than some other medications used to treat seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, such as Epidiolex and Onfi.
3. Q: What can patients do to afford Fintepla?
A: Patients may be able to receive a discount on Fintepla through patient assistance programs, insurance coverage, or generic alternatives.
4. Q: Is there a generic alternative to Fintepla available?
A: No, there is no generic alternative to Fintepla available yet.
5. Q: How can patients access Fintepla at a reduced cost?
A: Patients can access Fintepla at a reduced cost through patient assistance programs, insurance coverage, or pharmacy discount cards.

Sources

1. Zogenix. (2022). Fintepla (fenfluramine) [Package Insert].
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Epidiolex (cannabidiol) [Patent Information].
3. Shire. (2022). Onfi (clobazam) [Package Insert].
4. Eisai. (2022). Banzel (rufinamide) [Package Insert].
5. National Institutes of Health. (2022). Dravet syndrome [Fact Sheet].