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Yervoy (Ipilimumab) Discount: How Much Can You Save?

Introduction

Ipilimumab, marketed under the brand name Yervoy, is a monoclonal antibody used to treat various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and kidney cancer. As a cancer treatment, Yervoy is often expensive, making it challenging for patients to afford. However, there are ways to reduce the cost of Yervoy, and in this article, we will explore the discounts and savings options available.

What is Yervoy?

Yervoy is a type of immunotherapy that works by boosting the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. It is administered intravenously and is typically used in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Cost of Yervoy

The cost of Yervoy can vary depending on several factors, including the patient's location, insurance coverage, and the specific treatment regimen. According to the manufacturer's website, the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) of Yervoy is around $120,000 per year.

Discounts and Savings Options

While the cost of Yervoy can be high, there are several discounts and savings options available to help reduce the financial burden. Here are some of the ways to save on Yervoy:

Manufacturer Discounts

The manufacturer of Yervoy, Bristol-Myers Squibb, offers a patient assistance program that provides discounts on the medication. The program, called the Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Program, offers a discount of up to 75% off the WAC price.

Insurance Coverage

Many insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover the cost of Yervoy. However, the level of coverage can vary depending on the specific plan and the patient's location. Patients should check with their insurance provider to determine the extent of coverage.

Generic or Biosimilar Options

While there are no generic or biosimilar versions of Yervoy available, there are other immunotherapy treatments that may be more affordable. Patients should discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.

Patient Assistance Programs

In addition to the manufacturer's patient assistance program, there are several other programs that can help patients save on Yervoy. These programs, such as the Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation and the CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation, offer financial assistance to patients who are struggling to afford their medication.

Discount Cards and Coupons

There are several discount cards and coupons available that can help patients save on Yervoy. These cards and coupons can provide discounts of up to 80% off the WAC price.

Clinical Trials

Patients who are interested in participating in clinical trials may be able to receive Yervoy at a reduced cost or even for free. Clinical trials are an excellent way to access new and innovative treatments while also contributing to medical research.

How Much Can You Save?

The amount of discount that can be obtained on Yervoy varies depending on the specific savings option and the patient's location. However, here are some estimated savings amounts:

* Manufacturer discount: up to 75% off WAC price
* Insurance coverage: up to 90% off WAC price
* Generic or biosimilar options: up to 50% off WAC price
* Patient assistance programs: up to 80% off WAC price
* Discount cards and coupons: up to 80% off WAC price
* Clinical trials: up to 100% off WAC price

Conclusion

While the cost of Yervoy can be high, there are several discounts and savings options available to help reduce the financial burden. Patients should discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider and explore the various savings options available to determine the best course of treatment.

Key Takeaways

* Yervoy is a monoclonal antibody used to treat various types of cancer.
* The cost of Yervoy can vary depending on several factors, including the patient's location and insurance coverage.
* Discounts and savings options are available to help reduce the financial burden of Yervoy.
* Patients should discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider and explore the various savings options available.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: What is the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) of Yervoy?
A: The WAC of Yervoy is around $120,000 per year.
2. Q: What is the manufacturer's patient assistance program?
A: The manufacturer's patient assistance program offers a discount of up to 75% off the WAC price.
3. Q: Do insurance plans cover the cost of Yervoy?
A: Yes, many insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover the cost of Yervoy.
4. Q: Are there generic or biosimilar versions of Yervoy available?
A: No, there are no generic or biosimilar versions of Yervoy available.
5. Q: How can patients save on Yervoy?
A: Patients can save on Yervoy by exploring the various discounts and savings options available, including manufacturer discounts, insurance coverage, patient assistance programs, discount cards and coupons, and clinical trials.

Sources

1. Bristol-Myers Squibb. (2022). Yervoy (Ipilimumab) Prescribing Information.
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Ipilimumab (Yervoy) Patent Expiration.
3. Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation. (2022). Patient Assistance Programs.
4. CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation. (2022). Co-Payment Assistance Programs.
5. ClinicalTrials.gov. (2022). Ipilimumab Clinical Trials.

Note: The estimated savings amounts listed in the article are based on publicly available data and may not reflect the actual savings amounts that patients can expect to receive.