After researching the topic, I found that there are indeed limitations to Yervoy discounts. Yervoy, a medication used to treat melanoma, is a brand-name drug manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb. The drug is still under patent protection, which means that generic versions are not available on the market yet [1].
One limitation to Yervoy discounts is that the drug is expensive, with a list price of around $150,000 for a typical course of treatment [2]. Although insurance may cover some of the costs, patients may still face high out-of-pocket expenses.
Another limitation is that the availability of discounts and assistance programs for Yervoy may vary depending on several factors, such as the patient's insurance coverage, income level, and location [3]. For example, some patients may be eligible for co-pay assistance programs offered by the manufacturer, while others may not. Additionally, some pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) may offer discounts or rebates for Yervoy, but these may not be available to all patients [4].
Furthermore, the availability of Yervoy discounts may be affected by drug patent laws and litigation. For instance, drug patent challenges or settlements may impact the availability and pricing of Yervoy [5]. Therefore, it is essential to monitor any updates on Yervoy patents and legal proceedings to understand the potential impact on discounts and pricing.
In summary, Yervoy discounts are limited by the drug's high cost, varying availability of assistance programs, and potential impact of drug patent laws and litigation. Patients and healthcare providers should explore all available options for discounts and assistance, including manufacturer programs, PBM discounts, and patient assistance foundations [6].
Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Yervoy (ipilimumab) Patent Expiration & Generics. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/yervoy-ipilimumab/>
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Yervoy (ipilimumab) Injection. Retrieved from <https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/yervoy-injection/prc/-20063302>
[3] GoodRx. (n.d.). Yervoy Coupons and Prices. Retrieved from <https://www.goodrx.com/yervoy>
[4] Pharmacy Benefit Manager. (n.d.). What is a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM)? Retrieved from <https://www.pharmacybenefitmanager.com/what-is-a-pbm/>
[5] FDA. (2021). Orange Book: Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations. Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/orange-book-approved-drug-products-therapeutic-equivalence-evaluations>
[6] National Organization for Rare Disorders. (2021). Financial Resources. Retrieved from <https://rarediseases.org/living-with-a-rare-disease/finding-resources/financial-resources/>