Pirfenidone cost?

Question

Pirfenidone cost?

Accepted Answer

Pirfenidone (Esbriet®) – Cost Overview

Item	Approximate U.S. Price (per month)	Notes
Brand‑name (Esbriet®)	$5,500 – $6,500	Most commercial pharmacies list a wholesale‑level price of $5,500–$6,500 for a 30‑day supply (≈ 45 mg tablets, 14 days). Prices can fluctuate by pharmacy and pharmacy benefit manager (PBM).
Generic (if available)	$2,500 – $3,500	Once a generic version receives FDA approval, prices typically drop 40–60 %. At present, many U.S. insurers still list Esbriet as the reference drug.
Insurance copay / coinsurance	Varies (often 10–20 % of drug cost)	Many commercial plans use a tiered system: Esbriet is usually Tier 2 or Tier 3 (higher copay). Medicare Part D plans often require a copay of $50–$80 for a 30‑day supply.
Manufacturer Assistance	$0 – $2,000	The Gilead “Esbriet Patient Assistance Program” offers a discount for patients who cannot afford the drug, depending on income and insurance status.
Specialty Pharmacy	Slightly higher (handling, storage, monitoring)	Some specialty pharmacies charge additional service fees (e.g., $20–$50/month) for patient support, adherence monitoring, and lab coordination.

How the Cost Breaks Down

Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) – The list price set by the manufacturer. For Esbriet, this is roughly $5,000–$6,000 per month.
Insurance Negotiation – PBMs negotiate discounts; the net price to the insurer (and thus the patient) can be lower than the WAC.
Patient Copay – Depends on your insurance plan’s tier structure.
Out‑of‑Pocket Maximum – Once you hit the annual cap, you’re typically covered for the remainder of the year.

Tips to Reduce Out‑of‑Pocket Costs

Strategy	What to Do
Check your plan’s formulary	Verify if Esbriet is on‑formulary; if not, request a formulary exception.
Ask for a pharmacy discount card	Some specialty pharmacies offer discount cards that reduce the out‑of‑pocket amount.
Apply for the Gilead Assistance Program	Complete the eligibility questionnaire online or via a pharmacist.
Consider a generic once available	Watch for FDA approval; the generic will often be 40–60 % cheaper.
Use a cost‑comparison tool	Websites like GoodRx, RxSaver, or your insurer’s portal can compare prices across pharmacies.
Discuss with your prescriber	In some cases, prescribers can submit a prior‑authorization or request a lower‑tier drug if clinically appropriate.

International Pricing (Quick Snapshot)

Country	Approximate Cost (per 30‑day supply)	Notes
Canada	$1,800 – $2,200 CAD	Provincial pharmacare often covers a large portion.
UK (NHS)	Covered under NHS (no direct out‑of‑pocket)	Prescribed under a national drug list.
Australia	$800 – $1,200 AUD	Listed on the PBS (pharmaceutical benefits scheme).
Germany	€800 – €1,200	Covered by statutory health insurance; patient co‑pay is typically €5–€15.

Disclaimer: These prices are approximate and can change based on formulary negotiations, pharmacy agreements, and regional pricing policies. Always confirm with your insurer or pharmacy for the most accurate, up‑to‑date information.

Bottom Line

Brand‑name Esbriet: roughly $5,500–$6,500/month in the U.S., with insurance copay reducing the amount you actually pay.
Generic options may become available in the next 12–24 months, potentially cutting costs by 40–60 %.
Assistance programs and pharmacy discounts can further lower your out‑of‑pocket expenses.

If you’re unsure about your coverage or how to navigate assistance programs, it’s a good idea to talk directly with your pharmacist or a patient advocacy service at your pharmacy.

Ask Questions, Get Industry Insights … Instantly

Recent Questions

Pirfenidone cost?

How the Cost Breaks Down

Tips to Reduce Out‑of‑Pocket Costs

International Pricing (Quick Snapshot)

Bottom Line