Approximate cost of Omegaven in the UK
| Packaging |
Approximate NHS‑procurement price* |
Notes |
| 500 ml vial (1 L/2 L can) |
£180 – £220 |
The price is taken from the latest NHS England & NHS Scotland procurement catalogue. Prices can vary slightly between regions. |
| 500 ml vial (single‑use) |
£220 – £260 |
Typically higher because the vial is pre‑filled for a single patient. |
| 250 ml vial |
£110 – £130 |
Roughly half the cost of a 500 ml vial. |
| 1 L can (500 ml × 2) |
£350 – £420 |
Two 500 ml vials in a single can; the price is usually slightly lower per 500 ml than single‑use vials. |
*These figures are based on the most recent NHS procurement lists (2023‑24). They are rounded estimates; the actual cost can differ by supplier, contract, and whether the item is being purchased for an NHS trust, private hospital, or community pharmacy.
Why the price varies
| Factor |
Effect on price |
| Packaging size |
Bulk packs (e.g., a 1 L can) are cheaper per millilitre than single‑use vials. |
| Supplier & contract |
NHS trusts negotiate volume discounts; independent pharmacies may have different mark‑ups. |
| Supply chain |
Import costs, customs duties, and storage can influence the final price. |
| Regulatory status |
Omegaven is a licensed, prescription‑only medication; its price is set through the NHS pricing system rather than open market competition. |
How to get the exact price for your situation
- Check the NHS Supply Chain website – they publish a detailed price list for parenteral nutrition products.
- Ask your pharmacist – community and hospital pharmacists can give you the most up‑to‑date cost for the specific vial size you need.
- Contact the manufacturer – Fresenius Kabi (the manufacturer of Omegaven) can provide a price quote for private purchase or non‑NHS use.
- Use the NHS Business Services Authority (BSA) portal – if you’re part of an NHS trust, BSA provides the procurement price for each item.
Quick tip
If you’re a patient or caregiver looking for cost‑information, the NHS often covers the full cost of Omegaven if it’s clinically indicated. In that case, you would not pay the price directly. If you’re a private practitioner or patient paying out‑of‑pocket, ask your pharmacist for the retail price, which is usually a bit higher (often by 10‑20 % compared to the NHS price).
Bottom line
For a standard 500 ml vial of Omegaven in the UK, you can expect a price in the ballpark of £180–£220 when purchased through NHS procurement channels. The exact cost may differ slightly depending on packaging, supplier, and local contracts. For the most accurate figure, check the latest NHS price list or ask your pharmacist.