How to Get Remicade Prescribed and Filled
Remicade (infliximab) is a biologic drug for autoimmune conditions like Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. It's prescription-only and given as an IV infusion in medical settings—you can't buy it over-the-counter or online for self-administration.[1] Start with a rheumatologist, gastroenterologist, or relevant specialist who can prescribe it after diagnosis.
Where Infusions Happen
- Hospital outpatient departments or infusion centers: Most common, covered by insurance like Medicare or private plans.
- Doctor's office or clinic: Many rheumatology or gastroenterology practices have infusion suites.
- Specialty pharmacies: They coordinate home infusions via nurses (e.g., Accredo, CVS Specialty, Optum Specialty Pharmacy). Search "Remicade infusion near me" on Google Maps or hospital websites.
Find locations via Janssen's locator (Remicade's maker) at remicade.com/find-a-center or call 1-800-JANSSEN.[2]
Cost and Insurance Coverage
List price is about $6,000–$7,000 per infusion (every 6–8 weeks), but copays range $0–$5,000 depending on insurance.[3]
- Medicare Part B covers 80% after deductible.
- Use Janssen CarePath for copay assistance (as low as $5/month for eligible patients).[4]
- GoodRx or SingleCare rarely apply since it's infused, not retail.
Biosimilars and Cheaper Alternatives
Remicade faces competition from biosimilars like Inflectra, Renflexis, Avsola, Ixifi, and most recently, Yesafili (FDA-approved 2024).[5] These are similar in efficacy, often 20–40% cheaper, and infused the same way. Doctors may switch you; ask about them for lower costs.
| Option | Maker | Typical Savings vs. Remicade |
|--------|--------|-----------------------------|
| Inflectra | Pfizer | Up to 35% |
| Renflexis | Samsung Bioepis | Up to 25% |
| Avsola | Amgen | Up to 30% |
Patent Status and Future Availability
Remicade's main patents expired in 2015–2018, enabling biosimilars.[6] No major exclusivity blocks generics now—check DrugPatentWatch.com for updates on any remaining formulation patents: DrugPatentWatch.com/remicade.[7] Biosimilar uptake grows yearly, potentially dropping prices further by 2025.
[1] FDA.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers
[2] Remicade.com
[3] Drugs.com/price-guide/remicade
[4] JanssenCarePath.com
[5] FDA.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/biosimilars
[6] USPTO.gov
[7] DrugPatentWatch.com/p/tradename/REMICADE