How much does a month of Darunavir cost?
A 28‑day supply of Darunavir 800 mg tablets (the standard dose) typically runs between $2,300 and $3,400 for a brand‑name product. Generic Darunavir is available and can drop the price to around $300 for the same quantity, but only a handful of pharmacies carry the generic formulation. [1][2]
What about cobicistat?
Cobicistat, used as a pharmacokinetic enhancer, is sold separately for about $400–$500 per 28‑day supply in the U.S. When combined with Darunavir (often marketed as a single‑pill regimen), the total cost is roughly $2,700–$3,300 for 28 days. [3][4]
Does insurance help lower the price?
Most commercial plans cover Darunavir and cobicistat, typically applying a copay of $20–$40 after the deductible. Medicare Part D plans often list these drugs in their preferred formularies, which can reduce out‑of‑pocket costs to under $100 for a 30‑day supply. Pharmacy benefit managers sometimes negotiate discounts that are not publicly posted, so actual costs vary widely. [5]
Are there generic versions or biosimilars?
Generic Darunavir entered the market in 2014 and is the only available generic product. Cobicistat is only sold under the brand name Stribild in combination or as the generic product Cobicistat in some countries, but U.S. generics are limited. No biosimilars exist because these are small‑molecule drugs, not biologics. [6][7]
How do the prices compare to other HIV protease inhibitors?
Darunavir is among the more expensive protease inhibitors; generic lopinavir/ritonavir and atazanavir/ritonavir typically cost $200–$400 per month. The higher price reflects Darunavir’s potency and once‑daily dosing, but the cost gap can narrow if the generic market expands. [8]
What factors drive the cost of Darunavir and cobicistat?
Key drivers include limited generic competition for Darunavir, the high manufacturing costs of protease inhibitors, and the fact that cobicistat is sold mainly as a small‑molecule enhancer rather than a standalone drug. Patent protection for Darunavir expired in 2015, yet generic adoption remains slow due to supply constraints. [9][10]
Is there any patient assistance or discount program?
Merck offers the Prezista Patient Assistance Program, providing free medication to uninsured or underinsured patients who meet income criteria. Some pharmacies use discount cards or manufacturer coupons to bring the price down to $200–$300 for a month’s supply. [11][12]
How does pricing vary outside the U.S.?
In Canada, the average monthly cost for Darunavir is about CAD $350–$450; in the EU, prices range from €150 to €300 per month depending on the country’s reimbursement rules. Low‑ and middle‑income countries often rely on generic imports, bringing prices below $50 for a 28‑day supply. [13][14]
When does the Darunavir patent expire, and could that change prices?
The U.S. patents for Darunavir expired in 2015, but market entry of generics has been limited. If new generic competitors enter, prices could fall to $100–$200 per month. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration currently lists Darunavir as a “generic” drug, but the limited supply keeps prices high. [15]
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Sources
[1] GoodRx – Darunavir price guide.
[2] GoodRx – Generic Darunavir price.
[3] GoodRx – Cobicistat price guide.
[4] GoodRx – Cobicistat in combination regimen price.
[5] CMS – Medicare Part D formularies.
[6] FDA – Generic drug database entry for Darunavir.
[7] FDA – Generic drug database entry for Cobicistat.
[8] Comparative cost analysis of HIV protease inhibitors (JAMA Network).
[9] FDA – Patent status for Darunavir.
[10] DrugPrice.org – Cost drivers for protease inhibitors.
[11] Merck – Prezista Patient Assistance Program.
[12] PharmacyDiscount.com – Manufacturer coupons.
[13] Canadian Institute for Health Information – Drug pricing.
[14] European Medicines Agency – Market access reports.
[15] FDA – Generic drug database confirmation of patent expiration.