PROMACTA (eltrombopag) is an expensive medication used for the treatment of a rare and serious blood disorder, thrombocytopenia. The cost of PROMACTA is high due to several factors. Firstly, due to the rare nature of this disorder, the demand for this medication is low, so the cost of producing the drug is quite high.
Secondly, because it is a specialty medication, it is designed to be taken in conjunction with other medications, which can raise the cost. Thirdly, PROMACTA is produced by a leader in the pharmaceutical industry who invests in research and development, and puts money towards marketing, packaging and advertising – all of which can add to the cost.
Finally, the cost of production and marketing of the drug must be taken into account when setting its price. For example, the manufacturer may want to make a certain return on their investment in the drug, in order to make it attractive to potential investors.
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Is PROMACTA expensive?
PROMACTA may be considered expensive depending on the patient’s insurance coverage and plan. The drug retails anywhere from $616 to $1,403 for standard 30-day supply up to 30 mg. Patients without insurance coverage, or with Medicare, can expect to pay the full retail price, which may be too expensive for some.
However, some third-party patient assistance programs are available that may significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost for the medication. Further, the cost for PROMACTA varies depending on the dosage.
As the dosage increases, so does the cost. For example, a 60-day supply of 150 mg retails for $2,806 to $5,226. Lastly, generics of PROMACTA are not available at this time, though there are some attempts at creating generics by other companies, so the cost may decrease if a generic form is approved by the FDA.
How much is a 30 day supply of PROMACTA?
The cost for a 30-day supply of PROMACTA depends on the strength of your prescription, as well as your insurance coverage. Generally, the cost for a 30-day supply of the 75 mg strength is around $1,710, while the 112.
5 mg strength is around $1,990. It is important to remember that the cost of PROMACTA can vary depending on the pharmacy you use and your coverage. If you have insurance, you should contact your plan provider to find out the exact cost of PROMACTA.
If you are paying out of pocket, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about potential discounts or other options to help you manage the cost of PROMACTA.
Does Medicare pay for PROMACTA?
Yes, Medicare does pay for PROMACTA (eltrombopag). It is a prescription medication used to treat thrombocytopenia (a low platelet count in the blood) in adults and children at least 4 years of age who have had a condition called chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) for at least 6 months.
PROMACTA is covered by Medicare Part B, and Medicare will cover the cost of the medication if it is prescribed by your doctor, as long as it is medically necessary and reasonable. Medicare may cover up to 80% of the cost, and if you qualify for Extra Help, Medicare may cover even more of the cost.
You may wish to contact your doctor or Medicare to learn more about coverage for PROMACTA.
When will PROMACTA be generic?
At this time, it does not appear that PROMACTA (eltrombopag) will become available in a generic form. This medication is a brand name drug, and is only available through a prescription from a doctor.
It is used to treat thrombocytopenia, a condition where the blood has a lower than normal count of platelets, and as a result, increases the risk of bleeding. Developed by Novartis, it is the only licensed oral thrombopoietin receptor agonist in the United States and Europe.
While there may be other medications available to help manage the condition, it is worth noting that PROMACTA is the only medication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this use specifically.
As such, it is not possible to predict when generic versions may become available. However, with adequate demand, it is possible that a generic form could be released in the future.
What happens when you stop taking PROMACTA?
If you stop taking PROMACTA, your body may quickly return to its previous low platelet count, as PROMACTA works to reduce platelet levels starting to lower in about 24 hours. For this reason, your healthcare provider should help you gradually discontinue PROMACTA over the course of several days to reduce the chances of the platelet count dropping too quickly.
Additionally, when discontinuing PROMACTA, your healthcare provider will typically continue to monitor your platelet count in order to evaluate how well your body is responding to the treatment. Some people may experience a rebound increase of platelets and other blood-clotting elements when discontinuing PROMACTA, so close monitoring is important.
Depending on your individual situation, your healthcare provider may schedule lab tests or physical exams during your treatment with PROMACTA and continuing after it is discontinued.
What is the price of PROMACTA?
The cost of PROMACTA varies depending on the pharmacy and insurance plan. The average cash price for a 30-day supply of PROMACTA is around $1,500, but can be higher or lower depending on the actual product purchased and environment of purchase.
Pharmacy discount cards and patient assistance programs are available to help reduce the cost of the medication.
What part of Medicare covers immunosuppressant drugs?
Part B of Medicare covers immunosuppressant drugs. Immunosuppressant drugs help to reduce the activity of the immune system, and they are typically used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs. Immunosuppressant drugs can also be used to treat a variety of autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Crohn’s Disease.
These medications generally require a doctor’s prescription, and are typically covered by Part B of Medicare when the prescriptions are medically necessary. Coverage is typically limited to two doses of the medication per month, and may also include the cost of additional laboratory tests and doctor’s visits associated with the treatments.
Medicare Part B does not cover immunosuppressant drugs for cosmetic reasons.
How much is PROMACTA 50 mg?
Promacta 50 mg is a medication used to treat a condition called chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenia (ITP). The cost of Promacta 50 mg can vary greatly depending on where it is purchased, the dosage strength, and the quantity needed.
Generally, one 30-tablet bottle of Promacta 50 mg costs around $13,000. Depending on the patient’s insurance coverage and whether medications are purchased through a pharmacy or online store, the cost of Promacta 50 mg can be as low as a few dollars or as high as several thousand dollars.
How much is eltrombopag cost?
The cost of eltrombopag (also known as Revolade) can vary depending on the individual patient’s insurance plan and other factors. Generally, it is around $1000 – $2,000 for 30 capsules. The price can go up to around $7,000 for 60 capsules.
If a patient does not have insurance, eltrombopag can be purchased through a manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance program. This program helps cover the cost of eltrombopag for people who cannot afford it.
Additionally, those who are eligible for financial assistance may be able to access eltrombopag for free.
Is PROMACTA a chemo drug?
No, PROMACTA (or eltrombopag) is not a chemo drug. It is a prescription medicine used to treat thrombocytopenia (a condition where there are low platelet counts) in adults and children. PROMACTA works by blocking certain receptors in the body that stop the production of platelets.
It is the first and only FDA-approved oral medication to treat both adult and pediatric patients with thrombocytopenia that is caused by immune (ITP) or other cyclic hematopoietic (bone marrow) disorders.
Common side effects associated with PROMACTA include headache, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea.
How fast does PROMACTA work?
The speed at which PROMACTA works varies from person to person and is closely monitored by a healthcare provider. Generally speaking, PROMACTA starts to work within a few hours of the first dose and can reach its optimal effect after several weeks of taking it regularly.
It is important to remember that the results vary from patient to patient and may take longer than expected or may not work at all. In addition, taking PROMACTA daily as instructed by your healthcare provider is important in achieving the desired result.
The side effects experienced with PROMACTA are typically minor and include headache, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rash. In some cases, serious side effects can occur but are rare. Overall, PROMACTA offers a valuable treatment option for individuals with low platelet counts who have a certain inherited bleeding disorder known as Congenital Thrombocytopenia.
How long do people take PROMACTA?
The duration of PROMACTA use depends on the type of condition being treated and the patient’s response to the drug. Typically, PROMACTA is taken once daily for up to 24 weeks and may be continued longer if the patient’s condition does not improve.
People with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) may need to take PROMACTA longer than 24 weeks to maintain platelet counts. The prescribing information for PROMACTA includes detailed instructions on how the medication should be taken, including dosing information and safety guidelines.
Patients should take PROMACTA as directed by their healthcare provider and should not stop taking the medication without first consulting with their doctor.
How do you know PROMACTA is working?
It is important to monitor your platelet count after taking PROMACTA to make sure it is working. Your doctor may take regular blood tests to check your platelet count and discuss the best course of treatment based on your results.
Other signs that PROMACTA is working may include a reduction in bleeding episodes and less bruising. Your doctor will know best and may advise an ongoing treatment plan – depending on your particular circumstances.
How long does it take for 50 mg of eltrombopag to increase platelet count?
It typically takes 7 to 10 days for 50 mg of eltrombopag to increase platelet count. Platelet count increases can be seen as early as 4 days after starting the eltrombopag, with maximum platelet count increases occurring between 10-14 days.
It is important to remain consistent with the eltrombopag regimen and not to miss any doses for optimal platelet count increases. Platelet count gains are usually maintained after eltrombopag is stopped and platelet counts will usually drop to pre-treatment levels 1-4 weeks after eltrombopag is discontinued.
