How to save on Dupixent

Dupixent (dupilumab) is an injectable prescription treatment for several different conditions related to inflammation, including moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (with or without topical corticosteroids) and moderate-to-severe asthma that hasn’t responded to other medications. Dupixent also treats chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Dupilumab, the active ingredient in Dupixent, is a type of drug known as a monoclonal antibody (more specifically, an interleukin-4 receptor alpha antagonist) that targets specific proteins involved in the inflammatory response. Some of the most common side effects of Dupixent include injection site reactions, muscle and joint pain, upper respiratory infection, dizziness, and diarrhea. Serious side effects, such as allergic reactions and severe joint pain, can occur as well. 

Dupixent is administered as a subcutaneous (underneath the skin) injection using either single-dose prefilled syringes or prefilled pens. “It’s very effective for patients whose eczema isn’t well-controlled with topical treatments,” says Richard Linsky, MD, clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine at NYU Langone.

Dupixent is a brand-name drug made by the pharmaceutical companies Sanofi and Regeneron. While Dupixent is an effective drug, it has no generic version and can be costly. If your healthcare provider prescribes Dupixent, you may be worried about how to afford it. Read on to discover ways to get affordable or even free Dupixent. 

How much does Dupixent cost?

Dupixent’s cost without insurance is $5,037 for two 2-milliliter (mL) syringes. The actual cost you pay can vary greatly, as it depends on several different factors, including:

• Whether you have prescription drug insurance
• The type of insurance you have
• Whether your insurance company considers the medication to be preferred or nonpreferred
• Whether you’ve met your deductible
• The pharmacy you choose

Dupixent is a specialty drug. Specialty drugs like Dupixent require careful oversight from healthcare providers who need to watch for side effects and ensure the medication is working as it should. They’re typically high-cost prescription medications used to treat chronic, complex conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, or multiple sclerosis. You will likely get Dupixent from a specialty pharmacy. Your healthcare provider will guide you through the process.

Insurance coverage for Dupixent

Medicare, Medicaid, and other types of insurance may cover Dupixent, but it depends on the plan. Some insurance companies require prior authorization or a letter of medical necessity proving that other medications have been tried but have not been effective. 

The Dupixent website has a cost and coverage tool that can help you check your insurance coverage, but calling your insurance company and speaking to a representative who is familiar with the details of your plan may provide a more accurate idea of what you can expect to pay. 

According to the Dupixent website, 79% of Medicare Part D patients can expect to pay $100 or less per month for Dupixent, and 21% can expect to pay more than $100 per month. However, keep in mind that the amount you pay will depend on the details of your prescription drug plan and where you fill your medications.

As for Medicaid, the Dupixent website states that those with coverage can expect to pay between $4 and $9 per month. However, contacting your state’s Medicaid program to verify coverage can help you get an accurate idea of how much you can expect to pay for Dupixent.

If your insurance company refuses to cover Dupixent, there are ways to lower the cost and make it more affordable. 

Dupixent copay card details

With the Dupixent MyWay copay card, eligible patients with commercial health insurance may pay as little as a $0 copay per fill of Dupixent (with a maximum of $13,000 per patient per calendar year). If you’re eligible, you can enroll online or by calling 844-387-4936 to receive your Dupixent MyWay copay card by email.

In order to be eligible for the Dupixent copay card, you also need to be an adult patient or caregiver and have a Dupixent prescription for one of the following indications approved by the Food and Drug Administration:  

• Moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis)
• Moderate-to-severe eosinophilic or oral steroid-dependent asthma
• Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP)
• Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
• Prurigo nodularis (PN)

Can you get Dupixent for free?

You can get Dupixent for free if you qualify for the Dupixent Patient Assistance Program. The program is available to patients without health insurance or who have a gap in coverage. You can call a Dupixent MyWay case manager at 844-387-4936, who can help you explore your options, but your healthcare provider will need to complete and sign the enrollment form. 

Qualification requirements include being at least 18 years of age, being able to demonstrate a financial need, having an annual adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less, and being a resident of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Other ways to save money on Dupixent

Besides the Dupixent MyWay copay card and Patient Assistance Program, it’s possible to save on Dupixent with SingleCare coupons and extra government assistance.

SingleCare Coupons

To use a Dupixent coupon from SingleCare, choose your dosage and click the “Get free coupon” button next to the pharmacy of your choice. Then, show the coupon to your pharmacist, and they’ll charge you the advertised price. Although the average retail price of Dupixent was $5,039 for two 2-mL syringes at the time this article was written, a SingleCare Dupixent coupon was able to bring it down to $3,610, depending on the pharmacy.

Medicare Extra Help

There are also other cost assistance options for patients with Medicare Part D coverage. The Social Security Administration’s Extra Help program helps with costs like deductibles and copays for prescription drugs. Medicare beneficiaries can apply for Extra Help anytime, even if they’ve already enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan.

Is there a cheaper alternative to Dupixent?

These are some cheaper Dupixent alternatives. Eucrisa and Opzelura are two alternatives to ask your doctor about. Some natural alternatives may provide relief as well. 

1. Eucrisa (crisaborole) ointment

Eucrisa is a topical ointment that can be used to treat mild to moderate AD in adults and children 3 months and older. Eucrisa, made by Pfizer, is part of the phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor drug class. The average cost is approximately $1,008 for one 60-gm tube of Eucrisa 2% without insurance. However, you can use an Eucrisa coupon from SingleCare to reduce your price to about $678.

2. Opzelura (ruxolitinib) cream

Opzelura is a topical cream used for short-term treatment of mild-to-moderate AD in adults and adolescents ages 12 years and older who are not immunocompromised and when topical treatments do not adequately control symptoms. It is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, targeting specific enzymes to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. On average, Opzelura retails at $2,740 for one 60-gm tube of Opzelura 1.5%. However, you can get it for $1,978 at participating pharmacies with a SingleCare Opzelura coupon.

3. Natural alternatives to Dupixent

Natural approaches like dietary changes can help people who react to food inflammation, according to the National Eczema Association. In such cases, avoiding gluten and dairy may help. It may also help to increase your intake of vitamin D since low levels of the vitamin are related to cases of severe eczema. Other options include moisturizers made of coconut oil or sunflower seed oil. Some people find success with acupuncture or hypnosis. 

Natural alternatives are not substitutes for medication but can help manage symptoms when used with medication. You should always consult your healthcare provider for medical advice about whether it is safe to try alternative treatments in combination with your medications.