Xeljanz and Cost: What You Need to Know
If you’re looking at treatment options for certain autoimmune diseases, you may want to learn more about Xeljanz. It’s a prescription drug used to treat the following conditions in adults when certain other treatments haven’t worked to manage symptoms:
- moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis
- Psy arthritis.
- Ankylosing spondylitis is a disease.
- moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
Xeljanz may also be prescribed to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis when it affects multiple joints in certain children.
Tofacitinib is an active ingredient in Xeljanz. The active ingredient is what makes a drug work. It comes in a liquid and a tablets.
There’s also an extended-release tablet form of Xeljanz, called Xeljanz XR. To learn more, see the “FAQs about cost and Xeljanz” section below. And check out this in-depth article on both versions of the drug.
You can read about how to save money on prescriptions and Xeljanz.
The price you pay for Xeljanz can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage (if you have it), and the pharmacy you use. To find out how much you’ll pay for Xeljanz, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
There are answers to some questions about Xeljanz.
How much does Xeljanz cost without insurance and with insurance?
“The cost of Xeljanz with and without insurance will be different for each person. Xeljanz’s cost can be affected by factors such as the pharmacy you use.”
You can use this website from the drug’s manufacturer to get an estimate of what Xeljanz may cost both with and without insurance.
If you have insurance, you should call your insurer to find out what you will pay for the drug.
Does Xeljanz XR cost more than Xeljanz?
“Some adults may be prescribed Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR to treat their conditions if other treatments haven’t worked.”
- moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis
- Psy arthritis.
- Ankylosing spondylitis is a disease.
- moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
But unlike Xeljanz, Xeljanz XR isn’t used to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children. For this reason, the Xeljanz solution and Xeljanz XR aren’t interchangeable. These medications may also have different costs.
If you want to learn more about the Xeljanz price, you should talk to your doctor, insurance company, or pharmacy.
If you need help with insurance or the cost of Xeljanz, check out these websites.
You can find information on insurance, drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards on these sites.
If you have commercial (private) insurance, you may be eligible for the Xeljanz copay savings card. You can learn more by calling 844-935-5269 or by visiting this site.
If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. It’s important to note that if you have government-sponsored insurance, such as Medicare, you won’t be eligible for a copay card or manufacturer coupon. But you may qualify for the Pfizer Patient Assistance Program. You may also be eligible for this program if you don’t have insurance or can’t afford your prescription.
Xeljanz is a brand-name drug. It is not currently available in a generic version. A generic drug is a copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics cost less.
Why is there such a difference in the cost of brand-name drugs vs. generic drugs?
“Years of research and testing are needed to make sure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective. The drugs can be expensive if they are tested. The manufacturer of a drug can sell it for 20 years. Generic versions can be created by other drugmakers after that. The market can lead to lower prices for generics. Generic drugs have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, so they don’t need to be studied again. This can lead to lower costs.”
If you take Xeljanz long term, you can lower your costs.
- Look into getting a 90-day supply of your medication. You may be able to get a 90-day supply of Xeljanz if approved by your insurance company. This could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost of Xeljanz. If you’re interested in getting a 90-day supply of this drug, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
- Use a mail-order pharmacy to get your medication. Using a mail-order pharmacy might help lower your cost for Xeljanz. Plus, you could get your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order drugs. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug through mail order. If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.
If you still have questions about the cost of Xeljanz, you can talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to give you a better idea of what you will pay. You need to talk to your insurance provider to learn the actual cost of your health insurance.
You can ask your doctor or insurance provider questions.
- How much does Xeljanz cost compared to other treatments?
- Will the cost for Xeljanz be determined by the drug I am prescribed?
- “What are my options if I can’t afford my medication?”
If you have psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) called ulcerative colitis, consider joining a Bezzy community dedicated to your condition. Bezzy communities are safe spaces to connect online with others who live with certain chronic conditions.
For tips on managing any of these conditions, sign up for Healthline’s psoriasis, RA, or IBD newsletter.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.