What is the cost of Velcade? I see that there's a whole thread in this forum focused on how much Revlimid costs, but what about Velcade's cost? Is it so much cheaper than Revlimid that it's not an issue?
I realize that figuring out the cost of Velcade (news articles, forum discussions) is more difficult than figuring out the cost of Revlimid because Velcade is injected and how much people get probably depends on their weight and all of that. I guess that Velcade's cost also may not matter as much to people because their insurance may not charge them as much for getting it as insurance companies charge people if they get Revlimid (news articles, forum discussions).
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Re: Velcade Cost
Terry-
I would bet that the cost of Velcade isn't all that much different from the cost of Revlimid. But, the difference is that because it is an infusion it is covered by health insurance. Revlimid is a pill and is paid for, hopefully, by one's prescription plan. Everyone's prescription plan is different with varying levels of payment based on whether it is a generic, name brand on formulary, or name brand off formulary drug. Health insurance doesn't make those distinctions. If Velcade could be given in pill form, it probably would cost about the same as Revlimid.
My oncologist told me this week that there will be a clinical trial starting next year evaluating the efficacy of a pill form of Velcade.
Nancy
I would bet that the cost of Velcade isn't all that much different from the cost of Revlimid. But, the difference is that because it is an infusion it is covered by health insurance. Revlimid is a pill and is paid for, hopefully, by one's prescription plan. Everyone's prescription plan is different with varying levels of payment based on whether it is a generic, name brand on formulary, or name brand off formulary drug. Health insurance doesn't make those distinctions. If Velcade could be given in pill form, it probably would cost about the same as Revlimid.
My oncologist told me this week that there will be a clinical trial starting next year evaluating the efficacy of a pill form of Velcade.
Nancy
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NStewart - Name: Nancy Stewart
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 3/08
- Age at diagnosis: 60
Re: Velcade Cost
I've been meaning to check into this for a while, but just didn't get a chance to do it until now.
Here's what I found.
I spoke to some people who (I think) know what they're talking about. What I'm told is that Medicare and other health insurers pay at least $1400 per vial of Velcade. Doctors usually can purchase each vial for a bit less than that, but then get at least the $1400 per vial from the patient's health insurer.
I personally have never taken Velcade, so I'm not really the person to translate this cost per vial into a cost per month. Can anyone else help with that? I'm sure I can find typical dosing information here at the Beacon or someplace else, but maybe someone else knows off the top of their head.
Here's what I found.
I spoke to some people who (I think) know what they're talking about. What I'm told is that Medicare and other health insurers pay at least $1400 per vial of Velcade. Doctors usually can purchase each vial for a bit less than that, but then get at least the $1400 per vial from the patient's health insurer.
I personally have never taken Velcade, so I'm not really the person to translate this cost per vial into a cost per month. Can anyone else help with that? I'm sure I can find typical dosing information here at the Beacon or someplace else, but maybe someone else knows off the top of their head.
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ChuckH
Re: Velcade Cost
My husband is on Velcade (1.3 mg per meter square). The cost is $3,640.00. Medicare pays $1,375 and his Supplement pays 20% of that amount, or $275. The Cancer Center takes the Medicare assignment, meaning that we don't have to pay the remainder.
I'm thankful that it's via injections and not in pill form, or he would really be in the "donut hole"!!
Sarah
I'm thankful that it's via injections and not in pill form, or he would really be in the "donut hole"!!
Sarah
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Sarah - Name: Sarah
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: October 7, 2010
- Age at diagnosis: 72
Re: Velcade Cost
I would like to make you aware that if affording Velcade is an issue for you, contact Millenium Drug Co and they will help you. They are the manufacturer and are committed that it is be available to everyone regardless of insurance and affording it.-
turbineman - Name: Hugh
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Jan 2006
- Age at diagnosis: 61
Re: Velcade Cost
My husband had his first chemo treatment today. We're still working on getting his Revlimid - it costs $5,000 for 14 pills ! We have a high deductible health insurance policy ... that's how I know. But, doing some research, I found that you can buy this medication from reputable Canadian pharmacies at a price of $1300/30 pills ! Wondering why no one talks about buying meds from Canada?
Has anyone pursued that prescription option?
Has anyone pursued that prescription option?
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xstemboatr
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