Relistor's High Price Tag Explained

Relistor (methylnaltrexone bromide) is an FDA-approved brand-name drug used to treat constipation caused by opioid use. It is not commercially available in its generic form, which is one of the reasons why it is so expensive. The average retail price of Relistor is around $432.92 for 15, 150mg tablets. However, with insurance, eligible patients may be able to obtain Relistor for as little as $0 with their co-pay card.

Relistor is not available in its generic form

Relistor is a prescription drug that treats constipation caused by opioid use. It is available in two forms: tablets and injections. The tablet form of Relistor is taken orally, while the injection form is administered under the skin. The injection form is typically used for adults with advanced illnesses or pain caused by cancer who require palliative care.

Relistor is manufactured by Salix Pharmaceuticals and Bausch Health Companies Inc. Eligible patients can obtain Relistor Instant Savings Cards by calling or visiting their website. Additionally, eligible patients may be able to receive Relistor at a reduced cost or for free through the Bausch Health Patient Assistance Program.

It is a brand-name drug

Relistor is an FDA-approved brand-name drug used to treat constipation caused by opioid use. It is only available as a brand-name drug and there is currently no generic version on the market. Brand-name drugs are often more expensive than their generic counterparts due to higher initial development, marketing, and selling costs. Pharmaceutical companies that create brand-name drugs invest significant amounts of time and money in research and development, and patents allow them to set exclusive prices for years.

The high cost of brand-name drugs like Relistor can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the development and research stage involves substantial investment in innovation, rigorous testing, and clinical trials to ensure safety and efficacy. Secondly, marketing and promotion activities further increase expenses. Finally, brand-name drugs are often protected by patents, giving manufacturers exclusive rights to produce and sell the drug for a specific period. This lack of competition allows companies to set higher prices.

The average retail price of Relistor is around $432.92 for 15 tablets of 150mg each. However, the price can vary depending on whether one purchases Relistor tablets, vials for injection, or pre-filled syringes, and prices also differ by retailer. For example, a pack of 30 tablets of 150mg each can cost around $760. The high price of Relistor may be a financial burden for some patients, especially those without insurance coverage.

It is worth noting that generic medications offer a more affordable alternative to brand-name drugs like Relistor. Generics are chemically equivalent, containing the same active ingredients, and must meet the same FDA standards for safety, quality, strength, purity, and efficacy. However, generic drug manufacturers do not incur the same research and development costs, allowing them to sell their products at a lower price.

It is used to treat constipation caused by opioid use

Opioid pain medications can often cause constipation, which can be a very uncomfortable side effect. Relistor (methylnaltrexone bromide) is an FDA-approved brand-name drug that is used to treat constipation caused by opioid use. It is available in two forms: tablets and injections. The injection form is used for adults with advanced illness or pain caused by cancer who require increased opioid dosages for palliative care.

Relistor works by blocking the effect of opioids on the gut without impacting the pain relief they provide. It does this by binding to the opioid receptors in the gut and blocking the effects of opioids on them. This allows the muscles in the gut to process faeces normally again. It is important to note that Relistor does not enter the brain, so it does not cancel out the painkilling effects of opioids.

Relistor is not available in a generic form, and the average retail price is around $432.92 for 15 tablets of 150mg each. However, there are coupons and savings cards available that can reduce the cost of this medication.

It is important to note that Relistor may cause serious side effects, such as a tear in the stomach or intestinal wall, severe stomach pain, severe or persistent diarrhea, and opioid withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before taking this medication.

It is FDA-approved

Relistor is an FDA-approved brand-name drug used to treat constipation caused by opioid use. It is the only available peripherally acting mu opioid receptor antagonist (PAMORA) that is approved for treating opioid-induced constipation (OIC) without interfering with the analgesic properties of the opioid.

Relistor was first approved by the FDA on April 25, 2008, for the treatment of OIC in patients with advanced illness who are receiving palliative care and have not responded adequately to laxative therapy. In 2014, the FDA expanded the approval of Relistor to include the treatment of OIC in patients with chronic non-cancer pain taking opioids. This approval was based on the results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that demonstrated the efficacy and safety of Relistor in this patient population.

The active ingredient in Relistor is methylnaltrexone, which works by blocking the constipating effects of opioids in the gastrointestinal tract without affecting their pain-relieving properties. This unique mechanism of action makes Relistor a valuable treatment option for patients suffering from OIC.

The FDA approval of Relistor has provided an important advancement in the management of OIC, as it offers a targeted treatment that addresses the underlying cause of this condition. This is particularly significant as OIC can be a debilitating side effect of opioid therapy, affecting a patient's quality of life and ability to function.

It is expensive even with insurance

Relistor is a brand-name drug used to treat constipation caused by opioid use. It is available in two forms: tablets and injections. The average retail price of Relistor is around $432.92 for 15, 150mg tablets. The price without insurance is expected to be higher. The cost of Relistor with insurance will depend on the healthcare plan.

Relistor is not available in its generic form, which may be one of the reasons for its high price. The drug is also not covered by insurance plans. However, eligible patients with commercial insurance may be able to get Relistor for as little as $0 with a co-pay card.

There are also Relistor coupons and savings cards that can help reduce the cost of the drug. For example, the SingleCare Relistor coupon allows patients to pay $366.41 for 15, 150mg tablets at participating pharmacies. The Relistor Instant Savings Card can also be used to reduce the cost of the drug.

Additionally, patient assistance programs may be able to help eligible individuals access Relistor at a lower cost or for free. For example, the NiceRx program helps eligible individuals access the Relistor patient assistance program, allowing them to get the medication for a flat fee of $49 per month.

Frequently asked questions