Trulance: Why The High Cost?

why is trulance so expensive

Trulance is an expensive medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation in adults. The high cost of Trulance is due to various factors, including research and development expenses, manufacturing costs, marketing and distribution, limited competition, and differing insurance and reimbursement systems. The average retail price of Trulance is around $700 for a month's supply, but it can be even higher without insurance, reaching up to $9000 per year.

Characteristics Values
Brand-name drug Trulance
Generic drug Not available until 2032
Active ingredient Plecanatide
Drug form 3-milligram (mg) oral tablet
Treatment Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, chronic idiopathic constipation
Cost without insurance $733, $770, $725.33 for 30 tablets
Cost with insurance Depends on the insurance plan
Average retail price $642.13
Cost reduction methods SingleCare prescription discount card, Trulance Savings Card Program, Medicaid, patient assistance programs, etc.

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Trulance costs $733 without insurance

Trulance is a brand-name prescription drug used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic constipation with no identifiable cause (chronic idiopathic constipation or CIC). It is only available as a brand-name drug and does not have a generic version, which is one of the reasons for its high price. The average price of Trulance is about $725 for 30, 3mg tablets, which comes out to about $25 per tablet. Without insurance, the cost can be as high as $770 for a month's supply, or $9000 for a year's supply. This high cost is due to various factors, including research and development expenses, manufacturing costs, marketing and distribution, limited competition, and insurance and reimbursement systems.

For those without insurance, the high cost of Trulance can be a significant burden. However, there are a few ways to reduce the cost. One option is to use a prescription discount card such as SingleCare, which can bring the cost down to as little as $470 for a 30-day supply. Another option is to shop around for the lowest retail price, as prices can vary significantly between pharmacies. Additionally, those who qualify may be able to take advantage of patient assistance programs or the occasional rebate.

It is important to note that the cost of Trulance may also depend on factors such as the pharmacy you use, your treatment plan, and whether you are eligible for any cost savings programs. If you have insurance, your insurance company may also require prior authorization before covering the cost of Trulance. It is always a good idea to talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider to get a better understanding of what you will need to pay for this medication.

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The price varies depending on insurance coverage and the pharmacy

The price of Trulance varies depending on insurance coverage and the pharmacy. The average price of Trulance is about $725 for 30, 3mg tablets. However, the price can vary depending on your insurance plan and the pharmacy you use. For example, the average retail price without insurance is $770 per month, but with insurance, it may be covered by your plan or you may have a set copay. The cost of Trulance with insurance may also depend on whether you have met your deductible and if you have a prescription drug plan.

Additionally, the pharmacy you use can also impact the price of Trulance. For instance, the lowest pharmacy price for a 30-day supply of Trulance is $150 less than the average cash price. Furthermore, using a mail-order pharmacy or a prescription discount card can also help lower the cost of Trulance. For example, the SingleCare prescription discount card can reduce the cost of a 30-day supply of Trulance to as little as $470, resulting in monthly savings of over $300.

It is important to note that Trulance is a brand-name drug and does not have a generic version available. This contributes to the overall cost of the medication, as generic drugs tend to be more affordable due to market competition and lower testing costs.

To find out the exact cost of Trulance for your specific situation, it is recommended to talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. They can provide personalized guidance and help you understand the factors that influence the price.

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Trulance is a premium-priced drug with no generic version available

Trulance is a prescription drug used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). It is only available as a brand-name drug and there is currently no generic version on the market. This means that Trulance is protected by a patent that gives its manufacturer exclusive rights to sell the drug. Once the patent expires, other drugmakers can create and sell generic versions, but this usually happens around 20 years after the drug is introduced.

The absence of a generic version means there is no market competition to drive prices down, allowing the manufacturer to set a higher price. This, coupled with the extensive research and development required to bring the drug to market, contributes to Trulance's premium price.

The high cost of Trulance can be a significant financial burden for patients, especially those without insurance coverage. The average retail price of Trulance is around $700-$770 for a month's supply (30 tablets), with prices varying depending on factors such as dosage, location, and pharmacy. Without insurance, patients may have to pay the full cost of the drug, which can amount to over $9,000 per year.

However, there are some ways to reduce the cost of Trulance. For instance, patients with commercial insurance may be eligible for copay assistance through the Trulance Savings Card Program or similar initiatives. Additionally, prescription discount cards like SingleCare can help lower the cost of Trulance by up to 80%. In some cases, patients may also be able to reduce their long-term drug costs by opting for a 90-day supply or using a mail-order pharmacy.

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The manufacturer offers a copay savings card to lower the cost

Trulance is an expensive drug, with a month's supply costing on average $770. This is because it is a brand-name prescription drug with no generic version available. The manufacturer of Trulance, Synergy Pharmaceuticals, offers a Trulance Savings Card Program to help lower the cost of the drug for those who qualify. This copay card can be used to offset the cost of the medication, and those with commercial insurance may be eligible for copay assistance. The savings card program offers a $25 coupon towards the cost of the medication for those with private insurance who qualify.

The exact savings offered by the Trulance Savings Card Program are not clear, but it is possible to find out more information and check eligibility on the program website. The website also provides details about drug assistance programs, insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services.

In addition to the manufacturer's savings card, there are other ways to save money on Trulance. For example, SingleCare offers a prescription discount card that can bring the cost of a 30-day supply of Trulance down to $470, a monthly saving of over $300.

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The cost of Trulance is influenced by factors such as research, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution

The development of a new drug involves years of research, testing, and clinical trials to ensure its safety and effectiveness. This process can be extremely costly, and these expenses are passed on to the consumer in the form of higher drug prices. Once a drug is approved for market, the manufacturer can sell it exclusively for a limited period, typically 20 years. During this time, they can set higher prices due to the absence of competition from generic alternatives.

In addition to research and development costs, the manufacturing process of a drug like Trulance can also be complex and expensive. The active ingredient in Trulance, plecanatide, is a synthetic peptide that requires specialized production methods. The manufacturing process must also adhere to stringent quality and safety standards, further increasing costs.

Marketing and distribution expenses further contribute to the overall cost of Trulance. Pharmaceutical companies invest heavily in promoting their products to healthcare professionals and consumers. This includes advertising, sales representatives, and other marketing strategies. Additionally, the distribution process involves getting the drug from the manufacturer to pharmacies and other points of sale, which incurs transportation and storage costs.

It is important to note that the price of Trulance may vary depending on factors such as insurance coverage, dosage, and the pharmacy. Without insurance, Trulance can be quite expensive, with a month's supply costing around $700-$770. However, there are patient assistance programs, coupons, and savings cards offered by the manufacturer and organizations like SingleCare that can help reduce the cost of Trulance for eligible individuals.

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Frequently asked questions

The retail cost of Trulance takes into account factors such as research and development expenses, manufacturing costs, marketing and distribution, limited competition, and different insurance and reimbursement systems.

Without insurance, a month's supply of Trulance costs on average $770. This buys 30 tablets, which is about $25 per tablet. A year of Trulance treatment could cost more than $9,000.

The price of Trulance with insurance depends on the insurance plan. Trulance is less likely to be covered by Medicare drug plans and Medicaid. When it is covered, it is usually placed in the highest copay tiers, so the out-of-pocket cost may still be high.

There are several ways to save money on Trulance:

- Use a prescription discount card such as SingleCare, which can bring the cost down to as little as £470 for a 30-day supply.

- Shop for the lowest retail price, as prices can vary significantly between pharmacies.

- Look into patient assistance programs such as the Trulance Savings Card Program, which offers a £25 coupon card towards the cost of the medication for those with private insurance who qualify.

- Get a 90-day supply if approved by your insurance company, as this can help lower the cost.

- Use a mail-order pharmacy, which may help lower the cost and allows you to receive the medication at home.

Yes, there are cheaper alternatives to Trulance, although they may not be as effective. Some options include serotonin agonists, peripheral opioid receptor agonists, and Amitizia (lubiprostone). The cheapest alternatives are lactulose and over-the-counter options such as Miralax (polyethylene glycol 3350) and docusate.

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