Why is Eucrisa so expensive?

Doctors may prescribe Eurcrisa, a nonsteroidal cream you apply to your skin to help manage mild to moderate eczema.

Eucrisa is a brand-name drug and is only available with a prescription. While it is an effective drug, it can be expensive as currently, no generic version of Eucrisa is available.

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What makes Eucrisa so expensive?

Part of what makes Eucrisa so expensive is that it’s currently only available as a brand-name drug, and no generic version is available. Brand-name drugs can be expensive because of the studies needed to test how safe and effective they are.

Makers of a brand-name drug can patent and sell their drug for up to 20 years. When the patent for a brand-name drug expires, other drugmakers can make and sell generic versions. 

This competition may lead to lower costs for generic drugs. Also, generic medications contain the same active ingredients as brand-name medications. So they don’t require the same testing, which can be costly.

How much does Eucrisa usually cost?

There are many factors that may influence how much Eucrisa costs, such as:

• your insurance plan, if you have coverage
• the pharmacy you use
• the quantity/amount prescribed 
• whether you get a 30-day or 90-day supply of the drug

If you need help covering the cost of Eucrisa, consider checking out the following resources:

• Optum Perks drug savings coupons
• Pfizer dermatology’s Patient Access Program (Pfizer is the manufacturer of Eucrisa)

Does insurance help pay for Eucrisa?

It depends. Each insurance plan has its own list of drugs that are covered, also called a formulary. Make sure Eucrisa is in your insurance plan’s formulary and that any copayments are affordable.

If your insurance plan does cover Eucrisa, the cost may differ based on your specific plan, whether you’ve paid your deductible for the year, or any prior authorization requirements your plan has. Other factors that may affect your cost include which pharmacy you use and whether you get a 90-day supply.

If Eucrisa isn’t in the formulary, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist if a different medication may be available to treat your condition.

If your insurance refuses to pay for a medication that a doctor deems medically necessary, you can submit an appeal. This means you are asking the insurance company to investigate and reconsider their decision to refuse coverage of a certain medication or procedure. You can review the appeals process to prepare the necessary information for a successful appeal.

What can I use instead of Eucrisa?

Other drug options, such as a cream or ointment, as well as injections or drugs taken orally, are available that you can use to help treat your eczema instead of Eucrisa. Examples of other treatments for eczema include:

• corticosteroid creams, such as:
  • triamcinolone acetonide
  • betamethasone dipropionate
• calcineurin inhibitor creams, such as:
  • pimecrolimus (Elidel)
  • tacrolimus (Protopic)
• ruxolitinib cream (Opzelura), a Janus kinase 1 inhibitor
• dupilumab (Dupixent), an injectable immunosuppressant drug
• immunosuppressant drugs that you take orally, such as:
  • azathioprine (Imuran)
  • cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
  • tofacitinib (Xeljanz)

Some options may better fit your condition than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative treatment, talk with your doctor. They can help you find the best alternative based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and experience with past treatments.

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.

Summary

Eucrisa is expensive because it is a brand-name drug. Currently, a generic option is not available. Some insurance plans may help pay for Eucrisa, but this will depend on your exact plan.

You can pay less for Eucrisa if you use a drug coupon or sign up for the drug manufacturer’s patient access program. Getting a 30- or 90-day supply of the drug may also help you save on drug costs.

There are alternative treatments that can help with eczema symptoms as well. If you are interested in alternatives, talk with your doctor to help figure out which medication is best for you.