Common questions about emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate’s cost

Here are some common questions and answers about emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

Why is Truvada priced so much higher than emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate?

Truvada is a brand-name medication. Brand-name drugs often are expensive because of studies needed to test how safe and effective they are before they can be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States. These studies often are costly and time consuming.

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

Generic medications contain the same active ingredients as brand-name medications. (An active ingredient is what makes a medication work.) So they don’t require the same costly testing for approval.

Emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is the generic version of Truvada. It has the same active ingredients as Truvada but costs significantly less because it’s a generic medication.

Is an emtricitabine/tenofovir copay card available to lower my cost of the drug?

Copay cards are offered by some drug manufacturers to lower the cost of brand-name drugs for people who have commercial or private insurance. These cards typically aren’t available for generic medications.

Gilead Sciences offers a copay card for Truvada, which is the brand-name version of emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. For details and to see if you’re eligible for this card, visit this page.

How much is Truvada with insurance?

The cost of Truvada may or may not be covered by health insurance. It depends on your specific insurance policy.

To find out if Truvada is covered by your policy, call the number on the back of your insurance card. Also, ask about your policy’s deductible amount and whether a copay is required.