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How much does Tirbanibulin cost? A complete price guide for Klisyri

4 min read

According to recent data, the retail price for a single carton of Klisyri (Tirbanibulin) can exceed $1,900, but manufacturer coupons and discount cards offer significant savings. This article explores the factors influencing how much does Tirbanibulin cost and outlines various ways to make this medication more affordable for patients with actinic keratosis.

Quick Summary

Tirbanibulin's price varies drastically depending on insurance, discount cards, and pharmacy. High retail costs are often mitigated by manufacturer co-pay programs and independent discount coupons, which substantially lower patient spending. Costs also compare uniquely to older, more conventional topical treatments.

Key Points

  • High Retail Price: Without insurance or discounts, a 5-day course of Klisyri (Tirbanibulin) can cost over $1,900.

  • Manufacturer Savings Program: The Almirall Advantage savings card can bring the cost down to as little as $25 for eligible commercially insured patients.

  • Discount Card Savings: Independent discount cards like GoodRx offer significant reductions for uninsured patients, sometimes providing savings of over 80%.

  • Medicare Restrictions: Patients on Medicare or other government plans cannot use manufacturer co-pay cards and must rely on their specific plan's coverage terms.

  • Cost vs. Alternatives: Older treatments like fluorouracil and imiquimod have a much lower upfront cost but may have a longer treatment duration and more severe side effects.

  • Overall Value: Considering a shorter treatment time and fewer severe side effects, a 2023 study found Tirbanibulin to be a cost-effective option despite its higher initial price.

In This Article

What is the retail price of Tirbanibulin without insurance?

Without any insurance coverage or discount programs, the out-of-pocket retail price for Tirbanibulin (brand name Klisyri) is substantial. The cost can vary based on the specific pharmacy and the size of the package. A carton containing five single-dose packets of 1% Klisyri ointment can have a retail price upwards of $1,900. A five-day course was estimated to cost around $1,000 in 2021. However, pharmacy discount cards are essential for anyone paying cash for this medication, as they offer significant reductions from the list price. For example, discount cards like GoodRx can bring the price down to a fraction of the retail cost, with some coupons offering prices as low as $233, though prices fluctuate. The average cost with a GoodRx coupon is still well over $1,000.

How insurance coverage affects the cost of Tirbanibulin

Your final out-of-pocket cost for Tirbanibulin is heavily dependent on your specific insurance plan and its formulary. The manufacturer, Almirall, offers programs to help offset these costs for eligible patients.

Commercial insurance coverage

Most commercial insurance plans have a specific process for covering Klisyri, often involving prior authorization or step therapy. Once approved, commercially insured patients can use the Almirall Advantage savings card to reduce their co-pay. Eligible patients may pay as little as $25 per fill if their insurance covers the product. If their plan does not cover Klisyri, they can still receive a discount through the program, paying around $95 to $150, depending on whether they use an in-network pharmacy.

Medicare and government-funded insurance

Patients with government-funded insurance like Medicare (including Part D) or Medicaid are not eligible for manufacturer co-pay assistance cards. Their costs are determined by the specifics of their individual plan and their progression through the different coverage stages—deductible, initial coverage, "donut hole," and catastrophic coverage. A GoodRx coupon may offer a better price than their Medicare copay, particularly during the "donut hole" phase.

Comparison of Tirbanibulin and alternative treatments

While Tirbanibulin's short 5-day treatment course and tolerable side effects are advantages, its high price is a notable drawback compared to older, more established alternatives for actinic keratosis. Here is a comparison of typical costs and treatment parameters for common topical therapies:

Treatment (Brand Name) Active Ingredient Course Duration Potential Side Effects Approx. Out-of-Pocket Cost Notes
Klisyri Tirbanibulin 5 days Local skin reactions (less severe) High retail (~$1900+), lower with discounts/insurance Shortest treatment duration
Efudex Fluorouracil (5%) 2-4 weeks or longer Local skin reactions (more severe) Very low ($30-$80) Generic options available, long-standing treatment
Aldara Imiquimod (5%) 4-6 weeks Local skin reactions Very low to moderate ($30-$80 for generic) Generic options available, immune response modifier
Solaraze Diclofenac Sodium (3%) 60-90 days Mild local reactions Low to moderate Long treatment duration, anti-inflammatory properties

It is important to note that a 2023 economic evaluation found Tirbanibulin to be a cost-saving option compared to diclofenac, imiquimod, and fluorouracil when factors like a shorter treatment course and fewer severe local skin reactions (leading to better adherence) were considered.

How to lower your out-of-pocket cost for Tirbanibulin

There are several ways to significantly reduce the cost of your Klisyri prescription:

  • Manufacturer Savings Card: The Almirall Advantage program is available to commercially insured patients and can lower their co-pay to as little as $25. Check eligibility on the manufacturer's website.
  • Pharmacy Discount Programs: Free coupons from websites like GoodRx, SingleCare, or WellRx can provide substantial savings, especially for those without insurance or with high-deductible plans.
  • Check Different Pharmacies: Prices can vary widely between pharmacies. Use online comparison tools to find the lowest price in your area.
  • Discuss Alternatives with Your Doctor: If the cost remains prohibitive, talk to your dermatologist about older, more affordable alternatives like fluorouracil or imiquimod. Consider the trade-offs between cost, treatment duration, and side effects.
  • Contact Patient Support: While a centralized patient assistance program may not be listed, contact the manufacturer's patient support line. They may be able to provide additional resources or assistance.

Conclusion

The high initial retail price for Tirbanibulin (Klisyri) can be shocking for patients, particularly those without commercial insurance. However, several resources can dramatically lower the final cost. Commercially insured patients can use manufacturer savings cards to pay as little as $25, while uninsured patients can utilize discount cards from platforms like GoodRx for significant reductions. The best option for you depends on your insurance status, tolerance for potential side effects, and budget. Always discuss all available options and potential costs with your dermatologist and pharmacist to make the most informed decision for treating actinic keratosis.

Economic Evaluation of Tirbanibulin for the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis on the Face and Scalp

Frequently Asked Questions

Without insurance, the retail price for a carton of Klisyri (Tirbanibulin) can be over $1,900. However, discount cards from services like GoodRx can substantially lower this cost, sometimes to a few hundred dollars.

If you have commercial insurance, you can apply for the Almirall Advantage savings card. This program can lower your co-pay to as little as $25 if the drug is covered by your plan. If not covered, you can still get a reduced rate of around $95 to $150.

Medicare patients are ineligible for manufacturer co-pay cards. Your cost is determined by your specific Medicare plan. You can sometimes use pharmacy discount cards, like GoodRx, to pay less than your Medicare co-pay, especially if your plan's coverage is less favorable.

Tirbanibulin is generally more expensive than older, established treatments like fluorouracil (Efudex) and imiquimod (Aldara), which can cost under $100. However, its shorter treatment duration and potentially milder side effects are often cited as advantages.

No, there is currently no generic version of Tirbanibulin available. Klisyri is a relatively new drug, and exclusivity rights typically prevent generic competition for a number of years after approval.

Many insurance plans cover Klisyri, but coverage varies. Many commercial plans require prior authorization or step therapy before covering the medication. It's essential to check with your specific insurance provider for details on coverage.

The Almirall Advantage program is designed to work in conjunction with commercial insurance. It typically covers the patient's out-of-pocket co-pay amount after the insurance has paid its portion. The coupon is only for those with commercial insurance and cannot be used with federal or state programs like Medicare or Medicaid.

Prices at online pharmacies can vary. Some, particularly international ones, may offer lower prices, as seen with CanPharm selling for around $209.99 USD. However, verify that the online pharmacy is reputable and that the product is authentic before purchasing.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.