What is Verkazia and Why Is It Prescribed?
Verkazia (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.1% is a prescription eye drop approved by the FDA for the treatment of a severe and chronic allergic eye condition called vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) [1.5.3, 1.5.1]. This condition primarily affects children and young adults, causing significant eye inflammation, itching, light sensitivity, and discharge [1.5.2, 1.9.2]. Unlike other cyclosporine eye drops like Restasis or Cequa, which are approved for dry eye disease, Verkazia is specifically indicated for VKC [1.5.1, 1.8.1]. It is not a steroid; it belongs to a class of drugs called calcineurin inhibitors, which work by suppressing the immune response and reducing the inflammation that causes VKC symptoms [1.5.1, 1.6.2]. Treatment typically involves instilling one drop into the affected eye(s) four times daily [1.5.5].
The Retail Cost of Verkazia Without Insurance
For patients paying without insurance, the cash price of Verkazia can be substantial. The average retail price for the most common version of Verkazia is approximately $2,173, though prices can fluctuate [1.2.1]. With coupons from services like GoodRx, the price can be lowered to around $1,802 for a supply of 120 single-dose vials [1.2.1, 1.2.5]. Prices also vary between pharmacies. For example, a 120-vial supply might cost around $1,827 at CVS, $1,897 at Walmart, and $2,026 at Costco [1.2.1]. Some sources report prices as high as $1,995 for a one-month supply [1.3.5]. This high cost is because Verkazia is a brand-name medication with no generic equivalent currently available [1.6.2, 1.8.1].
Factors Influencing Verkazia's Price
The price a patient pays for Verkazia is influenced by several key factors:
- Pharmacy: As shown, different pharmacies have different retail prices for the same medication [1.2.1, 1.3.4].
- Insurance Coverage: A patient's final cost heavily depends on their prescription drug plan. Each insurance company has its own formulary, which determines how much of the drug's cost is covered [1.3.5]. With good insurance, some patients pay as little as $90 [1.2.4].
- Deductibles and Copayments: Even with insurance, patients may need to meet a deductible before coverage kicks in, after which they will pay a copayment or coinsurance amount.
- Savings Programs: Manufacturer coupons and patient assistance programs can dramatically reduce the out-of-pocket expense for eligible patients [1.4.1, 1.4.2].
How to Reduce the Cost of Verkazia
Given the high retail price, finding ways to reduce the cost is crucial for many patients. Fortunately, several options are available.
Manufacturer Savings Programs
The manufacturer, Harrow, offers savings programs to help make Verkazia more affordable. The Harrow Savings Program allows commercially insured patients to pay as little as $0 for their prescription [1.4.2, 1.4.1]. For patients without insurance coverage or those paying with cash, this program can reduce the cost to as little as $79 per prescription [1.4.1, 1.4.5]. It's important to note that these programs are not valid for patients covered by government-funded programs like Medicare or Medicaid [1.4.2].
Prescription Discount Cards
Services like GoodRx and SingleCare offer free coupons that can provide significant savings off the retail price of Verkazia [1.2.1, 1.3.5]. For instance, a coupon could reduce the cost from over $2,100 to around $1,808 [1.3.1]. These cards are widely accepted at major chain pharmacies and are a viable option for those without insurance or with high-deductible plans [1.4.6].
Comparison of Cyclosporine Eye Drops
Verkazia is one of several cyclosporine-based eye drops on the market. While they share the same active ingredient, they have different formulations, approved uses, and costs.
| Feature | Verkazia | Restasis | Cequa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Cyclosporine 0.1% [1.5.3] | Cyclosporine 0.05% | Cyclosporine 0.09% [1.8.5] |
| Approved Use | Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) [1.5.1] | Chronic Dry Eye [1.8.1] | Chronic Dry Eye [1.8.1] |
| Dosage | 4 times daily [1.5.5] | 2 times daily [1.8.1] | 2 times daily [1.8.1] |
| Formulation | Cationic oil-in-water emulsion | Emulsion | Nanomicellar aqueous solution [1.8.5] |
| Generic Available? | No [1.6.2] | Yes [1.8.1] | No |
| Approx. Retail Cost | ~$1,800 - $2,200 [1.2.1, 1.3.5] | ~$400 (Brand) [1.3.5] | ~$784 [1.3.5] |
Conclusion
The answer to "How much does Verkazia cost?" is complex, with a high retail price that can be significantly reduced through various means. The list price often exceeds $1,800, but insurance coverage is the single most important factor in determining a patient's out-of-pocket expense. For those with commercial insurance, manufacturer savings programs can lower the cost to as little as $0 [1.4.2]. For the uninsured, prescription discount cards offer a way to get a lower price than retail. Patients should discuss their options with their doctor and pharmacist to find the most affordable way to access this necessary treatment for VKC. For more details, you can visit the official Verkazia website.
