Dovato (dolutegravir/lamivudine) is a brand-name oral tablet that’s prescribed for HIV in certain adults. The cost of the drug with and without insurance can depend on several factors, such as whether Dovato has a savings program.

Dovato is a combination of two drugs. Dolutegravir belongs to a drug class called integrase inhibitors. Lamivudine belongs to a drug class called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Dovato isn’t available in a generic version.

Read on to learn about Dovato and cost, as well as how to save money on prescriptions. If you’d like other information about Dovato, refer to this article.

As with all medications, the cost of Dovato can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include:

  • your insurance coverage
  • the pharmacy you use
  • whether Dovato has a savings program (see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below)

To find out what the cost of Dovato will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Note: If you have insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers Dovato. This means the company and your doctor will discuss Dovato in regard to your treatment. The insurance company will then determine whether the medication is covered. If a drug requires prior authorization but you start treatment without the prior approval, you could pay the full cost of the medication. You can ask your insurance company whether Dovato requires prior authorization.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug cost and Dovato.

How does the cost of Dovato compare with the cost of other similar drugs, such as Biktarvy or Juluca?

The cost of Dovato compared with Biktarvy and Juluca depends on multiple factors. These include the pharmacy you use, your insurance coverage, and savings programs. (Biktarvy and Juluca are other medications used to treat HIV.)

You can get some cost information from your pharmacist. Ask them about Dovato, Biktarvy, or Juluca prices. They may also be able to tell you the most cost-effective option. But if you have insurance, you’ll need to contact your insurance provider. They can tell you how your specific insurance plan covers the cost of these drugs.

Savings programs can also affect the cost of these drugs. To learn about these programs for Dovato, see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below.

Is there a coupon available for Dovato?

A Dovato coupon isn’t available, but you may be eligible for the ViiVConnect Savings Card. This program from the manufacturer of Dovato may reduce the out-of-pocket cost for your prescription. (This is the portion of the prescription cost that your insurance doesn’t reimburse.)

To learn more about the ViiVConnect Savings Card, visit the program website. You can also refer to the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below.

Dovato is available only as a brand-name drug. It doesn’t come in a generic version. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.

Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

WHY ARE COSTS DIFFERENT FOR BRAND-NAME DRUGS VS. GENERIC DRUGS?

Brand-name drugs can be expensive because of the research needed to test their safety and effectiveness. The manufacturer of a brand-name drug can sell it for up to 20 years. When the brand-name drug’s patent expires, multiple manufacturers can create generic versions. This marketplace competition may lead to lower costs for generics. Also, because generics contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they don’t require the same costly testing.

If you take Dovato long term, you may be able to lower its cost in the following ways.

Getting a 3-month supply

You may be able to get a 90-day supply of Dovato. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Using a mail-order pharmacy

Dovato may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this type of service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to receive your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug via mail order.

If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need financial support to pay for Dovato, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. For example:

  • A program called ViiVConnect is available for Dovato. The program has several savings options, including a savings card and financial assistance. For more information and to find out the type of support you’re eligible for, call 844-588-3288 or visit the program website.
  • Some websites provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services. Two such websites are:

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions with or without insurance, check out this article.

Now that you’ve learned about cost and Dovato, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, who can provide personalized guidance about cost issues related to Dovato. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you would pay for Dovato.

Here are some other resources you may find helpful:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.