Esbriet (pirfenidone) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in adults. The cost of Esbriet with and without insurance can depend on several factors, such as whether the drug has a savings program.

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

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

To find out what the cost of Esbriet will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. Or look below in the next section to learn how much you can save by using an Optum Perks coupon.

The active ingredient of Esbriet is pirfenidone, and it’s available as a generic drug. A generic drug is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

If your doctor has prescribed Esbriet and you’re interested in using pirfenidone instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check with your insurance provider, as it may only cover one or the other.

To find out how the cost of this generic drug compares with the cost of Esbriet, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

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 Esbriet 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 Esbriet. 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

Esbriet 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 Esbriet, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. For example:

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

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

How much does Esbriet cost with insurance?

If you have insurance, your cost for Esbriet depends on factors such as:

  • your particular plan benefits, including your drug copay amount
  • your dosage of the drug
  • whether you apply and qualify for a savings program (See the “Financial and insurance assistance” section, just above).

To find out how much Esbriet will cost you with insurance, contact your insurance provider or doctor.

How does Esbriet’s cost compare with that of medications such as Ofev?

The price you’d pay for Esbriet versus that of Ofev depends on various factors, including:

  • the length of your treatment
  • whether there are payment assistance programs for your prescribed treatment
  • whether you’re paying out of pocket or have insurance

To learn more about the cost of Esbriet compared with other treatments for your condition, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Below is information you may want to consider if you have insurance and receive Esbriet.

If you have insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers Esbriet. This means the company and your doctor will discuss Esbriet 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 Esbriet requires prior authorization.

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

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.