Haegarda (C1 esterase inhibitor subcutaneous [human]) is a brand-name biologic drug that’s prescribed for hereditary angioedema. The cost of the drug with and without insurance can depend on several factors, such as whether Haegarda has a savings program.

Haegarda is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks in adults and children ages 6 years and older.

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

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

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

Haegarda contains the active ingredient C1 esterase inhibitor subcutaneous (human), and it’s available only as a brand-name biologic drug. It doesn’t come in a biosimilar version. A biosimilar medication is a drug that’s similar to a brand-name biologic drug (the parent drug). Also, biosimilars tend to cost less than brand-name medications.

WHY ARE COSTS DIFFERENT FOR BIOLOGIC DRUGS VS. BIOSIMILAR DRUGS?

Biologic drugs can be expensive because of the research needed to test their safety and effectiveness. The manufacturer of a biologic drug can sell it for up to 12 years. When the biologic drug’s patent expires, multiple manufacturers can create biosimilar versions. This marketplace competition may lead to lower costs for biosimilars. Also, because biosimilars are very similar to biologic drugs, they don’t require the same costly testing.

If you take Haegarda 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 Haegarda. 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

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

  • A program called Haegarda Connect is available for Haegarda. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 844-423-4273 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.

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

How much does Haegarda cost with insurance?

If you have insurance, your cost for Haegarda 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 cost savings program

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

How does Haegarda’s cost compare with that of other medications for HAE?

There are other medications that can also be used to prevent HAE attacks, such as Cinryze, Takhzyro, and Orladeyo. Other medications can be used to treat HAE, including Berinert, Ruconest, and Firazyr.

The price you would pay for Haegarda versus other HAE medications depends on various factors.

For instance, the form of the drug may affect its price. The products listed are given as subcutaneous injections, IV infusions or injections, and oral capsules. In most cases, injectable medications cost more than oral medications.

There are additional factors that can affect your prescription cost, including:

  • whether the drug is prescribed for prevention or treatment of HAE attacks
  • 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 Haegarda 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 Haegarda.

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

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.