Imbruvica (ibrutinib) is a brand-name prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat some types of blood cancer, such as certain forms of leukemia and lymphoma. Imbruvica is also used to treat chronic graft-versus-host disease.

For more information about Imbruvica’s uses, refer to this article.

Drug details

Here are some details about Imbruvica:

  • Drug forms: oral tablet, oral capsule, oral liquid suspension
  • Generic version: not available

Read on to learn about Imbruvica and cost, as well as how to save money on prescriptions.

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

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

To find out what Imbruvica’s cost per month 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 Imbruvica. This means the company and your doctor will discuss Imbruvica 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 Imbruvica requires prior authorization.

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

Is there an Imbruvica copay card?

Yes, the manufacturer of Imbruvica has a patient support program called Imbruvica By Your Side, which offers copay card savings for those who qualify.

To learn whether you qualify for the program, you can visit the drug website. You can also ask your insurance plan provider (if you have one) whether you’re eligible for the Imbruvica copay card.

If you don’t have insurance coverage, you may be eligible for other cost savings to help with the cost of Imbruvica.

For some helpful suggestions, read “Financial and insurance assistance” below.

Can my pharmacist tell me the costs of 140-mg and 420-mg Imbruvica tablets?

Yes. Your pharmacist* can tell you the costs of Imbruvica 140-milligram (mg) and 420-mg oral tablets. Your cost may depend on whether or not you have insurance.

Imbruvica is also available as 140-mg oral capsules. The cost of tablets versus capsules for the 140-mg strength can depend on how you’re paying for the drug. Your insurance may cover the drug, or you may pay “out of pocket” (without insurance).

Some people find swallowing tablets easier than capsules. If the dosage form matters to you, make sure to discuss this with your doctor during your visit. Depending on the dosage prescribed for you, you may have an option on which form you take.

* Imbruvica is available at specialty pharmacies. This kind of pharmacy is authorized to carry specialty drugs. These are medications that may be costly or require aid from healthcare professionals to be taken effectively and safely. To find out more, talk with your doctor.

How can I figure out Imbruvica’s cost with Medicare?

The best way to learn about the cost of Imbruvica with Medicare is to reach out to your Medicare plan provider. They can help answer any questions you have about how much you’ll pay for the drug.

The cost of Imbruvica with Medicare depends on your particular plan and coverage benefits. There are many different types of Medicare plans and coverage options. What you pay for Imbruvica depends on factors such as whether you have a set copay (your share of the cost) and your treatment plan.

Keep in mind that some plans may have a prior authorization review process before Imbruvica is covered. (To learn more, see “Imbruvica price” above.)

Also, be sure to read the “Next Steps” section below for more information about Medicare drug coverage.

Does the cost of Imbruvica vary with and without insurance?

Yes, your cost of Imbruvica per month can vary with and without insurance coverage. Typically, the cost of the drug will be higher if you don’t have insurance coverage and have to pay out of pocket.

How much you pay for Imbruvica with insurance can depend on your plan benefits and your treatment regimen.

Your cost for Imbruvica without insurance coverage depends on a few factors. These can include your treatment plan and which pharmacy you use. Another possible factor is whether you qualify for any cost savings programs to help you save money on your prescription. (To learn more, see “Financial and insurance assistance” below.)

If you have insurance, reach out to your plan provider to ask whether Imbruvica is covered and what the cost would be.

If you’re paying out of pocket, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about the cost of Imbruvica. Your doctor can also tell you about any cost savings programs available.

Imbruvica 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 Imbruvica 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 Imbruvica. 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 mail order

Imbruvica is available at specialty pharmacies, which may offer a mail-order service. A specialty pharmacy is authorized to carry specialty drugs. These are medications that may be costly or require aid from healthcare professionals to be taken effectively and safely.

Mail order 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 specialty pharmacy options that could work for you.

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

  • A program called By Your Side is available for Imbruvica. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 888-968-7743 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 Imbruvica, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, who can provide personalized guidance about cost issues related to Imbruvica. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you would pay for Imbruvica.

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.