Lupkynis (voclosporin) is a brand-name oral capsule prescribed for lupus nephritis in adults. The cost of the drug, with and without insurance, can depend on several factors, such as whether Lupkynis has a savings program.

Lupkynis is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat active lupus nephritis in adults. It’s approved for this use with other drugs that weaken the immune system called immunosuppressants.

Keep reading to learn about Lupkynis and cost, as well as how to save money on your prescription. If you’d like other information about this drug, including its uses, you can refer to this article.

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

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

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

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

Lupkynis 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.

A program called Aurinia Alliance is available for Lupkynis. For eligible participants, it offers a specialty pharmacy that will deliver the drug to your home. For more details, see “Financial and insurance assistance” just below.

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

  • A program called Aurinia Alliance is available for Lupkynis. It offers educational information about lupus nephritis and financial support for Lupkynis. For more information and to find out whether you’re eligible for support, call 833-287-4642 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 Lupkynis.

How much does Lupkynis cost with insurance?

If you have insurance, your cost for Lupkynis 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

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

Is Lupkynis covered by Medicare?

Possibly. There are many types of Medicare plans, so your coverage and what you pay for prescriptions will be based on your particular plan’s benefits. You can call your Medicare plan provider to learn whether your particular plan covers the cost of this drug.

You may also need to obtain prior authorization before your plan will cover the cost of this medication.

Your doctor may have information about your cost for Lupkynis if you have Medicare.

Below is information you may want to consider if you have insurance and your doctor prescribes Lupkynis.

If you have insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers Lupkynis. This means the company and your doctor will discuss Lupkynis in regard to your treatment. The insurance company will then determine whether to cover the medication.

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 Lupkynis requires prior authorization.

If you have questions about this process, contact your doctor or your insurance provider.

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

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.