Revlimid (lenalidomide) is a brand-name prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat specific types of blood cancer in adults.

Revlimid is used to treat certain types* of:

Revlimid contains the active ingredient lenalidomide. The drug is a thalidomide analogue.

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

* For certain conditions, you’ll take Revlimid in combination with another medication.

Drug details

Here are some details about Revlimid:

  • Drug form: oral capsule
  • Generic version: lenalidomide oral capsule

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

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

  • your treatment plan
  • your insurance coverage
  • the pharmacy you use
  • whether you’re eligible for a savings program for Revlimid (see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below)

To find out what the cost of Revlimid 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 Revlimid. This means the company and your doctor will discuss Revlimid 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 Revlimid requires prior authorization.

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

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

Revlimid’s cost with Medicare depends on your plan benefits. There are several Medicare prescription plans available. So, Revlimid’s cost per month and annual cost depend on which plan you have.

For example, your cost for Revlimid may depend on whether you have a set copay. It also depends on whether you have an unmet deductible with your plan.

Additionally, the cost may depend on your treatment plan and whether your plan has a prior authorization requirement for Revlimid. (For details about prior authorization, see the “Revlimid price” section above.)

To learn more about the cost of Revlimid based on your Medicare plan, reach out to your plan provider for details. You can also refer to the “Next Steps” section below for more Medicare resources.

What are the prices of 10-mg and 25-mg Revlimid capsules?

The prices of the 10-milligram (mg) and 25-mg Revlimid capsules depend on whether you have insurance or are paying out of pocket. Generally, you’ll pay more if you don’t have insurance coverage.

The prices may also depend on your treatment plan and the pharmacy you use, especially if you don’t have insurance. It may also depend on whether you qualify for any cost savings programs. (To learn more, see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below.)

You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information about the prices of 10-mg and 25-mg Revlimid capsules.

Is copay assistance available for Revlimid?

Yes, copay assistance is available for Revlimid, but not everyone is eligible. The manufacturer of Revlimid, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), has a financial support program called BMS Access Support. If you’re eligible, this program can help you save money on your prescription medication.

Depending on whether you have insurance or are paying out of pocket for Revlimid, you may be eligible for different savings options.

To learn about BMS Access Support, you can visit the program website or call 800-861-0048. They can answer questions about what copay assistance is available for Revlimid.

Can my pharmacist help determine Revlimid’s cost with insurance?

Yes, your pharmacist can help determine Revlimid’s cost with insurance based on your plan benefits. They can also talk with you about any other cost savings programs that can lower your cost for Revlimid.

Keep in mind that Revlimid is only available through pharmacies enrolled in the Revlimid Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. This safety program was developed to help prevent the risk of serious harm to developing fetuses and pregnant people. (To learn more, see “Do I have to register for the Revlimid REMS program?” in this article.)

If you need help determining Revlimid’s cost with insurance, you can also talk with your insurance provider.

The active ingredient in Revlimid is lenalidomide. It’s available as the generic drug lenalidomide oral capsule. 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 Revlimid and you’re interested in using lenalidomide oral capsule 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 Revlimid, 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 need financial support to pay for Revlimid, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. For example:

  • A program called BMS Access Support is available for Revlimid. For more information and to find out whether you’re eligible for support, call 800-861-0048 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 Revlimid, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, who can provide personalized guidance about cost issues related to Revlimid. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you would pay for the drug.

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.