Tremfya (guselkumab) is a brand-name prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat the following conditions in adults:

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

Drug details

Here are some details about Tremfya, which is a biologic:

  • How it’s given: subcutaneous injection in single-dose prefilled syringes or One-Press injector
  • Biosimilar version: not available

Read on to learn about Tremfya injections and prices, as well as how to save money on prescriptions.

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

  • your treatment plan
  • your insurance coverage
  • the pharmacy you use
  • whether you need to visit your healthcare professional to receive doses of Tremfya
  • whether there is a Tremfya manufacturer coupon for cost savings (see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below)

To find out what the cost of Tremfya 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 Tremfya. This means the company and your doctor will discuss Tremfya regarding your treatment. The insurance company will then determine whether the medication is covered. If a drug requires prior authorization and you start treatment without the prior approval, you could pay the full cost of the medication. You can ask your insurance company whether Tremfya requires prior authorization.

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

What’s Tremfya’s cost per dose, per month, and per year?

Tremfya’s cost per dose, per month, and Tremfya’s annual cost depends on several factors. For example, the cost of Tremfya may be different if you’re paying out of pocket or with insurance.

Your cost may also vary based on:

  • your insurance coverage
  • whether you qualify for cost savings programs
  • whether you give yourself a Tremfya dose or need to visit a healthcare professional to receive your dose
  • the pharmacy you choose, if you’re paying out of pocket

Your doctor or insurance provider (if you have one) can answer specific questions related to the cost of Tremfya per dose, per month, and per year.

How can I determine Tremfya’s cost with and without insurance?

Generally, the cost of Tremfya with insurance coverage will likely be less than the cost without insurance. If you have an insurance provider, you can reach out to them to ask about the cost of Tremfya based on your coverage.

Some factors that may affect Tremfya’s cost with and without insurance coverage include:

  • whether you qualify for any cost savings programs
  • the pharmacy you use (if you don’t have insurance coverage)
  • whether you have a set copay with insurance
  • whether your dose is given at a clinic or doctor’s office

For more information about your cost for Tremfya, talk with your doctor or insurance provider (if you have one).

How can I find out Tremfya’s cost per dose?

Tremfya’s cost per dose depends on whether you have insurance or are paying out of pocket. The manufacturer of Tremfya has cost savings programs that may lower the cost per dose of Tremfya if you have insurance coverage and qualify.

You may pay more per dose if you need to visit your healthcare professional or doctor’s office for your injection versus giving the shot yourself at home.

Typically, your cost per dose will be higher if you don’t have insurance than if you have coverage.

If you have insurance, you can contact your insurance provider and ask about your cost per dose. However, if you’re paying out of pocket, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about the cost per dose. Cost may also vary based on the pharmacy you use when paying out of pocket. So be sure to check around with a few pharmacies for the best price.

For more information on cost savings programs, see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below for options.

Is there a Tremfya copay assistance program?

Yes, there is a Tremfya copay assistance program available if you meet certain eligibility requirements. For example, the Tremfya withMe Savings Program can be used for copay assistance if you have private insurance coverage. The program helps pay for out-of-pocket costs for those who qualify.

Those without insurance may also be eligible for other types of Tremfya copay assistance programs. You can visit the Johnson & Johnson’s Patient Assistance Program to learn more about available cost savings programs.

Also, consider visiting the manufacturer of Tremfya’s website at Janssen CarePath for other cost support options.

Tremfya contains the active ingredient guselkumab, 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 Tremfya 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 Tremfya. 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.

Keep in mind that if you have insurance coverage, your particular provider will determine your eligibility for a long-term supply based on meeting specific requirements. Your plan may also have a prior authorization requirement. Contact your insurance provider for details on whether a 90-day supply of Tremfya is possible for you.

Using a mail-order pharmacy

Tremfya 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 Tremfya, 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.

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

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.