Velcade (bortezomib) is a brand-name powder for injection that’s prescribed for multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma in adults. The cost of the drug, with and without insurance, can depend on several factors, such as whether Velcade has a savings program.

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

  • your treatment plan
  • your insurance coverage
  • the cost of the visit to your healthcare professional to receive doses of Velcade
  • whether Velcade has a savings program (see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below)

To find out what the cost of Velcade will be for you, talk with your doctor or insurance provider. Or look below in the next section to learn how much you can save by using an Optum Perks coupon.

The active ingredient of Velcade is bortezomib, and it’s available as a generic drug. 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 Velcade and you’re interested in receiving bortezomib 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 Velcade, talk with your doctor 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 Velcade, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. 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 Velcade.

How much does Velcade cost with insurance?

If you have insurance, your cost for Velcade 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 Velcade will cost you with insurance, contact your insurance provider or doctor.

How does Velcade’s cost compare with that of medications such as daratumumab or Revlimid (lenalidomide)?

The price you’d pay for Velcade versus that of daratumumab or Revlimid (lenalidomide) depends on various factors.

For instance, the form of the drug may affect its price. Velcade and daratumumab are available as intravenous or subcutaneous injections and lenalidomide is available as an oral capsule.

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

  • the length of your treatment
  • 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 Velcade 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 Velcade.

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

Type of insurance coverage: Velcade is given by your doctor or another healthcare professional. If you have insurance, the price of your Velcade doses may be billed through your medical coverage instead of the prescription drug portion of your insurance plan. This depends on your specific insurance plan and where you receive your Velcade doses, such as at your doctor’s office, an infusion clinic, or a hospital.

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

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.