Velsipity (etrasimod) is a brand-name oral tablet prescribed for ulcerative colitis in adults. The cost of the drug, with and without insurance, can depend on several factors, such as whether Velsipity has a savings program.
As with all medications, the cost of Velsipity can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include:
- your treatment plan
- your insurance coverage
- the pharmacy you use
- whether Velsipity has a savings program (see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section)
To find out what the cost of Velsipity will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
Velsipity 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.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug cost and Velsipity.
How does Velsipity’s cost compare with that of medications such as Zeposia?
The price you’d pay for Velsipity versus Zeposia (ozanimod) depends on various factors, 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
Velsipity and Zeposia are both oral medications prescribed to treat ulcerative colitis. Velsipity comes as an oral tablet and Zeposia comes as an oral capsule.
To learn more about the cost of Velsipity compared with other treatments for your condition, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider (if you have one).
How much does Velsipity cost with insurance vs. without it?
What you pay for Velsipity if you have insurance compared with what you’d pay without it depends on several factors.
Factors that could affect what you pay for this drug without insurance include:
- the quantity you’re prescribed (such as a 90-day or 30-day supply)
- whether you apply and qualify for any available savings programs
- your dosage and treatment plan
- the pharmacy you use
These same factors may affect your price for Velsipity if you have insurance. It’ll also depend on:
- your specific plan benefits
- any prior authorization requirements you have for drug coverage (see the “Insurance considerations” section)
To learn more about what you’d pay for Velsipity with or without insurance, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider (if you have one).
If you take Velsipity 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 Velsipity. 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
Velsipity 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 Velsipity, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. For example:
- The manufacturer of Velsipity, Pfizer, offers the Velsipity Copay Savings Program. For more information and to find out whether you’re eligible for support, call 800-350-3080 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.
Below is information you may want to consider if you have insurance and receive Velsipity.
If you have insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers Velsipity. This means the company and your doctor will discuss Velsipity 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 Velsipity requires prior authorization.
If you’d like to learn more about Velsipity’s approved use, explore our inflammatory bowel disease hub.
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.