Vumerity (diroximel fumarate) is a brand-name oral delayed-release capsule prescribed for multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. The cost of the drug with and without insurance can depend on several factors, such as whether Vumerity has a savings program.
Specifically, Vumerity is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with relapsing forms of MS, including:
- clinically isolated syndrome, which is usually the first episode of MS-like symptoms that lasts for more than one day
- relapsing-remitting MS, which is the most common form of MS
- active secondary progressive MS , which is a more advanced form of MS
As with all medications, the cost of Vumerity can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include:
- your treatment plan
- your insurance coverage
- the pharmacy you use
- whether Vumerity has a savings program (see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below)
To find out what the cost of Vumerity will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
Vumerity 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 Vumerity 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 Vumerity. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
Using a mail-order pharmacy
Vumerity is typically available through a specialty mail-order pharmacy, which may 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 Vumerity or help to understand your insurance coverage, help is available. For example:
- A program called Biogen Support Services is available for Vumerity. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 800-456-2255 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 Vumerity.
How does Vumerity’s cost compare with that of medications such as Tecfidera?
The price you would pay for Vumerity versus that of dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) 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
To learn more about the cost of Vumerity compared with other treatments for your condition, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
How much does Vumerity cost with insurance?
If you have insurance, your cost for Vumerity 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 cost savings program
To find out how much Vumerity will cost you with insurance, contact your insurance provider or doctor.
Below is information you may want to consider if you have insurance and receive Vumerity.
Your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers Vumerity. This means the company and your doctor will discuss Vumerity 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 Vumerity requires prior authorization.
Now that you’ve learned about cost and Vumerity, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, who can provide personalized guidance about cost issues related to Vumerity. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you would pay for Vumerity.
Here are some other resources you may find helpful:
- Medicare drug coverage: To learn about Medicare coverage for drugs, see these articles about Medicare prescription drug plans, drug coupons and Medicare, and the Medicare drug list.
- More details: For details about other aspects of Vumerity, refer to this article.
- Dosage: Learn about Vumerity and dosage by viewing this article.
- Side effects: For details about Vumerity’s side effects, see this article. You can also look at the Vumerity prescribing information.
- Information about multiple sclerosis (MS): For more information about your condition, see our MS hub and list of MS articles.
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.