The cost of Xeljanz can vary based on several factors, including the form you take and your insurance coverage. Coupons and drug savings programs can also lower the price you’ll pay for Xeljanz.

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

  • your treatment plan
  • your insurance coverage
  • the pharmacy you use
  • whether Xeljanz has a savings program (see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section)

To find out what the cost of Xeljanz will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

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

Can my pharmacist help me determine the cost of Xeljanz per month or per year?

Yes, your pharmacist can help determine the monthly cost you may pay for Xeljanz or your annual cost.

Talk with your pharmacist to learn more about the price you may pay for your Xeljanz prescription. You can also talk with your insurance provider for more information.

How do the costs of Xeljanz with and without insurance compare?

In general, the cost of prescription medications such as Xeljanz is typically higher without insurance coverage than with insurance.

However, what you pay for Xeljanz if you have insurance compared to 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
  • the form of the drug you’re prescribed (such as the tablets or oral solution)

These same factors may affect your price for Xeljanz if you have insurance. But the price you pay with insurance will also depend on:

  • your specific plan benefits
  • any prior authorization requirements you have for drug coverage

If you’d like to know whether you’ll have a copay with Xeljanz, call your insurance provider. You can also visit this site from Xeljanz’s manufacturer to see what costs you may pay if you’re prescribed the medication.

Is the cost of Xeljanz less than that of Xeljanz XR?

It depends. The cost of Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR may be affected by factors such as the pharmacy you use and your insurance coverage.

It’s also important to note that Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR come in different strengths. For example, Xeljanz XR is available in an 11-milligram (mg) strength, but Xeljanz does not come in this strength. On the other hand, Xeljanz is available in a 10-mg strength, while Xeljanz XR is not. While these strengths seem very similar, your cost could differ depending on whether you’re prescribed Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR.

To learn more about the cost of Xeljanz, talk with your insurance provider or pharmacist. You can also visit this site from Xeljanz’s manufacturer to see what costs you may pay if you’re prescribed the medication.

Xeljanz 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 drug 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 Xeljanz 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 Xeljanz. 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

Xeljanz 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 Xeljanz, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. For example:

  • There is a Xeljanz savings card available for people with private (commercial, such as through your employer) insurance. You can learn more by calling 844-935-5269 or visiting the Xeljanz website. Keep in mind that if you have government-sponsored insurance, such as Medicare or Medicaid, you won’t be eligible for this manufacturer coupon card.
  • A program called the Pfizer Patient Assistance Program is available for Xeljanz. This program provides assistance to qualifying people who have difficulty affording their prescription. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, 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:

You may want to consider the following information if you have insurance and take Xeljanz.

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

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.