Xgeva (denosumab) is a brand-name solution for subcutaneous injection that’s prescribed for certain bone conditions. The cost of the drug, with and without insurance, can depend on several factors.
As with all medications, the cost of Xgeva injection can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include:
- your treatment plan
- your insurance coverage
- the pharmacy you use
- your cost to contact a healthcare professional to receive your Xgeva dose
- whether Xgeva has a savings program (see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section)
In addition, you may need to purchase needles and syringes to receive your dose of Xgeva.
To find out what the cost of Xgeva will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
Xgeva contains the active ingredient denosumab, 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 need financial support to pay for Xgeva, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. For example:
- A program called Amgen SupportPlus Co-Pay Program is available for Xgeva. For more information and to find out whether you’re eligible for support, call 866-264-2778 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 Xgeva.
Does my dosage of Xgeva affect the cost of the drug?
Yes, it’s possible that your dosage of Xgeva may affect the cost of the drug. Your dose of Xgeva will likely be 120 milligrams (mg). However, you may receive Xgeva more or less often, depending on the condition you’re receiving the drug to treat. So, some people may only need one Xgeva dose every 4 weeks. However, others may get one dose every 4 weeks and an additional two doses during the first month of treatment.
The Xgeva cost per month is likely more if you’re receiving more than one dose of medication per month. If you’d like to learn more about the Xgeva 120-mg price, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How does Xgeva’s cost compare with that of Prolia?
The price you’d pay for Xgeva versus that of Prolia depends on various factors.
Both Xgeva and Prolia are solutions that are given as subcutaneous injections by your healthcare professional. But other factors may affect the price of the drug. For instance, the dosage and frequency of your injections may affect its price. Xgeva is usually given every 4 weeks. In comparison, Prolia is only given once every 6 months.
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
It’s important to note that Xgeva and Prolia contain the same active drug, denosumab. However, they are used to manage different conditions and their doses vary. Your doctor can help determine which medication is the best treatment option for you.
To learn more about the cost of Xgeva versus Prolia, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
Below is information you may want to consider if you have insurance and receive Xgeva.
Prior authorization: If you have insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers Xgeva. This means the company and your doctor will discuss Xgeva 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 Xgeva requires prior authorization.
Type of insurance coverage: Xgeva is given by your doctor or another healthcare professional. If you have insurance, the price of your Xgeva 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 Xgeva 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.