Key takeaways

  • The price you pay for Revlimid depends on multiple factors, including your insurance plan coverage, dosage strength, pharmacy selection, and whether you qualify for cost-savings programs.
  • A generic version called lenalidomide oral capsule is available and typically costs less than brand-name Revlimid, though your insurance may only cover one version.
  • Financial assistance is available through Bristol Myers Squibb Access Support, which offers different savings options depending on whether you have insurance or pay out of pocket, though not everyone qualifies for this program.

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

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

  • your treatment plan
  • your insurance coverage
  • the pharmacy you use
  • whether Revlimid has a savings program

Note: Only pharmacies certified with the lenalidomide REMS program (a special safety program) can dispense this medication.

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

The active ingredient in Revlimid is lenalidomide. It’s available as the generic drug lenalidomide oral capsule. A generic drug works the same way as the brand-name drug it is designed to mimic and is considered to be as safe and effective as the brand-name drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

If your doctor has prescribed Revlimid and you’re interested in using lenalidomide oral capsule 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 Revlimid, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, 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 Revlimid, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. For example:

  • A program called Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF) is available for Revlimid. For more information and to find out whether you’re eligible for support, call 800-736-0003 or visit the BMSPAF 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:

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Learn more about saving money on prescriptions with or without insurance.

You may want to consider the following information if you have insurance and are prescribed Revlimid.

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

Revlimid’s cost with Medicare depends on your plan benefits. There are several Medicare prescription plans available. Revlimid’s cost per month and annual cost will depend on which plan you have.

For example, your cost for Revlimid may depend on whether you have a set copay. It also depends on whether you have an unmet deductible with your plan. Also, the cost may depend on your treatment plan and whether your plan requires a prior authorization for the medication.

To learn more about the cost of Revlimid based on your Medicare plan, contact your plan provider for details.

The prices of the 10-milligram (mg) and 25-mg Revlimid capsules depend on whether you have insurance or are paying out of pocket. Generally, you’ll pay more if you don’t have insurance coverage.

The prices may also depend on your treatment plan and the pharmacy you use, especially if you don’t have insurance. It may also depend on whether you qualify for any financial assistance or cost-savings programs.

Yes, copay assistance is available for Revlimid, but not everyone is eligible. The manufacturer of Revlimid, Bristol Myers Squibb, has a financial support program called Bristol Myers Squibb Access Support. If you’re eligible, this program can help you save money on your prescription medication.

Depending on whether you have insurance or are paying out of pocket for Revlimid, you may be eligible for different savings options.

To learn about Bristol Myers Squibb Access Support, you can visit the program website or call 800-861-0048. They can answer questions about what copay assistance is available for Revlimid.

Yes, your pharmacist can help determine Revlimid’s cost with insurance based on your plan benefits. They can also talk with you about any other cost savings programs that can lower your Revlimid pricing.

If you need help determining Revlimid’s cost with insurance, you can also talk with your insurance provider.

The cost of Revlimid, a brand-name medication used to treat certain types of cancer, can be very high and depends on several different factors — including your insurance plan, the pharmacy you use, and whether you are eligible for financial assistance programs. Because of Revlimid’s cost, many people consider the generic version of this medication, called lenalidomide, which can be significantly less expensive and works the same way. There are also special programs and coupons available from Revlimid’s manufacturer (Bristol Myers Squibb) and other organizations that can help lower the out-of-pocket costs for patients who qualify. If you are prescribed this medicine, talk with your doctor or insurance provider to see if you need special permission, called prior authorization, before your insurance company will help pay for it.

Disclaimer: While Medical News Today strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.