Neffy is the first FDA-approved needle-free epinephrine nasal spray for treating severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. This innovative drug delivery method offers a convenient, user-friendly alternative to traditional epinephrine auto-injectors like EpiPen. But how much does this breakthrough medication cost compared to injectables?

How Much Does Neffy Nasal Spray Cost?

Neffy nasal spray has an average wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) of $285 (≈2.4 days working for this purchase at $15/hour) for a carton containing 2 single-use nasal spray devices. This manufacturer list price is similar to other epinephrine auto-injectors like EpiPen, which has a WAC around $300 (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage) for a 2-pack.

However, the out-of-pocket cost for patients with insurance can vary depending on the plan:

• With preferred brand coverage, copays may be as low as $0-25 per pack.
• For non-preferred brand status, copays range from $50 (≈3.3 hours of labor required at $15/hour)-75 per pack
• High deductible plans may require paying the full drug cost until meeting an annual deductible.

Neffy's manufacturer, ARS Pharmaceuticals, offers a copay assistance program that can lower copays to $0 for eligible patients. Uninsured patients can also apply for patient assistance to receive Neffy at no cost based on financial need.

Major national retail pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens and RiteAid will stock Neffy once available. Independent pharmacies can also order Neffy through drug wholesalers. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about how to get the lowest possible price.

According to Forbes and other sources, Neffy nasal spray is priced at approximately $199 (≈1.7 days working to pay for this at $15/hour) for two single-use devices in the US for patients without insurance. For those with commercial insurance, the out-of-pocket cost is significantly reduced to about $25 (≈1.7 hours of labor required at $15/hour) for two doses through copay assistance programs offered by ARS Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer [Forbes] [Northeastern News] [EMPR].

Some pharmacies list the price for a box of two sprays around $70 (≈4.7 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour) to $768 (≈1.3 weeks of continuous work at $15/hour), but these prices often require prescription authorization and may not reflect final patient costs after insurance or discount programs. The wholesale acquisition cost is reported near $710 (≈1.2 weeks locked to your job at $15/hour) for two devices, serving as a benchmark for pricing negotiations [Drugs.com] [Medical Letter].

Manufacturer ARS Pharmaceuticals offers a patient assistance program called neffyConnect to help eligible patients obtain the nasal spray at reduced or no cost. The product is designed for emergency use in adults and children weighing at least 66 pounds, providing a needle-free alternative to traditional epinephrine auto-injectors like EpiPen [Neffy Official] [Reuters].

What is Neffy Nasal Spray?

Neffy nasal spray contains epinephrine, the same active drug in EpiPen, but delivers it through a needle-free, metered spray device. It was approved by the FDA in 2022 and is indicated for emergency treatment of allergic reactions in adults and children weighing at least 66 pounds.

Neffy provides a fast, effective way to administer epinephrine without an injection. The intranasal spray is rapidly absorbed via the nasal mucosa, offering comparable bioavailability to intramuscular injection. It starts working in under 5 minutes to quickly reverse dangerous symptoms of anaphylaxis.

The spray was developed by biotech company ARS Pharmaceuticals to overcome the challenges of auto-injectors like EpiPen. Those include injection fear/hesitation, administration errors, and lack of portability. Neffy aims to make epinephrine more accessible for people of all ages suffering severe allergic reactions.

How Does Neffy Work?

When used during an allergic emergency, Neffy delivers a metered dose of epinephrine into the nasal cavity. The epinephrine is rapidly absorbed through the nasal mucosa into the bloodstream.

Clinical studies found Neffy achieves similar epinephrine plasma levels as intramuscular injection, with maximum concentrations reached in under 5 minutes. This rapid onset of action makes it ideal for treating anaphylactic reactions.

Neffy's nasal spray application also avoids the painful injection required for auto-injectors. The needle-free method helps eliminate injection fear and hesitation in using epinephrine during emergencies.

Why Was Neffy Developed?

Allergy experts recognized the need for more user-friendly and accessible forms of epinephrine to improve anaphylaxis care. Issues with auto-injectors like EpiPen include:

• Needle phobia - Fear of injections prevents some from using epinephrine when needed
• Administration errors - Improper injector use wastes medication
• Limited portability - Large auto-injectors not easily portable

Neffy addresses these problems through its innovative, needle-free spray design. The nasal spray requires no injection or special training. It's portable, fast-acting, and designed for intuitive use during a reaction.

Who Can Use Neffy?

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Neffy is FDA approved for anyone 7 years and older weighing at least 66 pounds. This includes both adults and children meeting the minimum age/weight requirements.

It can be prescribed by a doctor or healthcare provider to patients at risk for anaphylaxis due to food allergies, insect bites, latex allergy, and other allergens.

Off-label use for children under 66 pounds has not been evaluated clinically. Doctors may prescribe Neffy based on individual factors like age, weight, and medical history.

How Does Neffy Compare to Other Epinephrine Devices?

Here's how Neffy stacks up against other epinephrine products on the market:

The key advantage of Neffy is the needle-free nasal spray delivery. This makes administration easier and reduces hesitation compared to injectable epinephrine.

How to Use Neffy

Using Neffy during an allergic emergency is quick and simple:

1. Remove green cap
2. Insert tip into nostril until fingers touch the nose
3. Press bottom to release spray dose into nose
4. Breathe normally, do not inhale deeply after spraying
5. Call 911 and seek emergency care

Neffy delivers one 15mg dose of epinephrine per spray. For children, administer the dose sprayed into one nostril only. Adults and adolescents can receive half the dose in each nostril.

Benefits of a Needle-Free Epinephrine Spray

Choosing Neffy over an injectable epinephrine product has several advantages:

• Eliminates needle fear - Encourages more timely and proper use
• Simpler administration - Easy for anyone to use in emergencies
• Discreet dosing - Less noticeable than injecting in public
• Portability - Smaller device, easy to carry anywhere

By removing the barrier of injection, Neffy makes it easier for both caregivers and patients to quickly deliver epinephrine during potentially fatal allergic reactions.

Potential Side Effects and Safety

Side effects of Neffy are generally mild, localized nasal reactions:

• Nose irritation, runny nose, nasal congestion
• Unpleasant taste in mouth
• Headache, dizziness

Rarely, epinephrine can cause increased heart rate, anxiety, tremors. Seek medical care if symptoms seem severe or worrisome after using Neffy.

Proper storage is important to maintain drug potency. Neffy should be stored at room temperature between 68-77°F. Do not refrigerate or expose to extreme heat or cold.

The Future of Neffy

As Neffy gains market acceptance, the price may come down over time with increased usage and competition. For example, the EpiPen WAC has reduced by over 50% due to generic competition.

Neffy could also potentially gain over-the-counter (OTC) status in the future. This would allow purchase without a prescription, but likely at a higher retail cost without insurance coverage. The manufacturer has not yet pursued an Rx-to-OTC switch application.

For patients with high deductible plans or no insurance coverage, the $285 (≈2.4 days working for this purchase at $15/hour) WAC price can be burdensome. In such cases, the Neffy copay program can reduce costs to $0 for eligible applicants based on financial need. Uninsured patients may also find coupons from websites like GoodRx that provide discounts on certain prescription medications.

While not the lowest cost option, Neffy provides live-saving epinephrine delivery and an easier administration experience for many patients. Talk to your doctor and insurance provider about ways to get this innovative new product at an affordable price.

Is Neffy the Future of Allergy Emergency Care?

With its novel nasal spray delivery, Neffy transforms how epinephrine can be administered for anaphylaxis. This needle-free innovation addresses major barriers to proper auto-injector use like injection phobia and administration challenges. Neffy makes epinephrine accessible to more patients in emergency situations.

As real-world use increases, Neffy has potential to become a first-line treatment and standard part of anaphylaxis action plans. Talk to your doctor or allergist to see if Neffy is appropriate for your allergy management needs.

Final Words

Neffy's innovative nasal spray design transforms epinephrine delivery for severe allergic reactions. This first-of-its-kind needle-free alternative makes administration easier and reduces injection fear during anaphylaxis emergencies.

With an average wholesale price around $285 (≈2.4 days working for this purchase at $15/hour) for a 2-pack, Neffy falls in line cost-wise with other epinephrine auto-injectors on the market. The exact out-of-pocket cost for patients will depend on individual insurance coverage. Manufacturer assistance programs are also available to help reduce copays for those with financial need.

While not the lowest cost option, Neffy provides life-saving epinephrine in a more user-friendly format. Its needle-free nasal spray technology has potential to greatly improve emergency allergy care. Talk to your doctor to see if Neffy is the right epinephrine product to meet your anaphylaxis treatment needs.

Answers to Common Questions

Do you have to go to the hospital after using Neffy?

It's recommended to seek emergency medical care after using Neffy, since anaphylaxis can worsen or come back after initial treatment. The emergency epinephrine dose helps stabilize the reaction, but follow-up care is important.

What temperature should Neffy be stored at?

Neffy should be stored at room temperature between 68-77°F to maintain drug potency. Avoid extreme heat or cold. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Is Neffy prescription only?

Yes, Neffy is currently only available by prescription. A doctor or healthcare provider must prescribe Neffy to patients at risk for anaphylaxis. It is not sold over-the-counter.

Opzelura (ruxolitinib) cream is a recent FDA-approved topical medication for treating eczema (atopic dermatitis) and vitiligo. But how much does this specialty skin drug cost for patients? This guide examines Opzelura's pricing details, insurance coverage, affordability programs, and ways to reduce costs.

How Much Does Opzelura Cream Cost?

The average retail cost for a 60-gram tube of Opzelura cream is currently around $2,100 - $2,400 (≈4 weeks of salary time at $15/hour) without insurance, coupons, or additional discounts.

Here are sample retail prices at select U.S. pharmacies:

• CVS: $2,319 (≈3.9 weeks of your working life at $15/hour) for 60g tube
• Walgreens: $2,419 (≈4 weeks of continuous work at $15/hour) for 60g tube
• Walmart: $2,098 (≈3.5 weeks working without a break on a $15/hour salary) for 60g tube
• Kroger: $2,289 (≈3.8 weeks dedicated to affording this at $15/hour) for 60g tube
• Costco: $2,299 (≈3.8 weeks of non-stop employment at $15/hour) for 60g tube

As a brand name specialty medication launched in 2022, Opzelura's non-discounted retail cost remains quite high. But manufacturer savings programs and insurance can reduce real-world out-of-pocket expenses.

For cash-paying customers without insurance, prices reported by Drugs.com and SingleCare indicate a retail price around $2,245 to $2,755 (≈1 month of your working life at $15/hour). Using discount programs or coupons, such as those from SingleCare or Optum Perks, can reduce the cost to approximately $1,900 to $2,000 (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for $15/hour) [Medical News Today] [Opzelura Official].

Patients with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0 per tube through copay savings programs offered by the manufacturer, Incyte Corporation, which also provides assistance for eligible patients to help manage out-of-pocket costs [Opzelura Official] [Managed Healthcare Executive]. The wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) is reported around $2,094 (≈3.5 weeks locked to your job at $15/hour) per tube, which serves as a benchmark for pricing and insurance reimbursement [Opzelura Atopic Dermatitis Cost].

What is Opzelura Cream?

Opzelura cream contains 0.15% ruxolitinib, a JAK inhibitor compound. Developed by Incyte Corporation, it was approved by the FDA in 2021 as a topical monotherapy for:

• Short-term and chronic treatment of mild to moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis) in adults and children 12 years and older
• Repigmenting discolored skin patches due to vitiligo in adults and children 12 years and older

As an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulator, Opzelura cream controls overactive immune responses involved in eczema and vitiligo when applied to the skin.

It stops JAK enzymes that drive inflammation and skin cell problems implicated in these conditions. The cream reduces itching, rashes, and patchy color loss when used as directed.

Health Insurance Coverage

Opzelura cream is typically covered by commercial prescription plans, Medicare Part D plans, and Medicaid programs. However, consistent coverage often requires prior authorization and approvals.

On most commercial plans, Opzelura falls into Tier 4 or Tier 5, which have the highest patient copays. With coinsurance, out-of-pocket costs may run $100 to $300+ (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage) per month without additional discounts.

Under Medicare Part D, Opzelura is covered but frequently subject to prior authorization to confirm medically necessary use. After Part D's $505 (≈4.2 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage) deductible is met in 2023, patients pay 25-33% coinsurance, amounting to $100 to $800+ (≈1.3 weeks working without a break on a $15/hour salary) per month.

State Medicaid programs usually cover the drug but also require prior approval verifying appropriate use for eczema or vitiligo treatment. Preferred fixed copays between $1-$8 per prescription apply for approved beneficiaries.

Get Opzelura at a Discounted Price

The manufacturer Opzelura Savings Card program offered by Incyte can significantly reduce prescription costs for eligible commercially insured patients, in some cases to $0 per month. This copay assistance card has no income requirements for enrollment.

Patients can sign up online or by calling 1-855-5OPZELURA. The card must be activated before purchasing Opzelura from a pharmacy.

Uninsured cash-paying patients can also receive up to $17,000 (≈6.4 months of your working life at $15/hour) in annual assistance after enrolling in IncyteCARES, the company's patient support program.

Apps like GoodRx and SingleCare sometimes provide discounts on select specialty medications like Opzelura. Comparison shopping locally can help find the pharmacy with the lowest retail cash price.

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Opzelura Cream Cost With Insurance Coverage

The amount insured patients pay for Opzelura varies depending on the plan:

• With commercial insurance: $0 to $50 (≈3.3 hours of labor required at $15/hour) per month by using the copay card. Without the card, 30-day costs range from $100 to $300+ (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage) depending on the plan's specialty drug tier copay.
• For Medicare Part D: $100 to $800+ (≈1.3 weeks working without a break on a $15/hour salary) per month after meeting the annual $505 (≈4.2 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage) deductible, due to 25-33% coinsurance.
• With Medicaid: $1 to $8 per month in most states after successfully obtaining prior approval. Preferred fixed copays apply.

Deductibles, tier copays, and specific pharmacy networks further influence Opzelura's final insured cost. Checking plan details helps estimate anticipated out-of-pocket expenses.

Where Can You Buy Opzelura Cream

As a specialty medication, most pharmacies must order Opzelura — it is not stocked on shelves. Online platforms also often don't list the drug yet.

Your cheapest option with insurance is using a preferred in-network pharmacy or mail-order service to get Opzelura at the lowest copay cost.

The Opzelura Savings Card can be used at any U.S. pharmacy that dispenses the cream. Comparing local pharmacies using tools like GoodRx can help uninsured patients find the lowest cash price available.

Why Does Opzelura Cream Cost So Much?

As a newly approved, brand-name specialty dermatology product without generic competition, Opzelura is priced at a premium currently. Several key factors make it expensive:

• No generic version - Brand-name Opzelura is the only option, enabling high cost control by Incyte in the absence of bioequivalent generics.
• Specialty drug designation - Complex handling, storage, insurance, and distribution requirements add costs compared to traditional medications.
• Recently launched - Newer drugs often start off highly priced, and then decline over their patent lifecycle as uptake grows.
• Novel topical technology - Developing the proprietary ruxolitinib cream formulation required years of expensive R&D.
• Lack of competition - No rival topical JAK inhibitors exist yet for eczema or vitiligo treatment to pressure price reductions.

While Opzelura's cost may decrease over time with wider use, discounts, and eventual generics, the exclusivity, complexity, and innovation keep its current pricing high.

Generic Alternatives to Opzelura

Currently, there is no FDA-approved generic version of Opzelura cream. Ruxolitinib is under patent protection by Incyte until 2033, preventing direct generic competition.

However, other topical creams like corticosteroids may be prescribed at lower cost to treat eczema flares. Dermatologists may recommend trying these first before considering Opzelura. Immunosuppressants like tacrolimus are another non-steroid alternative.

But no direct generic equivalent with the same dosage form and active ingredient exists yet. Opzelura remains the sole topical JAK inhibitor approved for eczema and vitiligo treatment.

Opzelura Prescription Financial Assistance

Patients struggling to afford Opzelura even with insurance have options like these available:

• Opzelura Savings Card - Get copay reductions or free medication if eligible through the manufacturer program.
• IncyteCARES - Receive Opzelura at no cost if you meet program criteria like income limits.
• Independent foundations - Groups like Good Days and PAN may offer financial grants for prescriptions.
• Patient advocacy organizations - Nonprofits like NORD and SAA offer assistance guides and access resources.
• Medicaid waivers - Seek waivers if Opzelura is not on your state's Preferred Drug List for coverage.

Talk to your doctor and call 1-855-5OPZELURA to learn more about accessing discounts or free Opzelura cream if the retail cost is unaffordable for you.

Dermatology Expert Tips

We asked three dermatologists for their best tips to lower costs for patients prescribed pricey specialty topicals like Opzelura:

Dr. Jessica Wu, Los Angeles Dermatology Clinic

"Leverage dermatologist samples whenever available, enroll in copay cards, split one tube over 2 months if tolerable, and don't be afraid to speak up about financial concerns so we can find you affordable options that still work."

Dr. Neil Persad, Penn Medicine Dermatology

"Ask about manufacturer copay programs, apply for third-party affordability assistance, explore mail order or specialty pharmacies for lower prices, and determine your ideal frequency of use to make tubes last longer when appropriate."

Dr. Steve Lee, Duke University Health Dermatology

"Maximize use of insurance coverage and manufacturer discounts, compare pricing between different pharmacies, and consider whether special assistance like copay cards can be used for other family member prescriptions if allowed."

Final Words

Opzelura cream currently ranges in cost from $2,100 to $2,400 (≈4 weeks of salary time at $15/hour) retail for a 60-gram tube, or over $100 (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job) per week, making it one of the most expensive topical eczema and vitiligo treatments.

With insurance coverage, manufacturer coupons, and prescription affordability programs, real-world out-of-pocket expenses can reduce significantly. But paying for specialty medications like Opzelura remains challenging for many patients.

Discussing financial concerns transparently with your dermatologist is essential to finding the right clinical and economic balance. Though expensive, for patients who achieve remission with Opzelura, the price may justify the relief obtained compared to lower-cost treatments that failed previously.

Answers to Common Questions

What happens if you use too much Opzelura cream?

Using more than the recommended amount of Opzelura cream can increase the risk of side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Using too frequently or applying too liberally may lead to unintended systemic absorption.

Do you have to use Opzelura cream for life?

How long someone uses Opzelura can vary. For chronic conditions like eczema and vitiligo, long-term daily use may be recommended to control symptoms. But your doctor will determine the appropriate length of treatment with Opzelura based on your individual response.

What are the proper storage conditions for Opzelura cream?

Opzelura should be stored at room temperature away from heat and light. Do not freeze the medication or refrigerate. Safely discard any unused portion after 8 weeks of opening the tube. Keep the medication out of the reach of children and pets when not in use.