How Much Does Opzelura Cream Cost?

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.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Cold Laser Therapy, dermatologist visits without insurance, or Garra Rufa fish.

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.