Biktarvy cost ($3500 in US but $150 in India) it’s chemical name is bictegravir, emtricitabine & tenofovir alafenamide.
As you read on you will learn how you can save a considerable amount every month.
Contents
Why is Biktarvy so expensive?
Biktarvy is expensive because the drug is protected by a patent.
It is not available as a generic in the US, for one simple reason, profit.
Once the generic is made available, then costs will come down.
A few countries outside of the US have the generic, one of them is India.
Read about India and its role in HIV treatment drug pricing from the early 1980s’.
Biktarvy price in India is $150 a bottle, there are discounts when you buy in bulk.
Biktarvy cost in Europe
Most Europeans do not have to spend too much for this medicine.
The cost of Biktarvy in European countries like France, Italy, Belgium, Holland, Germany and several others are paid by the government.
Europe generally has be known to have universal healthcare, so the price for this drug is very low at $2 to $10 to fill a prescription.
How much does Biktarvy cost per month?
According to SingleCare.com, 1 month supply of this medicine, which is 30 tablets would run you about $3778 to $4015.
The price that is mentioned here is usually after discounts & insurance and that can vary widely.
As you read on, you will see how you can apply coupons, copay cards and patient assistance programs to help you reduce your cost.
My husband and I purchased 24 bottles of Biktarvy for about $145 a bottle. Melissa and Chris, thank you again for making this happen.
– Connor Murphy
Santa Monica, Los Angeles
How much does it cost without insurance?
Some popular prescription websites offer 80% discounts on Biktarvy.
The cost without insurance or retail price is about $3728 a month for 30 tablets.
Again, these prices are all over the place, some websites show $4823, while others show $3529.
Regardless, the prices are definitely out of reach for most people who need this life saving medication.
You can read more about the cost of HIV medicines on average at the National Institute of Health (USA).
What is the cost with insurance
Insurance companies (some) can cover the complete treatment on a monthly basis with government subsidies.
Again, just to let the optimist know, the prices can vary considerably with insurance from person to person.
What is the cost at Goodrx?
According to the Goodrx website, this HIV medicine cost is $3480 to $3712 for a 30 day supply.
Biktarvy cost in USA
It is about $3500 without insurance in the US.
With government subsidies it could be anywhere from $50 to almost FREE.
It really depends on your income and insurance, how much you will end up paying in the end.
We all should be getting this life saving medicine for free if you really think about it.
What is the cost with Medicare?
According to the popular Drugs.com website, you should pay $0 or $5 per month, if you are 65 years and older.
Medicare is for individuals that are 65 years or older.
What is the difference between BIKTARVY and generic BIKTARVY?
According to a recent Oxford study, the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in BIKTARVY and generic BIKTARVY have consistently shown to suppress viral replication in HIV 1.
BIKTARVY is made with bictegravir 50 mg, emtricitabine 200 mg and tenofovir alafenamide 25mg.
Because the generic is the licensed version, it has identical ingredients of bictegravir 50 mg, emtricitabine 200 mg and tenofovir alafenamide 25mg.
The generic is made by Hetero Drugs in India, under the supervision and authorization of Gilead Sciences and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
So, no there is no chemical or molecular difference between the generic and brand name.
There is only one difference between the brand name and the generic, its the price.
What is the cost of the generic version?
As previously mentioned there are no generics available in the US.
The generic Biktarvy from India is about $150 for 30 tablets, the more you buy the lower the price.
Best value for your money is the 12 month plan for ONLY $1597 (prices can fluctuate).
Prices change regularly, be sure to look out for discounts and sales.
Why the big price difference between the two?
While the brand name is marketed for the US only.
While generic is marketed globally and priced for countries outside of the US.
For example: the price of a bottle of Coca Cola or Pepsi is $1.20 most places in the US.
In India, a bottle of a Coca Cola or Pepsi is $0.18.
Yes, soda pop is a lot cheaper in India.
I travel a lot and I cannot only get one bottle a month. With you folks I was able to get a year’s supply without any hassles. Now, I’m free to travel to wherever and whenever I want. Thanks Kris.
– Brian Zeine
Boys Town, Chicago
Guess where a bottle of Coca Cola or Pepsi is more expensive than the US?
Switzerland, a bottle of Coke will cost you $4.45 at a restaurant.
Back to Biktarvy prices…
We understand, BIKTARVY can’t be 100% compared to soda pop, but the pricing strategies by corporate executives should raise eyebrows.
The following statement explains this pricing strategy quite well.
“Pricing is based on the customer’s ability to pay.” – Daniel O’ Day, CEO of Gilead Sciences
Same exact product manufactured and marketed in two different countries but vastly different prices.
You should know why the prices change vary between countries.
What you should not take with this medicine?
It is very important that you should not take any other HIV 1 treatments with BIKTARVY. If you are, stop and consult with your physician immediately.
- Dofetilide
- Rifampin, rifabutin ad rifapentine
- Any other HIV 1 treatments
- Any supplements with St. John’s wort
- rifabutin, rifampicin and rifapentine (used to treat some bacterial infections such as tuberculosis)
- Anti seizure medication that contains carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital and phenytoin
- Any immunosuppressant that contains ciclosporin
- Any treatment for stomach ulcers or gastric reflux disease that contains sucralfate
WARNING: This medicine can reactivate hepatitis B, not hepatitis C.
Thank you for making it accessible at an affordable price.
– Maria Hederra
Capitol Hill, Seattle
How long does it take HIV to be undetectable by using Biktarvy?
Usually, 8 to 24 weeks of the treatment prescribed, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Takeaway
You have learned some of the ways to save money of the cost of Biktarvy.
Affordability has been a big concern for those with insurance and those without.
Biktarvy cost remains to be out of reach for most people, but there are ways to save money.
If you are still not able to afford this drug, you can mail order this medicine below.
Fill out the form below and take advantage of the savings today!