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

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

  • your treatment plan
  • your insurance coverage
  • the pharmacy you use
  • the cost of the visit to your healthcare professional to receive doses of Arava
  • whether Arava has a savings program (see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section)

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

The active ingredient of Arava is leflunomide. It’s available as the generic drug leflunomide. A generic drug is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

If your doctor has prescribed Arava and you’re interested in trying leflunomide 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 Arava, 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 take Arava long term, you may be able to lower its cost in the following ways.

Getting a 3-month supply

You may be able to get a 90-day supply of Arava. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Using a mail-order pharmacy

Arava may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this type of service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to receive your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug via mail order.

If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need financial support to pay for Arava, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. For example:

  • 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:

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

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug cost and Arava.

What is the cost of Arava without insurance?

The price you’ll pay for Arava if you don’t have insurance can vary based on several factors. But typically, the cost is higher for those without insurance.

There are other factors that could affect what you pay for this drug. These include:

  • the quantity you’re prescribed (such as a 90-day or 30-day supply)
  • whether you apply and qualify for any available savings programs
  • your dosage
  • the pharmacy you use

To learn the exact cost you’d pay for this medication without insurance, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You may also want to contact several pharmacies to compare their prices for Arava.

Check out Optum Perks* for price estimates for several medications. (Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance benefits or copays.)

* Optum Perks is a sister site of Medical News Today.

Is Arava covered by Medicare?

It may be. You can call your Medicare plan provider to learn whether your particular plan covers the cost of this drug. There are many types of Medicare plans, so your coverage and what you pay for prescriptions will be based on your particular plan’s benefits.

Your doctor may also be able to provide information about your cost for Arava if you have Medicare.

The following is information you may want to consider if you have insurance and receive Arava.

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

Type of insurance coverage: If you have insurance, the price of your Arava 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 Arava 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.