Actemra (tocilizumab) is a brand-name biologic medication used for rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis, and other inflammatory conditions. It’s taken as a shot under the skin or as an IV infusion at a clinic, and choosing between an infusion or injection changes what you pay.
The Actemra cost without insurance starts at about $1,151 for a single prefilled syringe, and regular doses add up to thousands of dollars a month. Costs such as these prove prohibitive for Americans who struggle to make ends meet.
However, Prescription Hope offers an alternative approach. Access to Genentech’s assistance program through Prescription Hope means getting access to Actemra for just $70/month per medication, as well as being supported by a trained advocate throughout the application process.
The Real Actemra Cost Without Insurance
The self-injection comes as a 162 mg prefilled syringe or pen. Pharmacies pay about $1,151 for a single injection, according to Medicaid.gov, so the cash price at the counter is usually higher.
How many injections you need depends on the schedule your doctor sets. For rheumatoid arthritis, Actemra’s prescribing label calls for one shot every other week or every week, based on body weight and how you respond. Because people often stay on Actemra for years, the yearly total is the number that matters most for planning.
| Dosing schedule | Pens every 4 weeks | Cost every 4 weeks | Cost per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Every other week | 2 | About $2,300 | About $29,900 |
| Every week | 4 | About $4,600 | About $59,900 |
IV infusions work differently. The dose is based on body weight, and clinics add their own charges for the visit, so the Actemra cost without insurance is harder to predict for infusions. An infusion center can give you a cash estimate that lists the medication and the administration fees separately.
How to Save Money on Actemra Treatment
Sometimes, purchasing brand-name medications at retail costs can be hard on a patient’s wallet. Like many autoimmune medications, Actemra is usually taken for years, so that cost comes back with every dose, but there are different ways to lower it.
Genentech’s Assistance Program
Manufacturers of brand-name medications put programs in place to help those who cannot afford the medications but need access to them. For Actemra, Genentech offers help to patients without prescription coverage who meet its income guidelines. However, the application process is often complex and confusing to navigate, and small paperwork errors can delay an application.
Biosimilars That May Cost Less
A biosimilar is a close copy of a biologic medication. The FDA has approved three for Actemra, sold as Tofidence, Tyenne, and Avtozma, and they may carry a lower price. Switching to a biosimilar is a decision to make with your specialist, based on your treatment.
Help With the Application From Prescription Hope
Prescription Hope handles the entire process for our patients, allowing them to breathe easy. We determine whether you prequalify, collect the necessary documentation, and handle the application for you. Following approval, we handle ordering direct from the manufacturer to your doorstep or doctor’s office and help keep your refills on schedule.
Actemra Price Comparison
vs
Estimated Retail Price*
30-Day Supply
Prescription Hope Price
Per Month, NO Matter The Retail Price
*Source: Medicaid.gov
Who May Qualify for Help With Actemra
To qualify for help with the cost of Actemra, requirements may include:
- Income Guidelines: Every assistance program has a unique income requirement. For Actemra, Genentech’s program generally looks at household income under $150,000, plus $25,000 for each person beyond four. Prescription Hope will help you determine whether you qualify for the program.
- US Residence: Genentech’s program requires that applicants live in the US and be treated by a US-licensed doctor.
- Valid Prescription: Genentech’s program requires a valid and current Actemra prescription.
- Insurance Compatibility: Genentech’s program considers people with no prescription coverage, a plan that doesn’t cover Actemra, or out-of-pocket costs that are high compared with their income.
Simple Enrollment with Expert Support
The process for applying for help with the cost of Actemra can be daunting. However, with Prescription Hope, it takes 6 simple steps:
- Submit Information: Take a few minutes to fill out our secure online enrollment form
- Advocate Contact: Within 48 business hours, a patient advocate will contact you
- Document Collection: After being prequalified, we’ll collect the documentation required by the program
- Provider Coordination: We’ll coordinate with your healthcare provider for necessary signatures
- Program Submission: Prescription Hope submits the application and coordinates with the manufacturer
- Medication Delivery: Following approval, your medication ships directly to your door (self-injections) or doctor’s office, typically within 2 to 4 weeks
We continue to advocate on your behalf even after your initial delivery of Actemra. Your refill schedule and information updates are handled by our trained staff, so your medication access stays on track.
Why Choose Prescription Hope for Actemra Assistance
The service that Prescription Hope provides takes the headache and guesswork out of the application process. Prescription Hope is also invested in managing your medication access for as long as you are a patient with us.
Proven Success: For 20 years, Prescription Hope has advocated for patients through manufacturer assistance programs, helping patients across America save nearly $340 million.
Complete Management: We handle your application, ordering, refills, and information updates, and we keep up with program requirement changes for you. You don’t need to worry about going to the pharmacy, waiting in long lines, or remembering to schedule refills.
Clear Pricing: Prescription Hope is not insurance, not a pharmacy, and not a coupon or discount card. Regardless of the Actemra cost without insurance, we charge a simple fee of $70/month per medication. The medication is provided at no cost by the manufacturer, and the fee covers the advocacy service.
Extensive Network: With a network of 180 pharmaceutical manufacturers, we provide access to more than 1,500 medications for our patients, and many patients get help with more than one medication.
Patient-Centered Advocacy: Even if a patient doesn’t receive approval, we may still be able to help by exploring other ways to lower the cost of medications with you and your healthcare provider.
Start Saving on Actemra Today
For those battling rheumatoid arthritis, treatment usually lasts for years, and the Actemra cost without insurance adds up with every dose. Genentech’s assistance program, biosimilars you can discuss with your specialist, and Prescription Hope’s prescription assistance are the main ways to bring that cost down.
From the beginning to the end of your medication access needs, we are there to advocate on your behalf! See if your medication qualifies and begin saving on Actemra today.
