Jublia is a brand-name prescription medication you paint on your toenails to get rid of onychomycosis, or toenail fungus, but it is also used as a Jublia Fingernail Fungus Treatment. It works pretty well, but it can be expensive.
If your doctor has prescribed Jublia, you may be wondering how much it will cost you, especially when you factor in insurance. This article will give you a clear picture of the cost of Jublia with insurance, ways to save money on your prescription, and how it compares to other treatments for toenail fungus.
Keep in mind that the cost of Jublia can vary depending on your insurance plan, the pharmacy you use, and whether you can find any discounts or coupons.
What is Jublia and why is it so expensive?
Jublia is a prescription medication you paint directly on your toenails to get rid of toenail fungus. The active ingredient in Jublia is efinaconazole, which kills the fungus and makes your nail look better.
So, why is Jublia so expensive?
Right now, Jublia is only available as a brand-name drug. No generics are available, and the company that makes Jublia has a patent that prevents other companies from making a generic version until 2035.
When a company invents a new drug, they can get a patent that gives them the sole right to sell that drug for a certain period, usually up to 20 years. This patent protection allows them to set a high price because they don’t have any competition.
Once the patent expires, other companies can make generic versions of the drug, which are usually much cheaper. That’s because generic drug makers don’t have to spend as much money on research and testing, and they have to compete with each other on price.
How much does Jublia cost?
Onychomycosis can be a tough condition to treat, and it’s helpful to consult a Nail Fungus Dr to understand causes, treatments and prevention, as prescription medications can be expensive. If you’re paying cash, a single 4 mL bottle of Jublia can cost over $1000!
When you consider that a 30-day supply can cost over $12,000 per year, it’s understandable that many people look for ways to save money on Jublia.
The actual price you pay can vary depending on the pharmacy you use, where you live, and whether there are discounts available. It pays to shop around and compare prices at different pharmacies to see if you can get a better deal.
But what if you have insurance? Does that help with the cost of Jublia?
Is Jublia covered by insurance?
Whether or not your insurance covers Jublia can be a real mixed bag. It’s not unusual for coverage to vary wildly depending on your specific insurance plan. Some plans may require what’s called “prior authorization” before they’ll cover Jublia.
Prior authorization basically means your doctor has to jump through some hoops. They have to send your insurance company a bunch of paperwork explaining why you need Jublia. It’s a common requirement for pricier medications.
And even if your insurance does cover Jublia, don’t expect a free ride. You’ll likely still be on the hook for copays, deductibles, or coinsurance, which can still add up.
How to save money on Jublia
Let’s face it, prescription medications can be incredibly expensive. But there are strategies that can help you lower the cost of Jublia.
Manufacturer’s Rx Access Program
One option is to check out the manufacturer’s Rx Access Program. This program may help eligible patients save money on Jublia. You can call them at 855-202-3279 to find out what the eligibility requirements are and how the program works.
Prescription discount cards
You can also use a prescription discount card like SingleCare. These cards can often lower the price of medications. To give you an idea, the lowest SingleCare discount price for a 4 mL bottle of Jublia can be much lower than what you’d pay if you just walked up to the pharmacy counter and paid cash.
Pharmacy price comparison
It’s always a good idea to shop around and compare prices at different pharmacies. Some online tools can help you do this, making it easier to find the lowest cost for your prescription.
Discuss alternatives with your doctor
If Jublia is too expensive, talk to your doctor about other treatment options. For example, generic terbinafine is an oral medication that’s often more affordable, though other antifungals like Itraconazole 100mg may be considered as well. It’s effective, but it can have side effects, so be sure to discuss the pros and cons with your doctor. There are also topical alternatives like ciclopirox and tavaborole, which might save you money.
Getting a 3-month supply
Sometimes, you can save money by getting a 90-day supply of your medication instead of filling your prescription every month. Ask your doctor if this is an option for you.
Using a mail-order pharmacy
Mail-order pharmacies can also be a good way to save money. They often offer 90-day supplies, and you’ll save on travel costs since you won’t have to drive to the pharmacy every month.
Jublia vs. Other Treatments: A Cost Comparison
If you’re trying to figure out how to pay for Jublia, it may be helpful to know how it stacks up against other treatments.
Oral Antifungals (e.g., Terbinafine)
One common treatment for toenail fungus is oral terbinafine. A 30-day supply of terbinafine is far less expensive than a one-month supply of Jublia.
However, oral medications come with their own set of potential side effects and drug interactions, so be sure to consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
Topical Alternatives (e.g., Ciclopirox, Tavaborole)
Other topical treatments, like ciclopirox, are less expensive than Jublia. For example, SingleCare prices show that ciclopirox can cost around $50, depending on the pharmacy you use.
Keep in mind that these topical alternatives may not be as effective as Jublia or oral antifungals.
Effectiveness Considerations
In clinical trials, Jublia cleared up the fungal infection in more than half of the people who used it as directed. An oral medication like terbinafine may be even more effective, with a 76% cure rate for toenail fungus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the success rate of Jublia?
Jublia’s success rate varies, but clinical trials showed a significant percentage of patients achieving complete cure (0% affected nail area) after 48 weeks. Individual results depend on the severity of the infection and adherence to the treatment plan. It’s best to discuss realistic expectations with your doctor.
Can you use too much Jublia?
It’s crucial to use Jublia exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Applying too much won’t necessarily speed up the healing process and could potentially increase the risk of side effects. Stick to the recommended dosage and application instructions.
Is toenail fungus medication covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans offer some level of coverage for toenail fungus medications, including topical treatments like Jublia and oral antifungals. However, coverage varies widely depending on your specific plan, formulary, and deductible. Contact your insurance provider to verify your coverage details.
Is Jublia worth it?
Whether Jublia is “worth it” depends on individual factors, including the severity of your infection, the cost of the medication with your insurance coverage, and your tolerance for potential side effects. Consider these aspects alongside the potential for a complete cure when discussing treatment options with your doctor.
How long does one prescription of Jublia last?
The duration of a Jublia prescription depends on the number of affected toenails and the size of the bottle prescribed. Your doctor will determine the appropriate amount based on your individual needs and instruct you on how often to refill your prescription.
In Closing
Jublia is an expensive medication for toenail fungus, and its price can be hard to manage without insurance. Even with insurance, you may still have a significant out-of-pocket cost. Coupons and patient assistance programs might help lower the cost.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist about the cost of Jublia and whether it’s the right treatment for you. There may be other, more affordable treatments that could work just as well. Explore all your options to find the most effective treatment that fits your budget.