Tavaborole is a prescription-strength topical medication that treats onychomycosis, more commonly known as toenail fungus. Because it is a prescription drug, the cost can sometimes be a barrier to getting the treatment you need.
This article explores some strategies for saving money on your tavaborole prescription. We’ll look at whether there are generic alternatives, how to compare prices at different pharmacies, and whether there are patient assistance programs available.
We’ll also explore how resources like GoodRx can help you afford tavaborole.
Understanding Tavaborole (Kerydin)
Tavaborole is the active ingredient in Kerydin, a brand-name topical medicine you paint on your toenail to get rid of fungus. The way it works is that it stops the fungus from making the proteins it needs to grow.
Like most brand-name medications, Kerydin can be pretty expensive. That’s because the company that makes it spent a lot of money doing research and development, and they want to recoup some of those costs.
Another reason it can cost so much is that there’s no generic version of the drug available yet. When there are multiple manufacturers of a drug, the competition tends to bring prices down.
Exploring generic drug options
One way to save money on prescriptions is to switch to the generic version of a brand-name drug. Generic drugs contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name drug and are usually much less expensive. According to the FDA, 8 out of 10 prescriptions filled in the U.S. are for generic drugs.
Unfortunately, there is no generic version of tavaborole available. This is likely due to patent protection, which gives the drug’s manufacturer exclusive rights to produce and sell it for a certain period.
Comparing Pharmacy Prices Online
It’s super important to shop around for the best price on medications, because prescription prices can vary a lot from pharmacy to pharmacy.
Comparing prices online is the easiest way to do this. Some studies have shown that you can save up to 75 percent on your prescriptions just by price-checking!
GoodRx is an easy-to-use tool for finding the lowest prices on prescriptions. To use it for tavaborole, simply:
- Go to the GoodRx website or open the app.
- Search for “tavaborole”.
- Compare the prices at different pharmacies in your area.
GoodRx also offers coupons and discounts that can help you save even more!
Patient assistance programs and Medicare Part D
Patient assistance programs (PAPs)
When you’re prescribed a medication like tavaborole, or even Jublia, it’s normal to feel sticker shock at the pharmacy counter. Patient assistance programs (PAPs) can help.
These programs are offered by drug manufacturers to help people get their medications at a discount. You can investigate PAPs for Kerydin (tavaborole) by searching online. Start with the drugmaker’s website to see if they offer a PAP.
Medicare Part D coverage
Medicare Part D can help with the cost of prescription drugs, too. Check your plan’s drug list to see if tavaborole is covered and what your copay will be.
Even if you have Medicare Part D, it’s worth checking GoodRx to see if their price is lower than what you’d pay with Medicare. Never assume that your insurance will give you the lowest price!
Additional Cost-Saving Tips
Besides using GoodRx and manufacturer coupons, and discussing treatment options with your doctor, you might also consider laser treatment for toenail fungus as a potential way to address the issue.
- Buying in bulk: Purchasing larger quantities of medications can sometimes lower the per-unit cost.
- Discussing alternative treatments: Ask your doctor if there are other effective, but less expensive, treatments that could be a good fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the side effects of tavaborole?
Like any medication, tavaborole can have potential side effects. The most common side effects are generally mild and localized to the application site. These can include skin peeling, redness, itching, burning, stinging, or swelling. Less common side effects might involve ingrown toenail or blistering. It’s always a good idea to chat with your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any bothersome or persistent side effects while using tavaborole.
When was tavaborole FDA approved?
Tavaborole, marketed under the brand name Kerydin, received FDA approval in July 2014. This approval meant that the FDA had reviewed the clinical trial data and determined that the medication was safe and effective for its intended use: treating onychomycosis (toenail fungus) caused by specific types of fungi.
Is tavaborole effective for toenail fungus?
Tavaborole has been shown to be effective in treating toenail fungus in clinical trials. It works by inhibiting a fungal enzyme, which prevents the fungus from growing and spreading. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness can vary from person to person, and it may take several months of consistent application as directed by your doctor to see noticeable improvement. Patience and adherence to the prescribed treatment plan are key for successful results.
The Bottom Line
It’s important to be proactive when it comes to managing the cost of your prescriptions. Prescription prices can change, and they often vary from pharmacy to pharmacy.
When it comes to saving money on tavaborole, the best things you can do are compare prices, ask your doctor about generic options, and look into patient assistance programs.
Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor and pharmacist about cost concerns. They may be able to help you find ways to save money.