Jublia (efinaconazole) is a topical solution that’s prescribed for onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the toenails. It’s applied directly to the nail, and it’s one of the more effective topical treatments available.
The problem with Jublia is its cost. It can be difficult for many people to afford, even with insurance. The question of, “why does Jublia cost so much?” is a valid one for patients and healthcare providers alike.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons behind Jublia’s high price tag. We’ll also look at alternative treatments and strategies that can help you get the medication you need at a price you can afford.
What is Jublia and how does it work?
Jublia is a prescription topical medication. You apply it directly to your toenails to treat onychomycosis, a fungal infection that occurs underneath the nail. The active ingredient in Jublia is efinaconazole.
Like other antifungal medications, such as those discussed in our guide to Naftin gel price, Jublia works by stopping the growth of fungi.
The treatment process
To use Jublia, you carefully apply the medication to the infected nails every day, being sure to follow the directions you’ve been given and to keep up with your doctor’s appointments.
Jublia is often quite effective in treating nail infections, but it takes months of treatment to see results.
Why is Jublia so expensive?
If you’ve ever looked into getting a prescription for Jublia, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Why does Jublia cost so much?” Here are some of the reasons.
Brand-name drug status
Jublia is a brand-name drug, and there’s no generic version available in the United States right now. Often, when a drug first comes onto the market, it’s protected by a patent. This means other companies can’t make and sell the same drug for a certain period of time, usually up to 20 years. This patent protection allows the drug company that invented the drug to set a higher price to recoup their investment in research and development.
Lack of generic competition
Because there’s no generic version of Jublia in the U.S., the company that makes Jublia can set its own price. Generic drugs usually cost less because other companies are allowed to make and sell the same drug, which increases competition and drives prices down. The patent on Jublia isn’t expected to expire until 2026, and even then, it could take several years for generic versions to become available. In fact, the generic for Jublia is not expected until 2035 due to patent protection.
Research and development costs
It costs a lot of money to develop a new medication. Drug companies have to spend money on research, development, and clinical trials to make sure the drug is safe and effective. These costs can contribute to the high price of brand-name drugs like Jublia.
The cost breakdown: Jublia vs. alternatives
Jublia can be an effective topical treatment for toenail fungus, but it’s not cheap. Let’s take a look at the cost and compare it to other options.
Jublia’s price tag
Here’s what you can expect to pay for Jublia:
- Retail price of an 8mL bottle of 10% Jublia solution in the U.S.: $1,430.00.
- A single applicator bottle of 4 mL of Jublia 10% solution costs around $1,032 at full cash price.
- A 30-day supply of Jublia could cost over $12,000 per year.
- Annual cost for Jublia (depending on the number of toes needing treatment): $15,000.00 – $30,000.00.
Comparing Jublia to other treatments
There are other treatments for toenail fungus that may be more affordable. These include:
- Penlac Nail Lacquer, another topical treatment
- Generic ciclopirox, the active ingredient in Penlac
- Oral antifungals like terbinafine
Here’s how the costs compare:
- Retail price of a 6mL bottle of Penlac Nail Lacquer in American pharmacies: $1,200.00.
- Approximate price of generic ciclopirox for a couple of weeks’ worth of treatment: $15.00.
- Lowest SingleCare price for Loprox (generic ciclopirox): $14 per 6.6 mL.
- A 30-day supply of terbinafine costs around $260.
- Lowest SingleCare price for Terbinafine: $11 per 30 tablets.
Efficacy considerations
Jublia may be more effective than Penlac, but oral antifungals can have higher cure rates. For example:
- Jublia is up to three times more effective than Penlac.
- Terbinafine has a 76% cure rate for toenail fungus.
Navigating insurance coverage and financial assistance
So, you’ve got a toenail fungus and your doctor thinks Jublia will help. Great! But what about the cost?
Insurance coverage challenges
Insurance coverage for Jublia can be inconsistent, and as explored in this article about Jublia cost with insurance, your insurance plan may require prior authorization before it will cover the cost. That’s why it’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand exactly what your plan covers and what your out-of-pocket costs will be.
Before you leave the doctor’s office with that prescription in hand, take a minute to check with your doctor, your pharmacist, and your insurance provider to find out what the cost will be.
Cost-saving programs and discounts
The good news is that there are several ways to save money on Jublia.
- Rx Access Program: This program may be able to offer you financial assistance.
- SingleCare prescription discount card: A SingleCare card may get you a discount on the retail price of Jublia.
- Optum Perks coupons: These coupons can sometimes help lower the cost of prescription drugs. However, you can’t combine them with your insurance benefits.
- Manufacturer’s Rx Access Program: Check the manufacturer’s website to learn about their access program.
Strategies for reducing Jublia costs
If you’re finding it hard to afford Jublia, don’t give up! Here are some strategies to try:
- Consider a 90-day supply. Getting a larger supply can reduce how often you have to visit the pharmacy, and that can save you money.
- Explore mail-order pharmacies. You can often get a 90-day supply through mail-order pharmacies. Plus, you’ll save time and money on transportation.
- Compare pharmacy prices. Prices can vary widely from pharmacy to pharmacy. Don’t be afraid to shop around!
- Ask about generic alternatives. Jublia is a brand-name medication. Ask your doctor if a generic version of terbinafine would work for you. Other topical alternatives, like ciclopirox or tavaborole, may also be an option.
- Use prescription savings cards. Check websites like SingleCare for Jublia discounts.
- Find the lowest price. I know I already mentioned comparing pharmacy prices, but this tip is so important that I’m mentioning it again!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use too much Jublia?
It’s crucial to use Jublia exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Applying more than the recommended amount won’t speed up the healing process and could potentially increase the risk of side effects. Stick to the prescribed dosage and application instructions.
How do I get help paying for Jublia?
Given the high cost of Jublia, exploring financial assistance options is wise. Check the official Jublia website for potential manufacturer coupons or patient assistance programs. Also, discuss your concerns with your doctor; they may be aware of alternative options or resources to help lower the cost.
How to know if toenail fungus is dying?
As the fungus dies off, you might notice new, healthy nail growth emerging from the base of the nail. The discolored, thickened portion of the nail will gradually grow out as the healthy nail replaces it. Be patient, as this process takes time.
How long does it take to cure toenail fungus with Jublia?
Curing toenail fungus with Jublia requires patience. It typically takes 48 weeks (about a year) of daily application to see complete clearing. However, the exact duration can vary depending on the severity of the infection and individual factors. Continue applying Jublia as prescribed, even if you don’t see immediate results.
What is the success rate of Jublia?
Clinical trials have shown that Jublia is effective in treating toenail fungus, but the success rate isn’t 100%. Studies have reported complete or near-complete clearing of the infection in a significant percentage of patients, but individual results can vary. Factors like adherence to the treatment plan and the severity of the infection can influence the outcome.
The Bottom Line
Jublia, a brand-name topical treatment for toenail fungus, is very expensive, which can make it hard for people to get the treatment they need.
While Jublia is effective, there are other options, including generic topical medications and oral antifungals. These options may be less expensive, but they might not work as well. You can try saving money on Jublia by using the Rx Access Program, SingleCare coupons, or by comparing prices at different pharmacies.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to figure out the best and most affordable way to treat your toenail fungus.