Nplate (romiplostim) injection is a prescription drug that’s used to treat low platelet counts. Nplate’s cost may depend on factors such as your dosage, whether you have health insurance, and the pharmacy you use.
Several factors can affect the price you’ll pay for Nplate. These include:
- your treatment plan
- your location
- your insurance coverage (if you have it)
- the pharmacy you use
- how much you’ll have to pay for an office visit with your doctor or another healthcare professional to receive Nplate
- available financial assistance for Nplate (see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section)
To find out how much you’ll pay for Nplate, talk with your doctor or insurance provider.
Nplate is a biologic drug, which means it’s made from parts of living organisms. It doesn’t come in a biosimilar form. Biosimilars are like generic drugs. Unlike generics, which are made for nonbiologic drugs, biosimilars are made for biologic drugs.
Why is there such a cost difference between biologic drugs and biosimilar drugs?Biologic drugs can be expensive because of the research and testing needed to ensure their safety and effectiveness. The drug manufacturer of a biologic drug can sell it for up to
12 years . When the biologic drug’s patent expires, other drug manufacturers can create biosimilar versions. This competition in the market may lead to lower costs for biosimilars. And because biosimilars are very similar to biologic drugs, they don’t need to be studied again. This can also lead to lower costs for biosimilars.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Nplate and cost.
How does the cost of Nplate compare with the cost of Promacta?
Promacta (eltrombopag) and Nplate are brand-name drugs that are used to treat low platelet levels in certain cases. The price you’ll pay for either drug depends on the factors below:
- your dosage
- length of treatment
- your location
- your insurance coverage (if you have it)
- any coupons, manufacturer discounts, or savings support programs that you’re eligible for
Nplate is an injection that’s typically given by your doctor once per week. So you may also have to pay an additional cost to receive your injections in your doctor’s office or a clinic.
On the other hand, Promacta is an oral tablet that’s usually taken once per day at home. So you wouldn’t have to pay this extra cost.
If you have questions about how the costs of these drugs compare, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
Does Nplate’s 250-mcg strength cost less than its 500-mcg strength?
It’s unlikely that the cost of Nplate’s 250-microgram (mcg) strength will differ from the cost of its 500-mcg strength.
Your Nplate dosage is based on your body weight and platelet levels. Your doctor will prescribe the right strength for you.
Your cost will mostly depend on your insurance plan and any costs from your doctor’s office visit. The dosage and strength of Nplate that you receive will likely have minimal effect on your cost.
If you need help covering the cost of Nplate or understanding your insurance, check out these resources:
On these sites, you can find insurance information, details on drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards and other services.
If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor.
You may want to consider the following information if you have insurance and are prescribed Nplate.
Prior authorization: If you have insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers Nplate. This means the company and your doctor will discuss the drug in regard to your treatment. The insurance company will then determine whether Nplate 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 Nplate requires prior authorization.
Type of insurance coverage: Nplate is given by your doctor or another healthcare professional. If you have insurance, the price of your Nplate 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 Nplate 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: Healthline 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.