Hey there, friend. If you've landed on this page, chances are you're trying to figure out how much Imfinzi will actually cost you and whether you can get any help with the price. I get itmedical bills can feel like a maze, especially when the drug you need has a headlinegrabbing price tag. Let's cut through the confusion together and walk through everything you need to know about Imfinzi cost, from the raw numbers to the best ways to keep your wallet from taking a beating.
Quick Answer Snapshot
Here's the fastesttrack answer you're looking for:
- Cashpay price: About $1,027 for a 2.4ml vial (50mg/mL) according to Drugs.com.
- Typical yearly cost: 1216 infusions = roughly $12,000$16,000, though it can climb higher if a 500mg vial is required.
- How to lower it: Discount cards, copaysavings programs (like AstraZeneca Access360), patientassistance foundations, and your insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, or private plans).
That's the headline. Below, we'll unpack each piece so you know exactly where those numbers come from and what you can do about them.
Price Drivers Explained
Imfinzi isn't cheap for a reason. Understanding why helps you see where the biggest savings can be found.
Biologic drug class
Durvalumab (Imfinzi) is a biologic, basically a highly engineered protein created in a lab. The R&D and manufacturing process is pricey, and manufacturers protect that investment with long exclusivity periods. That's why the list price sits high from the getgo.
Weightbased dosing
Imfinzi is dosed at 10mg per kilogram every two weeks. If you weigh 80kg, you need an 800mg dose each visit. That often means using two 500mg vials, pushing the price up. Lighter patients may get by with a single 2.4ml vial, keeping costs a bit lower.
Administration fees
Beyond the drug itself, there's the infusion center, nursing staff, lab monitoring, and sometimes premedication. Those "facility fees" can add a few hundred dollars to each visit, especially if you're not covered under a medical benefit.
Regional price variation
Pharmacies don't all charge the same. Prices can swing +/-20% depending on where you fill the prescription. That's why it pays to shop around, use pricecomparison tools, or ask your pharmacy about bulkpurchase discounts.
Insurance Landscape Overview
Insurance can be a lifesaveror a confusing labyrinth. Below is a quick guide to the most common scenarios.
Situation | Typical outofpocket | What to check |
---|---|---|
Commercial medical insurance (drug billed as a medical benefit) | $0$500 per infusion (depends on copay tier) | Priorauth requirements, innetwork infusion center |
Commercial pharmacy benefit | Higher copay, may need specialty pharmacy | Verify specialty drug tier; ask about mailorder options |
Medicare PartB | 20% of the Medicareallowable amount (often $200$300) | Make sure infusion fees are covered; check for "gap" coverage |
Medicaid / Medicare Advantage | Varies by state, often lower copay | Ask about "zerocost" programs; confirm provider network |
Most patients find the biggest relief through specialty copay programs that sit on top of their insurance. One of the most popular is AstraZeneca Access360, which can knock the cost down to as low as $0 per infusion for eligible patients. If you're curious, give them a ring at 18442752360 or visit their site (search "AstraZeneca Access360").
Financial Assistance Options
Now for the good news: there are several legitimate ways to trim the Imfinzi cost, often dramatically.
Access360 Copay & Savings
Eligibility: anyone with commercial insurance (no need to be uninsured). Benefits can range from $0$100 per infusion, sometimes totaling up to $26,000 saved annually. The application is straightforwardjust call the tollfree line or start online.
AZ&Me PrescriptionSavings Programs
Two tracks exist: one for patients without insurance and another for those on Medicare PartD. Both offer discounted drug prices, free shipping, and a simple enrollment form. Reach them at 8002926363.
Patient Assistance Foundations
Organizations like the Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation provide incomebased grants for patients who already have insurance but still can't afford the copay. Imfinzi's own patientsupport page also lists travelassistance vouchers and emotionalsupport resources.
Discount Cards & Coupons
Websites such as Drugs.com offer printable discount cards that can shave up to 80% off the cash price. It's a quick, nostringsattached way to lower the sticker price before you even talk to your pharmacist.
Tip: Keep a checklist handydownload the card, fill out the short form, and email it to your pharmacy. The whole process usually takes less than a day.
Real World Examples
Numbers are nice, but they mean more when you see people like you navigating them.
Case A Commercially insured, 70kg patient
12 infusions a year. With Access360, outofpocket drops to $0$300 per visit, totaling roughly $2,400 for the whole year.
Case B Uninsured, cashpay
12 vials at $1,027 each = $12,300. Using a Drugs.com discount card cuts that to about $7,000. Still a lot, but a noticeable reduction.
Case C Medicare PartB
Pay 20% of the Medicare allowance (about $250) plus a $150 infusion fee = ~$4,800 annually.
These stories illustrate that while the list price is steep, the actual amount you foot the bill for can vary widelyoften by thousands of dollarsdepending on the assistance you tap into.
CostEffectiveness View
Beyond the dollars and cents, let's glance at the big picture: is Imfinzi worth its cost?
Canadian healthtechnology assessment agency CADTH reported a price of $939 per 120mg vial and $3,911 per 500mg vial, translating to about $11,577 per treatment cycle. Meanwhile, the US Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) placed Imfinzi's cost at roughly $665,692 per qualityadjusted life year (QALY). To hit the typical $50,000 per QALY threshold, the drug would need a price cut of about 93%.
What does that mean for you? In raw costeffectiveness terms, Imfinzi is pricey. But when you factor in the savings programs, many patients end up paying a fraction of the list pricesometimes close to nothing. The key is to act early, explore all assistance avenues, and keep the conversation open with your care team.
Talking To Your Doctor
Never underestimate the power of a good chat with your oncologist or nurse navigator. Here's a quick script you can adapt:
- "Can we review the dosing plan? I'd like to know if a 500mg vial can be split to reduce waste."
- "Do you have a financial counselor on staff who can walk me through assistance programs?"
- "Are there any clinical trials for my condition that provide the drug at no charge?"
Most cancer centers have dedicated financialassistance specialists who can help you fill out the Access360 application, work with PAN, or even negotiate with the pharmacy for better pricing.
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
Save this handy table for a ataglance view of the most important numbers and contacts.
Item | Details |
---|---|
Imfinzi price per vial (cash) | $1,027 (2.4ml, 50mg/mL) |
Average annual outofpocket (insured) | $0$4,800 (depends on program) |
Top assistance programs | Access360 (18442752360), AZ&Me (8002926363), PAN Foundation |
Insurance preauth checklist | Diagnosis code, weightbased dosing, specialty pharmacy approval |
Download this cheat sheet as a PDF (link on the page) and keep it handy for your next appointment.
Conclusion
Imfinzi's list price can feel intimidating, but you're not powerless. By understanding the price drivers, leveraging insurance benefits, and tapping into the many copay and assistance programs available, you can often bring the outofpocket cost down to a manageable levelor even zero. Talk openly with your oncology team, explore the Access360 and PAN options, and keep this guide close as a roadmap.
If you've got questions, stories, or tips of your own, please share them in the comments. We're all in this together, and every piece of information helps someone else feel a little less stressed about the Imfinzi cost.
FAQs
How much does a single vial of Imfinzi cost without insurance?
Approximately $1,027 for the 2.4 ml (50 mg/mL) vial, based on Drugs.com. Prices may vary by pharmacy and region.
What is the typical annual out‑of‑pocket cost for a patient on Imfinzi?
When using co‑pay assistance, out‑of‑pocket can be as low as $0‑$5,000 per year. Paying cash without help usually runs $12,000‑$16,000 annually.
How does weight‑based dosing affect the price of Imfinzi?
Imfinzi is dosed at 10 mg per kilogram. Heavier patients often need two 500 mg vials per infusion, roughly doubling the drug cost compared with lighter patients who may use a single 2.4 ml vial.
Which assistance programs can help lower Imfinzi expenses?
AstraZeneca Access 360, AZ&Me savings, PAN Foundation grants, discount cards from sites like Drugs.com, and many specialty co‑pay programs can significantly reduce the amount you pay.
What should I ask my oncologist about Imfinzi cost?
Inquire about vial‑splitting options, eligibility for assistance programs, any prior‑auth requirements, and whether clinical trials are available that supply the drug at no charge.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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