Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy has brought about significant improvements in the lives of numerous individuals dealing with autoimmune and immunodeficiency conditions. However, this treatment can be relatively expensive. For instance, a single IVIG infusion can cost anywhere from $100 to over $350 or more per gram.
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On average, the reported cost for IVIG treatment in the US is approximately $9,720, and if patients undergo 4 to 5 infusions per month, then it would cost them around $41,796 per month. Even though IVIG infusions offer hope and an improved quality of life, the financial aspect can be daunting for many patients and their families.
Therefore, if your healthcare provider prescribes IVIG therapy to you or your loved ones, it is important to be aware of the cost associated with IVIG infusion.
In this article, we have briefly highlighted the factors contributing to IVIG infusion costs and provided some strategies that can help manage the expenses associated with IVIG infusion.
What Makes IVIG Therapy an Expensive Treatment?
In order to create IVIG, thousands of donor plasmas must first be collected. These plasmas then go through a rigorous manufacturing and testing procedure to guarantee the product’s safety and effectiveness. This treatment is very costly due to the involved production process and strict quality control procedures.
Besides preparation costs, several other factors also increase the cost of IVIG infusion, which include:
- The type of condition being treated
- The brand of the medication
- Dosage requirements
- Treatment frequency (whether it is long-term or short-term)
- Healthcare facilities providing the service
These expenses encompass not only the medication itself but also include associated charges for medical supervision, equipment, and administration.
How Can You Reduce the Cost of IVIG Treatment?
Although IVIG therapy can be expensive, there are several strategies that you can use to manage IVIG expenses.
Check Insurance Coverage
Check your health insurance policy to see how much IVIG infusions are covered. Under certain medical circumstances, some insurance plans may only cover a fraction of the cost, while others may pay the full amount.
Explore Generic Alternatives
Generic equivalents are available, much like prescription medications. Consult your healthcare provider about using generic IVIG alternatives. These alternatives can significantly reduce costs while keeping the therapeutic benefits of the treatment.
Inquire About Patient Assistance Programs
Many pharmaceutical companies and nonprofit organizations offer patient assistance programs designed to lessen the financial burden of IVIG treatments. Typically, these programs extend grants, copay assistance, or alternative financial assistance options to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria.
Opt for Home Infusions
When appropriate, IVIG infusions administered at home can replace hospital or clinic treatments at a lower cost. Home infusions provide the comfort of familiar settings while significantly lowering facility expenses.
Discuss Treatment Options
Consult your healthcare provider for alternative treatment options or dosages that might be equally effective but more cost-effective.
Speak to a Specialist About Copay Assistance
How AmeriPharma™ Can Help
AmeriPharma™ understands how expensive treatment can impose a financial burden on patients. That’s why our commitment lies in assisting patients on their path to improved health. Our expertise lies in facilitating connections between individuals and appropriate patient assistance programs, copay support, and various avenues aimed at alleviating the financial burdens associated with medical expenses.
Accessing Financial Support
Please contact us to inquire about possible financial assistance programs. Our experienced team can guide you through the available options and help you navigate the path to affordable IVIG infusion.
Conclusion
Overall, the cost of IVIG treatment can be quite significant, but there are methods to reduce these costs. Exploring insurance coverage, researching financial assistance programs, and working with dedicated organizations like AmeriPharma™ can pave the way for affordable access to much-needed IVIG therapy. Always remember that your health and well-being come first, and there are tools available to help you throughout your healthcare journey.
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REFERENCES:
- Dangi-Garimella, S., PhD. (2022). Intravenous immunoglobulin: A quick look at treatment and insurance coverage. Patients Rising. https://www.patientsrising.org/intravenous-immunoglobulin-a-quick-look-at-treatment-and-insurance-coverage/
- Burt, R. K., Tappenden, P., Balabanov, R., Han, X., Quigley, K., Snowden, J. A., & Sharrack, B. (2021). The Cost Effectiveness of Immunoglobulin vs. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for CIDP. Frontiers in Neurology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2021.645263
- Huang F, Feuille E, Cunningham-Rundles C. (2013). Home care use of intravenous and subcutaneous immunoglobulin for primary immunodeficiency in the United States. J Clin Immunol. 33(1):49-54. doi: 10.1007/s10875-012-9776-y.
- Ritchie, B., Martins, K. J., Tran, D. T., Blain, H., Richer, L., & Klarenbach, S. W. (2022). Economic impact of self-administered subcutaneous versus clinic-administered intravenous immunoglobulin G therapy in Alberta, Canada: a population-based cohort study. Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, 18(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13223-022-00735-6
- Blackhouse, G., Gaebel, K., Xie, F., Campbell, K., Assasi, N., Tarride, J. E., … & Goeree, R. (2010). Cost-utility of Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) compared with corticosteroids for the treatment of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) in Canada. Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation, 8(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1186/1478-7547-8-14
This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about your medical condition prior to starting any new treatment. AmeriPharma Specialty Care assumes no liability whatsoever for the information provided or for any diagnosis or treatment made as a result, nor is it responsible for the reliability of the content.
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Dr. Martina Mikail, PharmD was born in Egypt and raised in Pennsylvania and California. She graduated from Marshall B. Ketchum University in May 2022. Dr. Mikail is a recipent of the USPS Leadership Award and the CSHP Leadership Award, and is an active member of CSHP, ASHP, and APhA. The most rewarding part of her job is educating patients and counseling them on medications. In her free time, she likes to cook, spend time with family, and read.