Olaparib cost

[ElayneZ]

Hi - I’m shocked at the cost for Olaparib - (150mg - 4/day). I was notified today by the pharmacy that because it’s a Tier 5 drug the first month would be $2930 - and then just under $800 the following months. I sure hope I can find better price! Is that normal? Blessings!

[Liz9526]

That’s what I heard from someone in one of my support groups as well. The person mentioned that you can reach out to the drug maker directly and ask them to help with the cost. He was able to get the drug company to pay for his immunotherapy drugs which normally cost roughly the same as you mentioned.

Best of luck

Lz

[ElayneZ in reply to Liz9526]

Thank you! They are on the top of my “to call” list. It’s good to know that someone was able to get assistance with the cost. Thanks again!!

[Liz9526 in reply to ElayneZ]

The hospital or cancer center you are being treated may also offer financial help with the cost of some of these newer drugs. Worth checking it out too!

Best of luck!

Lz

[delia2]

Was that the specialty pharmacy you’d get it from? Did you ask them about financial assistance? Do you have insurance? Sorry for all the questions. Alternatively maybe you could get in a trial where they’re using it?

[ElayneZ in reply to delia2]

Hi - yes it was the specialty pharmacy that called and said it was approved and quoted those prices because I do have insurance. I made a couple calls and expect callbacks today. And I will call AstraZenaca today and ask about their assist program. I was shocked because none of the posts mentioned the cost. Thank you for responding. Take good care!

[delia2 in reply to ElayneZ]

There’s a PARP group on Facebook and people there talk about cost. This site is mostly UK people and they don’t have to worry about it.

[Pianoplayer731021]

Hi Elayne, my Zejula was 2,000 to start it and I am on a patient assistance program here in the U.S. These meds are pricey for sure. Hope that you get some financial help. Take care, Donna.

[ElayneZ in reply to Pianoplayer731021]

Thank you Donna. I’m hoping so too and working on that. Hope you are doing well on Zejula - and are ready for spring! Take good care!

[Pianoplayer731021 in reply to ElayneZ]

Hi, I was taken off from Zejula twice for a few breaks, because of low hemoglobin and now my liver enzymes are high. They are taking me off for a week and then have more blood work. Sometimes, I wonder about all this medicine that is going into our bodies. It’s like , will the cancer come back if I do take it or don’t. It’s like we are caught between a rock and a hard place. This cancer journey is something else. Take care, Donna 😊

[ElayneZ in reply to Pianoplayer731021]

I debated starting the parp for all those same reasons but decided to give it a try since there are so many encouraging posts about PARPs. If I’m not feeling well on it - I will stop it knowing I tried my best. Best thoughts to you that the breaks are all you needed!

[Pianoplayer731021 in reply to ElayneZ]

Thanks Elayne. I am 74 and it is quite the journey as I get older. I was diagnosed at 72 1/2. Felt lousy months before and finally they diagnosed me with OC stage 4 after my surgery. Yes, I started the parp in thinking I can always stop it too. Thanks for replying, hugs, Donna

[Sw21]

I’m in the U.S. Yes, parps are outrageously expensive. Retail price in U.S. is $495/pill. Nearly $15,000/ month. And they want you to take it until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. If you’re self insured very costly, if group insurance better, Medicare will cover,depending. A lot of us with ovarian cancer are too young for Medicare, at least at first. I so wish we had a better system. The drug companies really do hit us when we’re down.

Good luck with it

Stephanie

[ElayneZ in reply to Sw21]

Thank you! I agree with you! I do have Medicare and a Part D prescription plan but this drug is a Tier 5 drug. Ridiculous! Even if someone had oodles of money - the cost is too much. I am talking with an assist program through the drug mfg - hope to hear a positive decision from them this week. Blessings to you!