Trelegy is a prescription medication used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both, and to treat asthma in adults. It is a combination medication that contains three active ingredients: fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium, and vilanterol.
Fluticasone furoate is a corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation in the airways. Umeclidinium is an anticholinergic medication that helps to relax the muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe. Vilanterol is a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist that helps to open the airways, making it easier to breathe and reducing symptoms of COPD.
Trelegy is typically prescribed as a once-daily inhalation powder that is taken using the Ellipta inhaler device. The medication is delivered directly to the lungs, where it works to improve breathing and reduce symptoms of COPD.
How Much Does Trelegy Cost?
The cost of Trelegy can vary depending on several factors, including the dosage, the pharmacy where it is purchased, and the patient’s insurance coverage. According to GoodRx, the average retail price of Trelegy ranges from $620 to $680 for a 30-day supply.
However, patients with insurance may be able to obtain Trelegy at a lower cost. Many insurance plans offer coverage for prescription medications, including Trelegy, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients. Patients should check with their insurance provider to see what their coverage options are for Trelegy.
Additionally, the manufacturer of Trelegy, GlaxoSmithKline, offers a savings program for eligible patients. The Trelegy Ellipta Savings Card can help eligible patients to save up to $240 on their out-of-pocket costs for Trelegy. Patients can check their eligibility for the program and download a savings card on the manufacturer’s website.
It’s important to note that the cost of Trelegy can vary depending on the individual’s situation, and patients should discuss any concerns about the cost of the medication with their healthcare provider.
Why is Trelegy So expensive?
The high cost of Trelegy is due to several factors, including the cost of research and development, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution. Developing and testing new medications is a complex and expensive process that can take many years and cost billions of dollars. The cost of these investments is typically reflected in the price of the medication.
In addition, Trelegy contains three active ingredients, each of which is itself a complex medication. Combining these medications into one inhaler adds to the manufacturing and production costs, which can also contribute to the higher price.
Finally, the cost of Trelegy may be influenced by the competitive landscape for COPD medications. There are several other COPD medications on the market, and manufacturers may set the price of their products based on the prices of similar medications.
While the high cost of Trelegy may make it difficult for some patients to access the medication, it is important to note that there are savings programs and insurance coverage options available that may help to reduce the out-of-pocket cost for eligible patients. Patients should discuss their options for accessing Trelegy with their healthcare provider and explore potential savings programs or insurance coverage options that may be available to them.
Is There A Cheaper Alternative To Trelegy?
Yes, there are several alternative medications available that may be less expensive than Trelegy. However, it is important to note that these medications may not be identical to Trelegy and may not be suitable for all patients with COPD. Patients should discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate medication for their individual needs.
Some potential alternatives to Trelegy include:
1. Anoro Ellipta: Anoro Ellipta is a combination medication that contains umeclidinium and vilanterol, two of the active ingredients in Trelegy. It is typically taken once daily using the Ellipta inhaler device, similar to Trelegy. Anoro Ellipta may be less expensive than Trelegy, with an average retail price of around $520 for a 30-day supply.
2. Advair Diskus: Advair Diskus is a combination medication that contains fluticasone propionate and salmeterol. While it does not contain umeclidinium, it may be a less expensive option for patients who do not need this specific active ingredient. Advair Diskus is typically taken twice daily using a Diskus inhaler device and has an average retail price of around $420 for a 30-day supply.
3. Symbicort: Symbicort is a combination medication that contains budesonide and formoterol. It is typically taken twice daily using a Turbohaler inhaler device and may be a less expensive alternative to Trelegy, with an average retail price of around $300 for a 30-day supply.
It is important to note that the cost of these alternative medications may vary depending on the dosage, the pharmacy where they are purchased, and the patient’s insurance coverage. Patients should discuss their options with their healthcare provider and check with their insurance provider to determine the most cost-effective option for their individual needs.
What Are The Available Discount Programs For Trelegy?
The manufacturer of Trelegy, GlaxoSmithKline, offers a savings program for eligible patients called the Trelegy Ellipta Savings Card. This program can help eligible patients to save up to $240 on their out-of-pocket costs for Trelegy.
To be eligible for the program, patients must meet certain criteria, including being a resident of the United States or Puerto Rico, having a valid prescription for Trelegy, and not being enrolled in any state or federally-funded programs that cover the cost of prescription medications, such as Medicare or Medicaid.
Patients can check their eligibility for the program and download a savings card on the manufacturer’s website. The savings card can be used at participating pharmacies to receive a discount on the out-of-pocket cost for Trelegy. The card can be used for up to 12 prescription fills and must be presented at the time of purchase.
It’s important to note that the savings card cannot be used in conjunction with any other insurance, including Medicare or Medicaid. Patients should also be aware that the savings card only applies to the out-of-pocket cost for Trelegy and does not cover the cost of any other medications or healthcare expenses. Patients should discuss their eligibility for the savings program with their healthcare provider and explore all of their options for accessing Trelegy at a lower cost. ALSO READ: Is There A Cheaper Alternative To Tradjenta
