Why Is Xiidra So Expensive?
Xiidra is a brand name for a generic 5% Lifitegrast Ophthalmic Solution. It is the first and only prescription, non-steroidal eye drop that got US FDA approval in 2016 for the treatment of signs and symptoms of dry eye disease in adults aged above 17 years.
Xiidra may not be effective for everyone, but it can work for you. You can ask your eye doctor if it’s right for you. To know more about Xiidra, keep reading this post. This article lays special attention on the cost of Xiidra and answers the most frequently asked question: Why is Xiidra So Expensive?
What is Xiidra used for?
Transient eye dryness caused by minor issues can be mitigated with the use of artificial tears. But, if one has chronic dry eyes, treatment is required with anti-inflammatory agents- LFA-1 antagonists. Xiidra is an LFA-1 antagonist prescribed to reduce persistent dry eye symptoms in adults.
Dry eye disease is a quite common chronic eye condition that can be pretty annoying and interfere with one’s daily life activities. There are many causative and risk factors of this disease including the use of antihistamine medications, aging, prolonged screen time, wearing contact lenses, living in an environment with low humidity, and hormonal changes.
Dry eye disease may be a progressive eye problem associated with symptoms like itchiness, dryness, grittiness, irritation, burning, stinging, aching eyes, and feeling as if something is there in the eyes. If these symptoms persist for long, inflammation in the eye may be put to blame. Xiidra targets the source of inflammation in the eye and helps provide long-lasting relief of symptoms of dry eye disease. The patients can get relief in as little as 2 weeks to up to 12 weeks with continued daily use, twice a day.
Have you been prescribed Xiidra but find it expensive? Our extensive guide will reveal Why is Xiidra So Expensive in detail.
How does Xiidra work?
Xiidra belongs to the pharmacological class of Ophthalmic Anti-inflammatory agents and LFA-1 (Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1) antagonists. It works to prevent LFA-1, present on the surface of lymphocytes (a kind of blood cell), from binding to ICAM-1 (a type of adhesion molecule). ICAM (Intracellular Adhesion Molecule 1), also known as CD54 (Cluster of Differentiation 54) is a protein encoded by the ICAM-1 gene. It may be overexpressed in conjunctival and corneal tissues in people suffering from dry eye disease.
The interaction between LFA-1 andICAM-1 leads to the activation of immune system T-cells and migration and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, resulting in inflammation in the cornea and conjunctiva of the eyes. Xiidra blocks this interaction and improves symptoms of dry eye disease.
Xiidra Cost:
As with all medications, the amount of money that needs to be paid on the purchase of Xiidra can vary among patients. Many factors decide the cost of Xiidra. These include the chosen pharmacy, unique treatment plan, insurance coverage, and whether there is the availability of a financial assistance/savings program for Xiidra. To know what the Xiidra cost is for you, speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
The cost of Xiidra is generally more than the Lifitegrast Ophthalmic Solution. Learn about Why is Xiidra So Expensive and what it costs without insurance in the next section.
How much does Xiidra cost without insurance?
Generally, Xiidra’s cost is higher in cases where the purchaser does not have any insurance plan covering the cost of Xiidra. The price of Xiidra without insurance listed for a 30-day supply on the official website of Xiidra is $633.75. If you want to know the reason behind the high cost of Xiidra, or “Why is Xiidra So Expensive“, read the full blog.”
Novartis, the manufacturer of Xiidra, knows very well that the price is an important consideration and pricing of the drug can be complex. As per Novartis, some people with partial insurance coverage or without insurance are eligible to purchase Xiidra free of cost from the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation. One can make a purchase of Xiidra at the best price with OffshoreCheapMeds. The experts will guide you with the best details on its purchase.
How much is Xiidra with insurance?
Xiidra’s cost with insurance is very low. For those who are experiencing financial hardship, having insurance coverage for Xiidra is the best. Novartis ensures that Xiidra is covered by the majority of commercial insurance plans for patients. Move on to the main next section of the article, “Why Is Xiidra So Expensive”.
Why Is Xiidra So Expensive?
Xiidra is very expensive because it is a brand-name medication without any generic alternative versions available to date. Any brand-name drug costs more than a generic drug.
Here are the reasons why is Xiidra so Expensive as a brand-name medication:
The Research and Development (R&D):
Xiidra is sold as a brand-name medication by Novartis. This means it needs to go through years of clinical drug research and testing to ensure its safety and efficacy for its users. To recoup the R&D costs, the manufacturer of Xiidra (Novartis) quotes a high price for Xiidra until the patent term ends and before the generic version of the drug is available in the market.
Complicated patent laws on brand-name drugs:
According to the pharmaceutical patent laws, companies other than the manufacturing and trading company of the drug, cannot sell the generic version of the drug until the patent expires. This allowance was given by the US government to pharmaceutical companies to let them make up for their R&D investments.
The other reason why is Xiidra so Expensive is that the patent of a brand-name drug like Xiidra expires in 20 years. Thereafter, other drug-makers can make generic versions of Xiidra which can increase competition in the market between Xiidra and other drugs having the same active ingredient as Xiidra. The competition in the drug market and less need for clinical studies for generic drugs will result in a significant reduction in price as compared to Xiidra, thereby providing more affordable access to the medication.
Unregulated pricing for pharmaceuticals:
In the United States, pharmaceutical pricing is not regulated. This means the pharmaceutical companies can set high costs of Xiidra at their discretion without any regulation. Depending upon the demand and location where it is being sold, Xiidra’s price may vary.
To buy the Xiidra medicines at the best cost, contact the best online pharmacy, OffshoreCheapMeds.
FAQs:
How long does Xiidra stay in your system?
Xiidra is an ophthalmic solution that is not expected to mix in the patients’ blood in large amounts. This means it is designed to provide minimal systemic absorption which reduces the risk of systemic side effects. Generally, Xiidra is rapidly eliminated from the body within hours of its use, mostly with the passing of urine. It is unlikely to stay in the patient’s body for a long period.
How long does it take for Xiidra to work?
After one starts taking Xiidra, it may take a few weeks to get relief from symptoms of dry eyes. As per some clinical studies done by manufacturers on Xiidra, some patients begin to experience relief from dry eyes at 2 weeks. However, some patients may take 6-12 weeks to notice full effects. After 12 weeks of continued twice-daily use of Xiidra, an eye exam can be conducted by an eye doctor to see if Xiidra has worked to reduce the signs and symptoms of dry eyes.
What are the side effects of Xiidra?
Xiidra may cause minor to serious side effects. The common side effects include eye discomfort or irritation, an unusual/unpleasant taste, and blurred vision. The serious side effects include troubled breathing, fever, toothache, hives, swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue; runny/stuffy nose, headache, and pain in the areas of sinuses. The users of Xiidra must stop using the medication and get prompt medical attention from an eye doctor if experiencing serious side effects.
How long do Xiidra’s side effects last?
The side effects of Xiidra can vary in its severity and how long they last. Common side effects are usually temporary and may resolve in a few days to weeks. If the side effects are severe, bothering, or persist for long, the patient must see an eye doctor or talk to a pharmacist as soon as possible.
How to get Xiidra cheaper?
The best way is to use OffshoreCheapMeds to get Xiidra delivered to the doorstep. This way, the additional cost of visiting offline pharmacies to buy Xiidra is no longer there. Moreover, the users can get an additional benefit of rebates upon filling in their prescription for Xiidra. We hope your doubt about why is Xiidra so expensive is cleared.