.jpg)
Among the most disputable prostate cancer drugs in the United States, enzalutamide under the trademark Xtandi is highly priced, having a high disparity from its price in other countries. In the present article, the essayist considers different prices of enzalutamide in the United States for the possible savings the patient can make with the continued efforts towards the making of this medication more affordable.
What Is Enzalutamide?
It is a drug used to treat a disease such as metastatic castration-resistant cancer of the prostate. It inhibits the signal transduction effect of the androgen receptor in the prostate. Although it is effective, money now becomes an obstacle for both patients and health providers.
Price Overview
In the United States alone, the cost of enzalutamide may be quite varied. A single 40 mg capsule may cost **$66** on the Federal Supply Schedule and **$100** at more than retail price. As of January 2022, the AWP was estimated at about **$130 per capsule**, which works out to an annual cost of treatment of roughly **$189,900** for a typical course of treatment. In rather striking comparison, patients in places such as Japan and Canada pay significantly less, at prices around **$21.64** and **$22.30** per capsule, respectively.
Financial Burden on Patients
Its highly excessive price in the US market would therefore imply exorbitant out-of-pocket costs on its consumption. A study indicates that the median annual out-of-pocket costs which enzalutamide users incur could go as high as **$11,626**, while a large proportion of its costs falls in the upper range of **$9,854 to $13,061**. This will considerably interfere with the quality of life and adherence to treatment in a significant number of patients.
There is a Possibility of Savings Despite the hefty prices, there exist ways through which patients can save their money. By comparing the costs among the various Medicare Part D drug plans, for instance, the patient would be in a position to save all the way up to **$2,512 annually** on enzalutamide. The top tools, such as Medicare Part D Plan Finder, allow one to find the most affordable options available to the patients.
Advocate for the Reduction of Prices
In the case of the drug, both legislator and advocacy groups have been working on a change in its affordability due to its super high price. A coalition of U.S. lawmakers, in 2021, urged the Biden administration to take action on patent laws and cut the cost of the drug. They added that the federal government must exercise its "march-in" rights under the Bayh-Dole Act to enable sales of generic versions of enzalutamide. In answering, in March 2023, NIH denied this request based on the availability of the drug already being so high and that march-in authority would not serve as an effective way to bring the prices down.
Patient Assistance Programs
Support for XTANDI patients at a reduced out-of-pocket cost, the XTANDI Patient Savings Program helps commercially insured, eligible patients to pay as little as **$0** for every prescription. There may be other financial assistance programs and resources available to patients that can help with treatment costs.
Conclusion
The steep prices of enzalutamide, especially in the United States, pose a big obstruction to patients suffering from prostate cancer. Although many such costs are partly offset by specific advocacy efforts and patient assistance programs, there is still more work ahead to ensure easy access to this lifesaving treatment for all patients. For example, some of the ways these may help a person better negotiate the financial burden in treating prostate cancer are cost comparisons, patient advocacy, and available savings programs.
Comments