Udenyca (pegfilgrastim-cbqv) is a biosimilar injectable solution prescribed to help prevent infection during chemotherapy. The medication is available as the brand-name drug Neulasta. The cost of Udenyca, with and without insurance, can depend on several factors.

Udenyca comes in three dosage forms for injection under the skin:

  • single-dose prefilled auto-injector
  • single-dose prefilled syringe
  • single-dose prefilled syringe with an additional on-body injector

Keep reading to learn about the cost of Udenyca and how to save money on your prescription. For general information about the drug, see this in-depth Udenyca article.

As with all medications, the cost of Udenyca can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use.

Depending on the form of Udenyca you receive, the cost will also depend on the cost of the visit to your healthcare professional to receive doses of Udenyca. With some forms, you can give yourself doses at home after your doctor shows you how. (To learn more about how Udenyca is given, see this comprehensive Udenyca dosage article.)

To find out what the cost of Udenyca will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Udenyca contains the active ingredient pegfilgrastim-cbqv.* Udenyca is a biosimilar version of the brand-name drug Neulasta (pegfilgrastim). A biosimilar medication is a drug that’s similar to a brand-name biologic drug (the parent drug). Biosimilars are like generic drugs, which are made for nonbiologic drugs.

If your doctor has prescribed Udenyca and you’re interested in trying Neulasta instead, talk with your doctor. They may prefer one version or the other. You’ll also need to check with your insurance provider, as it may cover only one or the other.

To find out how the cost of this brand-name drug compares with the cost of Udenyca, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. You can also refer to this article on Neulasta and cost.

* The reason “-cbqv” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to show that the drug is distinct from similar medications.

If you receive Udenyca long term, you may be able to lower its cost in the following ways.

Getting a 3-month supply

If you self-inject Udenyca at home, you may be able to get a 90-day supply of Udenyca. If approved by your insurance company (or the pharmacy filling your prescription), getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Using a mail-order pharmacy

Udenyca may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this type of service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to receive your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug via mail order.

If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need financial support to pay for Udenyca, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. For example:

  • A program called Udenyca Solutions is available for Udenyca. For more information and to find out whether you’re eligible for support, call 844-483-3692 or visit the program website.
  • Some websites provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services. Two such websites are:

Learn more about saving money on prescriptions with or without insurance.

Below is information you may want to consider if you have insurance and receive Udenyca.

Prior authorization: If you have insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers Udenyca. This means the company and your doctor will discuss Udenyca in regard to your treatment. The insurance company will then determine whether the medication is covered.

If a drug requires prior authorization, but you start treatment without the prior approval, you could pay the full cost of the medication. You can ask your insurance company whether Udenyca requires prior authorization.

Type of insurance coverage: Udenyca prefilled syringe is given by your doctor or another healthcare professional. Your doctor also needs to set up the Udenyca on-body injection system during an office visit. If you have insurance, the price of your Udenyca doses may be billed through your medical coverage instead of the prescription drug portion of your insurance plan. This depends on your specific insurance plan and where you receive your Udenyca doses, such as at your doctor’s office, an infusion clinic, or a hospital.

If you have questions about this process, contact your doctor or your insurance provider.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.