Skip to main content
Drug Info

How much is Nucala without insurance?

The list price of Nucala may seem high, but there are ways to make it more affordable
Gerardo Sison medical writer headshot
By | Aug. 6, 2024
An autoinjector: How much is Nucala without insurance?

Key takeaways

  • Nucala is used to treat severe eosinophilic asthma and other eosinophilic conditions, improving symptoms and quality of life.

  • The list price of Nucala is about $3,689 per dose, but actual costs may vary depending on insurance and pharmacy.

  • No generic version of Nucala is available; a biosimilar may be available after the patent expires in 2033.

  • Insurance coverage for Nucala varies; some plans may require prior authorization and out-of-pocket costs.

In this article:

Nucala (mepolizumab) is a prescription drug used for the maintenance treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma. It is also approved for other eosinophilic conditions, such as hypereosinophilic syndrome and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. This medication targets white blood cells called eosinophils to relieve asthma symptoms and improve quality of life. Nucala is administered via subcutaneous injection.

According to the manufacturer, the list price of Nucala is around $3,689 for a single dose. The price of Nucala can vary depending on the pharmacy and the specific dosage form, such as an autoinjector or prefilled syringe. Therefore, the listed price isn’t what most people end up paying. Still, there are various options to help manage Nucala’s costs.

Is there a generic for Nucala?

Nucala is a brand-name biologic medication manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). It contains the active ingredient mepolizumab. The patent for Nucala is estimated to expire in 2033, when a biosimilar version may be made available. 

Biologics differ from typical medications. They’re made from living organisms, which makes creating exact generic versions, called biosimilars, challenging. Because Nucala is a biologic drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), any potential biosimilar must also undergo strict FDA approval.

Is Nucala covered by insurance?

Health insurance plans may cover Nucala. However, coverage can vary based on the specific insurance provider and plan. Many insurance companies may require prior authorization, meaning your healthcare provider must confirm that Nucala is medically necessary for your treatment.

Medicare Part D plans may cover Nucala. Always verify the formulary coverage with your specific plan to confirm details. Even with insurance coverage, you may be responsible for out-of-pocket costs, such as a copay or coinsurance. 

Whether you have commercial insurance or Medicare, you can verify coverage for Nucala by contacting your insurance provider for additional information. 

How much does Nucala cost without insurance?

The cost of Nucala without insurance can vary depending on the dosage and quantity prescribed, among other factors. A one-month supply of a single-dose 100 mg/ml autoinjector or prefilled syringe generally falls around $3,689 or more. However, this is the list price that the manufacturer sets. Individuals may pay more or less depending on their pharmacy, insurance coverage and the use of savings options. 

As Nucala is typically administered once a month, the yearly cost could be around $44,000. The price is higher for individuals who take a higher dosage monthly.

In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend an alternative to Nucala if cost is a major concern. Depending on the condition being treated, various options are available. These options may come in generic forms that are usually cheaper than their brand-name counterparts. They may also come as an oral tablet, which some people may prefer over injections.

RELATED: Fasenra vs. Nucala: Differences, similarities & side effects

Nucala is a limited-distribution drug that may only be available at certain specialty pharmacies. You can ask your healthcare provider or check the manufacturer’s website for a list of pharmacies that participate in the specialty pharmacy network for Nucala.
Drug name Price without insurance of brand-name drug SingleCare price Savings options
Nucala (mepolizumab) $3,689 per 1, 100 mg/ml autoinjector or prefilled syringe This medication is only available at specialty pharmacies and may not be able to be purchased with a SingleCare coupon See latest prices
Fasenra (benralizumab) $7,715 per 1, 1 ml of 30 mg/ml syringe $5,575 per 1, 1 ml of 30 mg/ml syringe See latest prices
Cinqair (reslizumab) $3,615 per 3, 10 ml of 100 mg/10 ml vial  $3,207 per 3, 10 ml of 100 mg/10 ml vial See latest prices
Dupixent (dupilumab) $5,149 per 2, 2 ml of 300 mg/2 ml pen $3,603 per 2, 2 ml of 300 mg/2 ml pen See latest prices
Xolair (omalizumab) $4,018 per 2, 1 ml of 150 mg/ml syringe $2,728 per 2, 1 ml of 150 mg/ml syringe See latest prices
Gleevec (imatinib) $12,262 per 30, 400 mg tablets $81 per 30, 400 mg tablets See latest prices
Flonase (fluticasone) $19 per 1, 9.9 ml of 50 mcg/act bottle $10 per 1, 16 gm of 50 mcg/act bottle See latest prices
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see the latest drug prices.

How to get Nucala without insurance

Paying for brand-name medications like Nucala without insurance may be difficult, but several options can make it more affordable. You may be able to find different programs and discount plans to potentially save on the cost of Nucala. 

1. Use a SingleCare discount card

A SingleCare discount card may help lower your Nucala costs. For example, with a SingleCare card, you could save up to 80% on prescription drugs at participating pharmacies. There are no enrollment or eligibility requirements to use a SingleCare card. Check with your pharmacy to see if they will accept a SingleCare discount card when purchasing your medication.

2. Apply for the Nucala Copay Program

GSK offers a Nucala Copay Program for commercially insured individuals. If eligible, you could pay as little as $0 per month for Nucala. You can apply online.

3. Discuss alternatives with a healthcare professional

Generic options are often cheaper alternatives to brand-name drugs. However, no generic or biosimilar alternative to Nucala is currently available. Therefore, you may want to consult your healthcare provider for medical advice and to explore possible alternative treatments. While these may not be biosimilar medications, they may be more affordable options for treating severe asthma.

RELATED: Nucala vs. Dupixent

4. Compare pharmacy prices 

Prices for Nucala can vary between pharmacies. Comparing costs at different locations, including certain specialty pharmacies and mail-order ones, may allow you to find better prices. That way, you can get the lowest possible price for the medication.

RELATED: Nucala savings tips