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Key takeaways
Opzelura is a unique, prescription-only topical cream for atopic dermatitis and vitiligo. It is classified as a Janus-associated kinase inhibitor and is currently the only topical medication in this class.
Opzelura has no generic version and may cost more than other medications used to treat vitiligo and dermatitis. However, there are ways to save on the out-of-pocket price, including a free coupon provided by SingleCare.
If Opzelura is not your best choice, you should seek medical advice to understand other therapies for treating atopic dermatitis and vitiligo. We’ve included a few suggestions to discuss with your healthcare provider if Opzelura isn’t right.
Opzelura is a topical prescription medication intended to treat certain skin conditions. It is available as a cream containing 1.5% of its active ingredient, ruxolitinib, a Janus Kinase inhibitor (JAK inhibitor). Opzelura is considered an immunomodulating agent and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating nonsegmental vitiligo and short-term treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. Vitiligo is a condition where pigment-producing skin cells die, resulting in a loss of skin color. Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, can range in severity. Opzelura is an option for treating mild to moderate cases in people with normal immune systems, especially when other treatments haven’t been effective. Depending on eligibility and conditions, Opzelura may or may not be covered by your insurance plan. Without insurance, Opzelura has a retail price of $2,755. Fortunately, you can save significantly by utilizing a coupon from SingleCare, which allows you to access your Opzelura prescription for as low as $1,988.
Related: Opzelura dosage
What is the generic for Opzelura?
The FDA approved Opzelura in July 2022. However, a generic version isn’t available yet, and due to the patent held by Incyte Dermatology, the makers of Opzelura, it could be many years before one is available.
Is Opzelura covered by insurance?
Opzelura coverage by insurance plans or Medicare Part D will vary by plan. Coverage may depend on prior authorizations or other factors. Your out-of-pocket responsibility will be subject to factors such as deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket limitations. Your insurance plan will be able to provide more specific information on your coverage for Opzelura. The makers of Opzelura may offer additional savings through an Opzelura copay savings card for eligible patients. Some insurance plans do not qualify for these savings, including those insured by Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare,
How much does Opzelura cost without insurance?
Your cost with insurance coverage will vary by plan. The uninsured retail price for Opzelura patients is $2,755 for a 60 gm tube of the 1.5% cream. The duration of this tube will vary for each person, ranging from several weeks to months, depending on the size of the treated skin area. Those who must refill Opzelura more frequently will have significant out-of-pocket costs annually, so it is important to get the best price available. SingleCare offers an Opzelura coupon that will help you compare prices at participating pharmacies and help you feel comfortable paying the best available price for Opzelura. Unfortunately, there are no generic alternatives to Opzelura at this time. However, you can talk to your healthcare professional about other treatment options that might suit you better. Opzelura is currently the only FDA-approved topical JAK inhibitor on the market, but other non-steroidal topicals can be used in vitiligo and dermatitis.
It is important to understand how Opzelura compares to other therapies that treat atopic dermatitis and vitiligo. While price is one consideration, other factors to Opzelura therapy may need to be considered. Opzelura should be used cautiously in patients with anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, or compromised immune systems. Prescribers should weigh risks versus benefits. Opzelura has been linked to increased tonsillitis, nasopharyngitis, and respiratory infections. Opzelura is only approved in patients 12 years of age and older. Other medical conditions that may increase the risks and side effects of Opzelura therapy include:
- Patients with pre-existing liver or hepatic disease (Those with hepatitis B or hepatitis C should not use Opzelura)
- Patients with pre-existing renal or kidney disease
- Immunocompromised patients who are at a higher risk of serious infections
- Janus Kinase inhibitors have been linked to lymphoma and other types of new primary cancers. Patients using Opzelura should have any new skin lesions evaluated, as the risk of developing skin cancer may be higher.
It is recommended to consult the important safety information provided by the manufacturer. You can also find that and prescribing information here: Opzelura Medication Guide.
| Compare Opzelura prices to related drugs | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance of brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Opzelura
(ruxolitinib) |
$2755 per 1, 60 gm 1.5% tube | $1988 per 1, 60 gm 1.5% tube of brand-name Opzelura | See latest prices |
| Elidel | $400 per 30 gm, 1% cream | $85 per 30 gm, 1% cream of the generic pimecrolimus | See latest prices |
| Protopic | $317 per 30 gm, 0.1% ointment | $34 per 30 gm, 0.1% ointment of generic tacrolimus | See latest prices |
| Zoryve
(roflumilast) |
$1162 per 60 gm, 0.3% cream | $872 per 60 gm, 0.3% cream of brand Zoryve | See latest prices |
| Synalar | $797 per 120 gm, 0.025% ointment | $38 per 60 gm, 0.025% ointment of generic fluocinolone | See latest prices |
| Ultravate
(halobetasol) |
$1168 per 60 ml, 0.05% solution | $949 per 60 ml, 0.05% solution of brand Ultravate | 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 “Savings options” link to see the latest drug prices.
How to get Opzelura without insurance
Paying for Opzelura without insurance can be costly, but fortunately, there may be ways to avoid paying the full retail price. While the manufacturer may offer a copay savings program, only some are eligible for these savings or the patient assistance programs. Here are some suggestions for saving money on the price of Opzelura:
- Visit SingleCare.com for a free Opzelura coupon. This coupon can provide significant savings (up to $700) and lets you know which of your local pharmacies will give you the best price. This eliminates the need to go from pharmacy to pharmacy to price compare.
- Speak to your prescriber and ask if they have samples provided by the manufacturer. It may be preferable to try a small amount from a sample before you choose to pay for Opzelura out of pocket, and it could prevent you from spending if you don’t feel it is the right product for you.
- If you think you may qualify for subsidized insurance plans or Medicaid, work with your local authorities to apply. These plans may provide coverage for Opzelura and cover some or all of your costs.
Sources
- Vitiligo: Diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (2024)
- Atopic dermatitis treatment, symptoms & causes, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (2024)
- FDA approves topical treatment addressing repigmentation in vitiligo in patients aged 12 and older, www.fda.gov (2022)
- Opzelura, www.opzelura.com (2024)
