How Much Is Darzalex Without Insurance?

Biosimilar availability

As mentioned, Darzalex is a biologic medication. Biologics don’t have traditional generics. Instead, they can have biosimilars, which are highly similar (but not identical) to the original (reference) biologic.

Darzalex and Darzalex Faspro are only available as reference biologics This can play a role in their high cost. A lower-cost biosimilar option isn’t likely to be available until after 2029, when Darzalex’s patent expires.

Dosage frequency and dosage form

How often you receive Darzelex can make a difference in the cost of your treatment. In most cases, you’ll start with weekly doses before moving to a dose once every 2 to 4 weeks. So your costs may be higher during the first 6 to 8 weeks of treatment.

How much you pay for Darzalex may also vary based on what form you’re prescribed (the infusion or the Darzalex Faspro injection). Darzalex vials for IV infusions typically cost less than Darzalex Faspro injections. But the Darzalex infusion requires more equipment, monitoring, and time than Darzalex Faspro, which may come with additional costs.

Location

Where you live can influence how much you pay for Darzalex. For instance, prices for prescription medications are generally lower in Tampa, Florida, than in New York City, according to GoodRx research.

Insurance coverage

If you have insurance coverage, how much you pay for Darzalex will depend on where it’s placed within your plan’s formulary (list of covered medications). Most insurance plans have tiers, or levels, within their formulary. Lower-tier medications typically have a lower copay, while higher-tier medications typically have a higher copay.

Your plan’s formulary should be available online, or you can call the number on the back of your prescription insurance card. Checking your plan details ahead of time can help you avoid unexpected costs.

Some plans may also require:

• Prior authorization, which requires your prescriber to provide information explaining why Darzalex is medically necessary for you.

• Step therapy, which requires you to try a lower-cost alternative or explain why it isn’t an option for you before they’ll cover Darzalex.

• Use of a specific specialty pharmacy to access your medication.

Keep in mind that Darzalex may be covered under your medical insurance instead of your prescription insurance in some cases. That’s because it's administered in a healthcare setting. The costs involved can vary depending on what type of coverage you have. You may pay a flat fee or a percentage of a visit’s cost, for example. You can usually find this information online or by calling the customer service number on the back of your insurance card.

1. See if you qualify for a copay savings card

If you have commercial insurance, the J&J withMe savings program can reduce your cost to as little as $5 per dose of Darzalex or Darzalex Faspro. This program has an annual maximum benefit limit that may change from year to year.

To be eligible, you must have commercial insurance. Those with government-funded insurance, such as Medicare or Medicaid, aren’t eligible for this savings program. This program only covers out-of-pockets costs for the medication itself. It doesn’t cover administration costs.

You can enroll in the J&J withMe program online or by calling 1-833-565-9631.

2. Manufacturer’s patient assistance program

If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to receive Darzalex at no cost for up to 1 year through Johnson & Johnson’s patient assistance program. To be eligible you must:

• Be uninsured or have insurance that doesn’t cover Darzalex (including government-funded insurance)

• Live in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands

• Meet income eligibility requirements (typically equal to or less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level)

• Be ineligible for Medicare Extra Help

You can enroll in this program online or by calling 1-833-742-0791. Your prescriber will also need to complete enrollment paperwork on your behalf.

3. Independent patient assistance programs

Independent patient assistance programs are also available to help reduce the costs of your cancer treatment. Examples include:

• Accessia Health

• Blood Cancer United

• CancerCare

• PAN Foundation

• The Patient Advocate Foundation

Be aware that each program has its own eligibility and enrollment requirements, and program availability may vary.

4. Tap into your HSA, FSA, or HRA

If you have a health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), you can use it to help cover your out-of-pocket costs for Darzalex. These tax-advantaged healthcare accounts let you pay for eligible expenses with tax-free dollars.

Pay for your medication directly with your HSA or FSA card, or cover the cost yourself and submit a request for reimbursement. The funds in HSAs and HRAs typically roll over annually, but you have to use FSA dollars before the deadline or they’ll expire.

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Written by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Arnisha Carter, PharmD, BCPS

Arnisha Carter, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist in Florida. She’s worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and began writing for GoodRx in 2024.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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