10 Expensive Medications Worth Their Cost
Cheap and effective generic medications are available for most common medical conditions. But sometimes a more expensive, brand-name medication is a better option for you.
Your insurance may require a prior authorization before it will cover costly medications—particularly newer ones. This process can be a time-consuming, frustrating roadblock. But here are 10 high-priced drugs that many primary care doctors believe are worth the extra time and money.
1) Jardiance for diabetes
Jardiance is a pill that lowers blood sugar when taken alone or in conjunction with metformin or other “standard care” for diabetes.
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Why fight for it? Jardiance became a game changer when it was found to lower the risk of death from heart disease in people with type 2 diabetes. Oh, and it helps with weight loss.
2) Synthroid for hypothyroidism
Synthroid is one of the most commonly prescribed brand-name medications in the U.S. It is used to treat hypothyroidism.
Why fight for it? While there has been considerable controversy about the similarity between Synthroid and levothyroxine (cheaper generic), it is preferable to stay with one or the other when possible. The American Thyroid Association and The Endocrine Society both recommend that people with hypothyroidism remain on Synthroid if it was initially prescribed.
3) Harvoni for hepatitis C
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common cause of liver disease and a frequent reason for liver transplants. HCV is now curable thanks to Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir), a medication that contains two antiviral medicines in a single tablet. Harvoni spares people the difficult and less effective interferon drugs that were previously used to treat HCV.
Why fight for it? There are seven genotypes or strains of HCV. More than 70% of HCV infections in the U.S. are caused by genotype 1, and in clinical trials, Harvoni was very good at treating genotype 1 infections (cure rates as high as 99%). So the medication is a key player in the hepatitis C fight.
4) Truvada for the prevention of HIV
Truvada is a medication taken once daily for the prevention of HIV. It is often referred to as “Truvada for PrEP,” where PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis.
Why fight for it? Almost 37 million people worldwide are infected with HIV, and Truvada works to prevent HIV infection in uninfected, high-risk people. Truvada for PrEP lowers the risk of HIV infection from sex by more than 90% and lowers the risk of infection from IV drug use by more than 70%.
5) Advair or Symbicort for asthma and COPD
Advair and Symbicort are inhaled medications used to treat asthma. Symbicort is only available as a brand-name medication, and while Advair now has a generic, it’ll still cost you. Find out whether Advair or Symbicort is preferred by your insurance plan because it doesn’t matter which of these you use. Both contain a steroid and a bronchodilator medication, which reduce inflammation and relax the airways, respectively.
Why fight for it? When compared to using an inhaled steroid alone or an inhaled bronchodilator (such as albuterol) alone, Advair or Symbicort therapy is significantly better at improving symptoms and reduces hospitalizations in people with asthma and COPD.
6) Trulicity for diabetes
Trulicity is a non-insulin injectable medication that helps to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It works in much the same way as Victoza and Bydureon.
Why fight for it? Trulicity helps people with type 2 diabetes lose weight. It also lowers blood sugar, has minimal gastrointestinal side effects, and only needs to be taken once a week.
7) Restasis eye drops for dry eye disease
Restasis improves tear production in people with dry eyes. Dry eye disease is one of the most common eye disorders. It causes irritation, redness, itching, photosensitivity, and blurred vision.
Why fight for it? Over-the-counter tear substitutes don’t often work—but Restasis is an exception. Restasis is an anti-inflammatory eye drop that is good for dry eyes.
8) Premarin tablets and vaginal cream for menopause symptoms
Premarin (conjugated estrogens) is used to treat hot flashes and low estrogen hormone levels. Doctors may also prescribe it to women who have had their ovaries removed.
Unfortunately, there is no generic form of Premarin, so you may have trouble getting coverage for it. This is one of those cases where you might need to request prior authorization from your insurance.
Why fight for it? Premarin is good for treating menopause symptoms and helps prevent osteoporosis (weakening of bones). Premarin’s active ingredients have not been defined, so a generic version cannot be approved—at least not yet.
9) Myrbetriq for overactive bladder
Myrbetriq decreases episodes of urinary incontinence in women with overactive bladder as well as, if not better than, Ditropan (oxybutynin) and Detrol (tolterodine)—older medications used for the same purpose.
Why fight for it? Patients are more likely to continue taking Myrbetriq because unlike Ditropan and Detrol, it does not cause dry mouth or constipation.
10) Otezla for plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
Otezla is used to treat plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, both symptoms of an auto-immune condition known as psoriasis.
Why fight for it? Popular medications for psoriasis include creams, injections, and pills. Creams and injections tend to treat only one symptom and can be a hassle to use. Otezla, however, is a pill and can treat both psoriasis skin lesions and associated joint pain.
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Dr O.
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