Berinert (C1 esterase inhibitor [human]) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks in adults and children. The cost of the drug with and without insurance can depend on several factors.

As with all medications, the cost of Berinert can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include:

  • your treatment plan
  • your insurance coverage
  • the pharmacy you use
  • whether Berinert has a savings program (see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below)

To find out what the cost of Berinert will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. Or look below in the next section to learn how much you can save by using an Optum Perks coupon.

Berinert contains the active ingredient C1 esterase inhibitor (human). It’s available only as a brand-name biologic drug. It doesn’t come in a biosimilar version. A biosimilar medication is a drug that’s similar to a brand-name biologic drug (the parent drug). Also, biosimilars tend to cost less than brand-name medications.

WHY ARE COSTS DIFFERENT FOR BIOLOGIC DRUGS VS. BIOSIMILAR DRUGS?

Biologic drugs can be expensive because of the research needed to test their safety and effectiveness. The manufacturer of a biologic drug can sell it for up to 12 years. When the biologic drug’s patent expires, multiple manufacturers can create biosimilar versions. This marketplace competition may lead to lower costs for biosimilars. Also, because biosimilars are very similar to biologic drugs, they don’t require the same costly testing.

You shouldn’t need to use Berinert every day. However, this medication may still be recommended long-term to treat HAE attacks. If you take Berinert long term, you may be able to lower its cost in the following ways.

Getting a 3-month supply

You may be able to get a 90-day supply of Berinert. If approved by your insurance company, 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

Berinert 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 Berinert, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. For example:

  • A program called Berinert Connect is available for Berinert. This program includes financial assistance opportunities, support, and additional information about Berinert. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 877-236-4423 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:

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions with or without insurance, check out this article.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug cost and Berinert.

How does Berinert’s cost compare with that of medications such as Ruconest, Cinryze, or Firazyr?

There are many treatment options available for hereditary angioedema (HAE). The price you would pay for Berinert versus that of recombinant C1 esterase inhibitor (Ruconest), human C1 esterase inhibitor (Cinryze), or icatibant (Firazyr) depends on various factors.

For instance, the form of the drug may affect its price. Berinert, Cinrzye, and Ruconest are available in powder forms that are mixed and injected into a vein. Firazyr comes as a solution that is injected under the skin. Different forms of these drugs may have different costs.

In addition, the situation in which you use the drug may also determine how often you use it, and this may change the cost of the drug. For example, Berinert, Ruconest, and Firazyr are all used to treat an HAE attack that’s already happening. You’ll only use these medications if you’re having an HAE attack. While, Cinryze is used to prevent HAE attacks, and you take it every 3 to 4 days. So, the cost of Cinryze may be high since the drug may be used more frequently.

There are additional factors that can affect your prescription cost, including:

  • the length of your treatment
  • whether there are payment assistance programs for your prescribed treatment
  • whether you’re paying out of pocket or have insurance

To learn more about the cost of Berinert compared with other treatments for your condition, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

How much does Berinert cost with insurance?

If you have insurance, your cost for Berinert depends on factors such as:

  • your particular plan benefits, including your drug copay amount
  • your dosage of the drug
  • your Berinert dosing frequency
  • whether you apply and qualify for a cost-savings program

To find out how much Berinert will cost you with insurance, contact your insurance provider or doctor.

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

If you have insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers Berinert. This means the company and your doctor will discuss Berinert 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 Berinert requires prior authorization.

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.