Ruconest (C1 esterase inhibitor [recombinant]) is a brand-name biologic drug that’s prescribed for hereditary angioedema in adults and some children. The cost of the drug, with and without insurance, can depend on several factors, such as whether Ruconest has a savings program.

Ruconest is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hereditary angioedema attacks in adults and children ages 13 years and older. Hereditary angioedema attacks cause swelling in your body. The areas most likely affected include the tongue, throat, face, arms, legs, or intestines.

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

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

In addition, you may need to purchase the following supplies to give yourself Ruconest at home:

  • an intravenous infusion set
  • a sterile syringe
  • a tourniquet
  • sterile gauze, tape, and dressing
  • bandages
  • gloves
  • alcohol wipes

To find out what the cost of Ruconest will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Ruconest contains the active ingredient C1 esterase inhibitor (recombinant), and 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.

If you give yourself Ruconest 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 Ruconest. 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

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

  • The Ruconest Patient Savings Program is available. For more information and to find out whether you’re eligible for support, call 855-613-4423 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.

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

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

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.