Siliq (brodalumab) is a brand-name subcutaneous injection prescribed for plaque psoriasis in adults in certain situations. Siliq’s cost with and without insurance can depend on several factors, such as whether Siliq has a savings program.

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

  • your insurance coverage
  • the pharmacy you use
  • the cost of the visit to your healthcare professional to receive doses of Siliq if you don‘t self-inject the drug
  • whether Siliq has a savings program (see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below)

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

Siliq contains the active ingredient brodalumab, 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 take Siliq 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 Siliq. If your insurance company approves it, 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

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

  • A program called Siliq Solutions Instant Savings Program is available for people with commercial insurance. For more information and to find out whether you’re eligible for support, call 855-797-4547 or visit the program website.
  • If you’re uninsured or underinsured, Siliq’s manufacturer (Bausch Health) offers a Patient Assistance Program. To find out more information or to check whether you’re eligible, see the manufacturer’s webpage.
  • 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 Siliq.

What is the cost of Siliq without insurance?

The price you’ll pay for Siliq if you don’t have insurance can vary based on several factors. But typically, Siliq’s cost is higher without insurance. Other factors that could affect what you pay for this drug include:

  • the quantity you’re prescribed (such as a 90-day or 30-day supply)
  • whether you apply and qualify for any available savings programs
  • the pharmacy you use

To learn the exact cost you’d pay for this medication without insurance, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You may also want to contact several pharmacies to compare their prices for Siliq.

How does Siliq’s cost compare with that of medications such as Humira or Enbrel?

The price you’d pay for Siliq versus that of adalimumab (Humira) or etanercept (Enbrel) depends on various factors. For instance, the form of the drug may affect its price.

Siliq is available only in a single-dose prefilled syringe. Enbrel and Humira are also available in single-dose prefilled syringes, but they come in other forms, too. This includes prefilled auto-injectable devices (pens).

Additional factors that can affect your prescription cost include:

  • 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 about payment assistance for Siliq, see “Financial and insurance assistance” above. For more information about the cost of Siliq compared with other treatments for your condition, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

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

If you have insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers Siliq. This means the company and your doctor will discuss Siliq in regard to your treatment. The insurance company will then determine whether to cover the medication.

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 Siliq requires prior authorization.

Now that you’ve learned about cost and Siliq, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, who can provide personalized guidance about cost issues related to Siliq. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’d pay for Siliq.

Here are some other resources you may find helpful:

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.