The high price for Jublia, a brand name nail fungus medication, is causing some pharmacies like CVS to limit availability in an effort to curb overpricing. The retail price of Jublia is more than $1,000 just for a single 8ml bottle without insurance coverage.
The manufacturer of Jublia, Valeant Pharmaceuticals, is under pressure by pharmacies like CVS because of the rising cost of dermatology treatments that are inaccessible to patients with limited insurance coverage. In an effort to curb dermatology medication costs from all pharmaceutical manufacturers, CVS plans to offer and recommend less expensive to nail fungus treatments like Lamisil.
Jublia’s Breakthrough
The FDA approved Jublia in 2014 to treat toenail infections caused by funguses that affect nail beds that thicken and discolor nails over time. Fungal infections can also cause toenails to change shape and grow brittle over time. The breakthrough active ingredient in Jublia, efinaconazole, is a topical solution that is applied directly on the affected nails with a brush applicator.
Efinaconazole targets Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, the fungi that are responsible for nail infections. These particular fungi infiltrate the nail bed and destroy the keratin proteins make up the nail, causing discoloration and a brittle jagged texture. The formulation of Jublia is applied with a brush applicator once daily on the surface and sides of the infected toenails. Efinaconazole is able to reach the under the bed of the nail through either air gaps or directly through the nail bed to inhibit the growth of the fungal infection.
The main problem with this formulation, however, is the $1,000 price tag, leaving many patients with large copays at the pharmacy. While Jublia offers a breakthrough delivery, other medications can potentially be just as effective at clearing up toenail infections but cost less at the pharmacy.
Lamisil Spray
Jublia Discounts & Alternatives
Prescription medication treatments like Lamisil are effective at treating infections caused by funguses. Depending on the preferred delivery system, Lamisil comes in prescription tablets or it can be purchased in over-the-counter spray formulations that treat fungal infections. Oral Lamisil tablets cost around $750, while the over-the-counter spray medication is around $10. Generic versions of Lamisil tablets, terbinafine, are the most affordable at only $6 for a 30-day supply. If you prefer to stick with Jublia, use our Jublia discount coupon when you fill your prescription to get as much as 75% off the retail price. Alternatively, if you have health insurance that already covers a large chunk of the price, you can try registering for the Jublia copay card on the manufacturer’s website.
