How to Get Affordable Verzenio® in the UK for Breast Cancer Treatment

How to Get Affordable Verzenio® in the UK for Breast Cancer Treatment

Learning that you or a loved one has breast cancer can turn your world upside down. Along with the emotional toll, you’re suddenly faced with complex decisions about treatment options, many of which come with overwhelming costs. Targeted therapies like Verzenio® (abemaciclib) can play a promising role in managing HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. Yet, their high prices often put them out of reach for patients, especially in countries with limited insurance coverage. 

In this blog, we explore options to access affordable Verzenio® in the UK to help patients struggling with their medical bills, ensuring they receive timely, high-quality treatment.

What is Verzenio®?

Verzenio® is a targeted treatment designed specifically for HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, especially in advanced or metastatic stages. It contains inhibitors that slow down or prevent the growth of cancer cells, and studies have shown its efficacy at even preventing the recurrence of breast cancer in combination with hormone therapy. Given these promising results, Verzenio® is a beacon of hope for patients. However, the cost of Verzenio® is ~ £2,950 per month, without insurance, which creates significant barriers for many patients.

Why Is Verzenio® So Expensive in the UK?

Despite the NHS covering many medications, not all UK patients have coverage for Verzenio® for breast cancer. If you’re paying privately, you may have to pay as much as £2,950 per 28-day cycle of 150 mg tablets, excluding VAT.

Wondering why  Verzenio® is so costly in the UK? Here are a few reasons:

  • Patent protection prevents affordable generic versions from entering the UK market.
  • Pharmaceutical companies price branded drugs high to recover R&D and marketing costs.
  • Verzenio® is a targeted therapy, which typically costs more than traditional chemo drugs.
  • Limited competition allows manufacturers to set premium prices.

    Cost Relief Options for UK Patients

    If you’ve been prescribed Verzenio® for breast cancer, here are the ways to get help with the cost in the UK.

    1. NHS Access 

    Verzenio® is fully covered by the NHS for certain types of breast cancer, as long as you meet specific criteria set by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence):

    Do note that Verzenio® is only funded if your doctor prescribes it according to NICE guidelines stated above and if Eli Lilly® provides it under a special discount deal called a Patient Access Scheme.

    2. Private Insurance

    If you have private health insurance, some plans may cover Verzenio®, especially if it's recommended by NICE.

    You’ll need to check directly with your insurance provider to see what’s included.

    3. Manufacturer Support (For NHS Only)

    In the UK, Eli Lilly does not offer patient financial assistance programs (unlike in the US).

    However, they offer a confidential discount to the NHS via a Patient Access Scheme, making the drug affordable to the healthcare system.

    Healthcare professionals can contact: UKPricing@lilly.com for more details.

     4. Support from Non-Profits

    While UK charities don’t cover the cost of Verzenio®, some can help with other expenses related to your cancer treatment. Cancer Research UK and Turn2Us list resources, grants and benefits patients can seek, based on their eligibility.

    Is an Affordable Alternative for Verzenio® Available?

    For patients not eligible for free or discounted access to Verzenio® through the above schemes, affordable versions available in other countries might be a feasible option. 

    For example, an affordable equivalent to Verzenio® (abemaciclib) is approved and available in other countries like India, and there may be options for personal importation that some patients in the UK can avail to source it.

    What Are the Rules for Importing Verzenio® Alternatives into the UK?

    Eligible patients in the UK may access cost-effective versions of Verzenio® through provisions for personal importation as per the Human Medicines Regulations 2012. This regulation permits importation of medicines for personal use if no viable option is available in the UK. Patients can avail this pathway under the following conditions - 

    Personal Use with Prescription: 

    You can legally import Verzenio® alternatives into the UK for personal use (no intent to resell the product), with a valid prescription from a licensed doctor.

    3-Month Supply Limit: 

    Imports are limited to a maximum of a 3-month supply per shipment.

    Medication Must Be Legal: 

    The drug must be legal in the UK and not classified as a controlled substance.

    Buy from Licensed, Compliant Sources: 

    You must purchase the medicine from licensed, legitimate suppliers and must ask for receipts, invoices, and manufacturer details.

    If you are looking for a reliable supplier of affordable Verzenio® who can help you with compliant personal importation as per UK regulations, Medspartner is a trusted source you can rely on.

    How Medspartner Facilitates Personal Importation of Affordable Equivalents to Verzenio® In The UK

    At Medspartner, we firmly believe that no patient should be left without treatment options because of financial constraints. That's why we offer a safe and more affordable equivalent to Verzenio®, which is approved by regulatory bodies in India.

    We have 8+ years of experience sourcing medicines to UK-based patients through compliant personal importation and can support you every step of the way - from documentation support to timely shipping.

    • Medspartner offers affordable, high-quality Abemaciclib sourced from top manufacturers licensed by regulatory bodies like the USFDA and EMA.
    • Our vendor selection process ensures quality, safety, and a transparent supply chain.
    • We partner with reputable international logistics providers, using real-time tracking to maintain product integrity and ensure secure, reliable delivery directly to your doorstep.
    • Our dedicated customer support assists with compliant personal importation and ensures a hassle-free process.

    Make Reliable, Affordable Choices for Breast Cancer Treatment

    Verzenio® is a lifeline for many breast cancer patients, yet its high cost makes it inaccessible for some. Thankfully, affordable alternatives available outside the UK present a more budget-friendly and safe option, offering hope to those in need.

    At Medspartner, we help patients under a financial burden source this affordable alternative without any compromise on safety or efficacy.

    Need help accessing an affordable Verzenio® alternative?

    Write to us today to explore safe and affordable ways to purchase affordable versions of Verzenio®. Let us help you on your journey to breast cancer recovery!

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