The Cost of Truvada Without Insurance

More than 1 million Americans are living with HIV, with more than 35,000 new infections occurring each year. Additionally, according to the latest data from the CDC, 1 in 7 individuals who have HIV do not know that they are infected with the virus.

Fortunately, in addition to the progress made in treating those who have HIV, progress has also been made to prevent new HIV infections. Thanks to medication such as Truvada being used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), those at risk for HIV may decrease the likelihood of contracting the virus.

Here’s what you need to know about the cost of Truvada without insurance, and how you may qualify for free Truvada as a PrEP medication.

How much does Truvada cost without insurance?

Truvada can be expensive, so the emergence of an FDA-approved generic (emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) tablets from Teva Pharmaceuticals currently offers some, although not much, financial relief to those living with HIV. This may change soon, however, as additional Truvada generics should become available in 2021.

The RxSaver price for Truvada at major retail pharmacies starts at $1885.63

Federal programs, such as the Ready, Set, PrEP program offer Truvada for free to eligible at-risk individuals to be taken as a PrEP medication.

Gilead’s Advancing Access Program® May Help You Save on Truvada

The cost of Truvada without insurance may be reduced, or free if you are eligible for the Gilead Advancing Access Program. The Advancing Access co-pay coupon card may help you to save on Gilead prescriptions, while the patient support program offered, affords live access to specialists who can work with you to identify potential savings.

Ready, Set PrEP Program Offers Free PrEP Medications

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ federal program Ready, Set, PrEP launched in 2019 and provides uninsured individuals at risk for HIV infection with free Truvada or Descovy as a pre-exposure prophylaxis drug. Eligible recipients must be tested for HIV and receive a negative result, must have a prescription for PrEP, and must not have prescription drug coverage.

RxSaver Rx Advocacy Program Offers Help With High-Cost Prescriptions

The Rx Advocacy Program from RxSaver may help you to save money on high-cost prescription medications. The Rx Advocacy Program has been successful in advocating on patients’ behalf for nearly all brand name drugs, and high-cost generic drugs. There are no insurance coverage requirements, and you may qualify regardless of income level, or age.

What is Truvada?

Truvada, and its newly released generic, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, are used with other medications to treat HIV infections. Truvada is also used as a once-daily medicine which can reduce the risk of contracting HIV through sex.

Is generic Truvada as safe as the brand version?

The Truvada generic has been proven to work the same way as the brand drug. This is one of the requirements it must meet to receive FDA approval. That means that the generic is as safe to use as the brand name drug.

What are the differences between generic Truvada and the brand name medication?

The generic Truvada, manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals, contains the same active ingredient as the brand name drug. There may be minor differences in inactive ingredients, but the generic must be proven to work the same as the brand drug.

What conditions does Truvada treat?

Truvada is used to prevent HIV infection when taken as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). It is also used in conjunction with other medicines as treatment for those who are currently infected with HIV.

How does Truvada work?

Truvada blocks an enzyme to keep the virus from replicating and reproducing so that your immune system can continue to work. This lowers your risk for HIV complications. Truvada is always used with other HIV medications to treat those who have HIV. When used as a PrEP medication, Truvada can actually prevent the virus from infecting you.

Common Side Effects of Truvada

Like all medications, Truvada has a risk of producing side effects, whether it is used as a PrEP drug, or is taken to treat HIV. Common side effects of Truvada, in those who do not have HIV include:

• Headache
• Abdominal Pain
• Weight Loss

Other serious side effects may occur. If you’re taking Truvada for PrEP, be sure to see your health care provider regularly as rare, but serious side effects may occur including:

• Kidney problems or failure
• Lactic Acidosis (too much lactic acid in the blood)
• Liver problems
• Bone problems

Side effects of Truvada in those who have HIV vary greatly, and you should notify your health care provider if you experience:

• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Nausea
• Skin rash
• Sinusitis
• Strange dreams
• Vomiting
• Weight loss

Can you buy Truvada over-the-counter?

Truvada is not available over the counter. You will need a prescription from a health care provider to get it. To get a prescription for Truvada as a PrEP drug, you will also need to have a negative HIV test.

Always Check RxSaver Before Filling a Prescription

Before filling a prescription for a brand drug, or a generic, check RxSaver for savings. RxSaver offers coupons for more than 6,000 prescription drugs. RxSaver provides pricing for prescription drug delivery services and prices from various pharmacies in your local area.

Truvada: 200-300 mg / 30 tablets

*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 10/21/2020. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.