Lenalidomide, sold under the brand name Revlimid, is a vital drug used to treat multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and certain types of lymphoma. It’s also among the most expensive medications in the world, especially in countries like the United States. This article offers a comprehensive guide to the cost of lenalidomide per pill, including global price comparisons, generic options, and factors influencing pricing.
Why Is Lenalidomide So Expensive?
Lenalidomide is a derivative of thalidomide and was developed by Celgene (now a part of Bristol-Myers Squibb). One major reason for its high cost is patent protection. In the U.S., Celgene extended its exclusivity on Revlimid through a strategy called “evergreening,” which delayed generic competition until 2022 and beyond. Even now, the number of generic competitors is limited.
High research and development costs are often cited, but lenalidomide’s continued high price is also driven by market exclusivity, lack of price regulation (especially in the U.S.), and limited manufacturer competition.
Global Price Comparison of Lenalidomide
Prices for lenalidomide vary widely depending on location, availability of generics, and healthcare systems. Here’s how the cost compares across different countries:
Lenalidomide 5mg Price per Pill
- India (Generic): $65 for 30 capsules = $2.17 per pill
- US (Branded Revlimid): ~$26,071/month for 28 capsules = ~$931 per pill
- UK (Branded): ~£15,000/month for 28 capsules = ~£535 per pill
- Canada (Branded): ~CAD $2,380/month for 28 capsules = ~CAD $85 per pill
If you’re seeking the lenalidomide 5mg price, Indian generics offer the most affordable option at just $2.17 per pill compared to over $900 per pill in the United States.
Lenalidomide 10mg Price per Pill
- India (Generic): $90 for 30 capsules = $3.00 per pill
- US (Branded): ~$931 per pill
- UK: ~£535 per pill
Patients often inquire about the lenalidomide 10mg price, which remains extremely high in the U.S. at around $931 per pill, while Indian generics cost only $3.00.
Lenalidomide 15mg Price per Pill
- India (Generic): $110 for 30 capsules = $3.67 per pill
- US (Branded): ~$931 per pill
The lenalidomide 15mg price in India is as low as $3.67 per pill, highlighting the stark contrast to U.S. pricing models.
Lenalidomide 25mg Price per Pill
- India (Generic): $140 for 30 capsules = $4.67 per pill
- US (Branded): ~$26,071/month for 28 capsules = ~$931 per pill
- UK (Branded): ~£18,000/month for 28 capsules = ~£643 per pill
- Canada: ~CAD $2,380/month = ~CAD $85 per pill
For those comparing the lenalidomide 25mg price, India again provides the lowest cost at just $4.67 per pill.
Lenalidomide Capsules 10mg Price
When considering treatment costs, patients often ask about the lenalidomide capsules 10mg price, especially when weighing branded versus generic options.
Comparison Table: Lenalidomide Cost per Pill by Strength and Country
| Strength | India (Generic) | US (Branded) | UK (Branded) | Canada (Branded) |
| 5mg | $2.17 | ~$931 | ~£535 | ~CAD $85 |
| 10mg | $3.00 | ~$931 | ~£535 | ~CAD $85 |
| 15mg | $3.67 | ~$931 | ~£535 | ~CAD $85 |
| 25mg | $4.67 | ~$931 | ~£643 | ~CAD $85 |
U.S. Pricing and Insurance Impact
The U.S. remains the most expensive market for lenalidomide. Pricing is influenced by limited competition, lack of governmental price control, and complex rebate systems involving insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Even with insurance, patients can face high out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare and Copay Costs
Patients on Medicare Part D may find themselves in the coverage gap (the “donut hole”), where out-of-pocket costs skyrocket. Although many receive partial assistance through supplemental plans or manufacturer copay programs, many still face thousands of dollars annually.
Cost in India: A Lifeline Through Generics
India is one of the most affordable places to purchase lenalidomide due to its well-developed generic pharmaceutical industry. Indian drug manufacturers like Natco Pharma and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories produce quality-assured generics at a fraction of the price found in Western markets.
Even though these versions are not FDA-approved for use in the U.S., many international patients source medications from India through medical tourism or online pharmacies with valid prescriptions.
How Patients Access Affordable Lenalidomide
1. Generic Substitution
As patents expire, more generics are entering the global market. In the U.S., Teva, Natco, and other companies began releasing generic versions starting in 2022. However, limited supply agreements mean these generics are not yet much cheaper than branded Revlimid.
2. Patient Assistance Programs
Bristol-Myers Squibb offers Revlimid through its Patient Assistance Program (PAP) for eligible patients with financial need. These programs can provide drugs at reduced costs or even free of charge in certain cases.
3. Online International Pharmacies
Some patients turn to licensed online pharmacies based in countries like India or Canada to access more affordable generics. While this comes with regulatory and quality risks, it remains a vital option for many who are priced out of their own country’s system.
4. Medical Tourism
Traveling to countries like India for cancer treatment—including purchasing medications at local prices—is becoming more common. Some hospitals even include medication costs in their treatment packages.
Safety and Regulation Concerns
Buying drugs internationally requires caution. Patients should:
- Verify the pharmacy is licensed.
- Request lab reports or certifications.
- Ensure medication is sealed and clearly labeled.
- Consult a doctor before switching to generics.
Why Is Lenalidomide So Uniformly Priced in the U.S.?
In the U.S., lenalidomide pricing is oddly uniform across doses—from 5mg to 25mg—hovering around $931 per pill. This is due to fixed wholesale acquisition costs (WAC) and bundling strategies that eliminate dose-based pricing differentiation. This is unlike India, where cost scales logically with dosage.
Final Thoughts
Lenalidomide is a life-extending medication, but its cost varies drastically depending on where you live. U.S. patients face unsustainable costs, while Indian generics present a more affordable option. If you’re searching for detailed data like lenalidomide 5mg price, lenalidomide 10mg price, lenalidomide 15mg price, lenalidomide 25mg price, or lenalidomide capsules 10mg price, always consider the source, legality, and safety of the medication.
Access to affordable healthcare should be a universal right. Understanding price disparities empowers patients, advocates, and policymakers to push for better access and fairer pricing.