From the Guidelines
The cost of RhoGAM (Rho(D) immune globulin) typically ranges from $70 to $300 per dose in the United States. This cost can vary significantly depending on location, healthcare facility, insurance coverage, and whether it's administered in a hospital or outpatient setting 1. The standard 300 mcg dose used after delivery or for other indications generally costs more than the smaller 50 mcg MICRhoGAM dose used for early pregnancy events.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the cost of RhoGAM include:
- Insurance often covers RhoGAM when medically necessary, with patients potentially responsible for copays or deductibles.
- For uninsured patients, some manufacturers offer patient assistance programs to help reduce costs.
- RhoGAM is considered medically necessary for Rh-negative women during pregnancy and after delivery of an Rh-positive baby to prevent Rh sensitization, which could cause hemolytic disease in future pregnancies.
- The cost, while significant, is minimal compared to the potential medical complications and treatments that would be needed if Rh sensitization were to occur.
It's also important to note that the supply of RhoGAM may be limited in some areas, and alternative products such as HyperRHO S/D or Rhophylac may be substituted if available 1. However, the cost of these alternative products may vary.
In terms of prioritizing the use of RhoGAM, postpartum patients and antenatal patients at later gestational ages should be prioritized for the available doses 1. This is because these patients are at higher risk of Rh sensitization and the potential consequences of hemolytic disease in future pregnancies.
Overall, while the cost of RhoGAM can be significant, it is a crucial medication for preventing Rh sensitization in Rh-negative women, and its cost is minimal compared to the potential medical complications and treatments that would be needed if Rh sensitization were to occur.
From the Research
Cost of RhoGAM
- The cost of RhoGAM is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but one study mentions that the benefits justify the extra expense of $35 to $40 per injection 2.
- Another study discusses the cost-benefit analysis of routine antepartum Rh immune globulin prophylaxis, stating that it will be very costly and place many subjects at potential risk while offering benefit to only a few 3.
- However, the exact cost of RhoGAM is not provided in the studies, and it is likely that the cost may vary depending on the location, healthcare provider, and other factors.
Administration and Dosage
- The recommended dosage of RhoGAM varies depending on the situation, with 300 micrograms typically given to Rh-negative women at 28 weeks' gestation or after delivery 4, 2.
- The studies also discuss the importance of administering RhoGAM in a timely manner, with one study stating that it should be given within 72 hours of delivery or other potentially sensitizing events 4.
Effectiveness and Risks
- The studies demonstrate the effectiveness of RhoGAM in preventing Rh alloimmunization, with one study showing a decrease in incidence from 13% to less than 2% 2.
- However, another study highlights the potential risk of failure of RhoGAM in obese women, which could lead to an increase in hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) 5.