Cost of Entresto 49 mg
The cost of Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) 49 mg is approximately $289 per month based on average wholesale price, with a National Average Drug Acquisition Cost of approximately $230 per month. 1
Detailed Cost Information
Entresto is available in several dosage strengths, with the 49 mg formulation (containing 49 mg sacubitril and 51 mg valsartan) being a common starting dose for heart failure patients. The cost information breaks down as follows:
- Average Wholesale Price (AWP): ~$289 per month
- National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC): ~$230 per month
Cost Considerations and Access Strategies
The high cost of Entresto can present a significant barrier to access for many patients. Several strategies can help manage these costs:
Insurance Coverage
- Prior authorization is often required by insurance plans before covering Entresto 1
- Medicare Part D plans typically place Entresto in Tier 3 (higher copay medications) 1
- The Inflation Reduction Act may help reduce costs for Medicare patients, though implementation will take time 1
Patient Assistance Options
- Work with pharmacists, social workers, or patient navigators to identify patient assistance programs 1
- Price-checker tools (e.g., GoodRx) can help locate retailers with lower costs 1
- Request price matching if a lower price is found at another pharmacy 1
- Pharmaceutical company assistance programs may provide 90-day supplies with refills 1
Financial Impact on Heart Failure Management
The cost of Entresto must be considered in the context of its clinical benefits:
- Entresto has demonstrated significant reductions in mortality and hospitalizations for heart failure patients 2, 3
- Cost-effectiveness analyses show Entresto compares favorably to other cardiovascular therapies 1
- The high upfront cost may be offset by reduced hospitalizations and improved outcomes 1
Common Pitfalls in Accessing Entresto
- Income verification challenges: Many pharmaceutical assistance programs require income documentation, though some accept signed letters from clinicians indicating no known income 1
- Reordering complications: Patients and clinicians need to be aware of reordering procedures, especially when doses change 1
- Multiple pharmacy use: Shopping for the best price across multiple pharmacies can prevent a single pharmacist from monitoring all medications, potentially leading to drug interactions or adherence issues 1
For patients who cannot afford Entresto, ACE inhibitors or ARBs may be considered as alternatives with high economic value, though they may not provide the same mortality benefit 1.