Monthly Cost of Humira (Adalimumab)
Humira (adalimumab) costs approximately $5,500-$5,800 per month for a standard supply, making it one of the most expensive biologic medications on the market. 1
Cost Breakdown and Pricing Details
Humira's pricing varies based on several factors:
- The retail cost for a standard monthly supply (typically two 40mg/0.8mL pens) is approximately $5,532 1
- Humira has consistently ranked as the top revenue-generating drug worldwide 2
- The high cost is maintained in part by AbbVie's aggressive patent protection strategies that have delayed biosimilar competition in the United States 3
Insurance Coverage and Patient Assistance
The actual out-of-pocket cost to patients varies significantly depending on:
- Insurance coverage and formulary tier placement
- Medicare Part D coverage (which has spent billions on Humira)
- Patient assistance programs like HUMIRA Complete, which can improve adherence while potentially reducing total healthcare costs despite increased drug spending 4
Cost Comparison with Other Biologics
Humira's cost is comparable to other biologic medications used for similar conditions:
| Medication | Monthly Cost (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Humira (adalimumab) | $5,532 |
| Stelara (ustekinumab) | $10,770 for 0.5mL |
| Remicade (infliximab) | $750-915 per 100mg vial (multiple vials needed) |
| Entyvio (vedolizumab) | $5,782 per vial |
Future Cost Considerations
The cost of Humira may eventually decrease due to:
- Biosimilar competition (several have been approved but delayed market entry due to patent disputes) 1
- Had biosimilars launched upon approval, Medicare could have saved an estimated $2.19 billion between 2016-2019 3
- The first adalimumab biosimilar (Amjevita) was approved in 2016 but will not enter the US market until 2023 due to patent settlements 1
Practical Considerations
- Patient assistance programs may significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs
- Insurance prior authorization is typically required
- The high cost must be weighed against the clinical benefits for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease, and other autoimmune conditions
- Medication adherence programs have been shown to improve outcomes while potentially reducing total healthcare costs despite the high medication price 4
The extraordinary cost of Humira highlights ongoing concerns about prescription drug pricing in the United States, particularly for specialty biologics that have limited competition.