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Affordability Check

How to afford Camptosar

Generic name: irinotecan hydrochloride

Pick how you're covered. We'll show you the cheapest legitimate way to get Camptosar — your insurance copay, manufacturer savings, charity grants, or cash price. It takes 30 seconds and we never ask for your personal information.

How are you covered for prescriptions?

Pick the one that fits you. We'll show you the cheapest way to get this drug.

Pick an option above to see your specific path.

Different insurance means different laws and different savings. For example, Medicare patients cannot use manufacturer copay cards (federal law) — but the manufacturer almost always has a Patient Assistance Program that gives the drug free.

About Camptosar and its cost

What is this medication? Camptosar, which is the brand name for the generic drug irinotecan, is a chemotherapy medication primarily indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic cancer of the colon or rectum. It is commonly used as part of a combination regimen with other medications such as 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin for patients who have not received prior treatment. Additionally, it may be prescribed as a single-agent therapy for patients whose colorectal cancer has recurred or progressed after receiving initial chemotherapy treatments.

This drug belongs to a class of medications known as topoisomerase I inhibitors. It works by targeting and blocking the topoisomerase I enzyme, which is essential for the replication and repair of DNA within cells. By inhibiting this enzyme, Camptosar causes breakage in the DNA strands of cancer cells, which prevents them from multiplying and eventually leads to cell death. Because it targets rapidly dividing cells, it is an effective tool in slowing the progression of colorectal tumors.

Camptosar is made by Pfizer. Like most brand-name drugs, it's priced at a high list price — but patients rarely pay that list price. The options above are the real paths most people use to get it affordably.

Common questions

What's the cheapest way to afford Camptosar?

It depends on your insurance. On Medicare, apply for the manufacturer's Patient Assistance Program (PAP) — it gives the drug free if you meet income requirements. With private insurance, the manufacturer copay card usually drops your copay to $0-$25. Uninsured patients should compare the PAP with Cost Plus Drugs cash price.

Can I use a copay card with Medicare for Camptosar?

No — federal law (the Anti-Kickback Statute) prohibits manufacturer copay cards on Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, and VA prescriptions. But Pfizer has a separate Patient Assistance Program for Medicare beneficiaries. Check the options above.

Does my Medicare Part D plan cover Camptosar?

Part D coverage varies by plan. We query the CMS Prescription Drug Plan file to show you what percentage of plans cover it and at what tier. For your exact copay, pick "Medicare" above and check your plan's Summary of Benefits, or log in to Medicare.gov.

How long does a Patient Assistance Program take?

Most PAPs take 2-6 weeks from application to first fill. Ask the manufacturer about a "bridge supply" — many will ship 30 days free while your application is being reviewed so you don't go without the drug.

What if I have a high-deductible plan?

For generics, Cost Plus Drugs cash price is often cheaper than your deductible-phase copay. For brand names, the manufacturer copay card almost always wins. A GoodRx coupon can be a last resort for uncovered drugs, but it doesn't count toward your deductible.

Are there charity grants for Cancer?

Charities like HealthWell Foundation, PAN Foundation, Good Days, and the National Organization for Rare Disorders provide copay help for specific conditions. Funds often run out mid-year — apply early. We list the specific grants for your condition in the options above.

More about Camptosar