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Affordability Check

How to afford EPIVIR

Generic name: lamivudine

Pick how you're covered. We'll show you the cheapest legitimate way to get EPIVIR — 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 EPIVIR and its cost

What is this medication? Epivir is a prescription medication that contains the active ingredient lamivudine. It belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, or NRTIs. This medication is primarily used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs to treat human immunodeficiency virus, also known as HIV-1. By interfering with the viral enzyme called reverse transcriptase, Epivir helps to decrease the amount of HIV in the blood and supports the immune system's ability to function.

While it is a key component in managing HIV, Epivir does not cure the infection or prevent the transmission of the virus to others. In some cases, specific formulations of lamivudine are also prescribed to treat chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Patients are generally advised to take this medication exactly as prescribed by their healthcare provider and to not skip doses to avoid the development of drug resistance. It is important for individuals to discuss their full medical history with a doctor before starting treatment.

EPIVIR is made by ViiV. 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 EPIVIR?

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 EPIVIR?

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

Does my Medicare Part D plan cover EPIVIR?

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 HIV/AIDS?

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 EPIVIR