Affordability Check
How to afford Increlex
Generic name: Mecasermin
Pick how you're covered. We'll show you the cheapest legitimate way to get Increlex — your insurance copay, manufacturer savings, charity grants, or cash price. It takes 30 seconds and we never ask for your personal information.
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 Increlex and its cost
What is this medication? Increlex is a prescription medicine used to treat children with growth failure caused by severe primary insulin-like growth factor-1 deficiency. The medication contains mecasermin, which is a synthetic version of the natural hormone responsible for stimulating growth in bones and muscles. It is typically used for children who have a deficiency in this specific hormone despite having normal or high levels of growth hormone in their systems.
This treatment is also used for children with growth hormone gene deletion who have developed neutralizing antibodies to growth hormone. Increlex is administered via subcutaneous injection twice a day, usually shortly before or after a meal to reduce the risk of low blood sugar. It is important to note that this medication is only effective in children whose growth plates have not yet fused and is not used for growth failure caused by other factors like malnutrition or thyroid disease.
Increlex is made by Ipsen. 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 Increlex?
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 Increlex?
No — federal law (the Anti-Kickback Statute) prohibits manufacturer copay cards on Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, and VA prescriptions. But Ipsen has a separate Patient Assistance Program for Medicare beneficiaries. Check the options above.
Does my Medicare Part D plan cover Increlex?
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 Laron Syndrome?
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 Increlex
Full Increlex drug page
FDA label, prior authorization rules, full indications list
More options for Laron Syndrome
Drugs, grants, and assistance for this condition
Guide to Patient Assistance Programs
How PAPs work, who qualifies, typical wait times
If your insurance denied coverage
5-level appeal playbook — Medicare has a 60% win rate at Level 3