Affordability Check
How to afford LIPIODOL
Generic name: ethiodized oil
Pick how you're covered. We'll show you the cheapest legitimate way to get LIPIODOL — 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 LIPIODOL and its cost
What is this medication? Lipiodol is an injectable prescription medication composed of ethiodized oil, which contains iodine. It acts as a radiopaque contrast agent, meaning it helps make certain internal structures of the body more visible during medical imaging procedures like X-rays or CT scans. Historically, it has been used for diagnostic purposes such as lymphography to visualize the lymphatic system or hysterosalpingography to evaluate the health of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
In modern medicine, Lipiodol is frequently utilized in interventional radiology for the management of specific types of liver cancer. In a procedure known as transarterial chemoembolization, the oil is mixed with chemotherapy drugs and injected into the arteries supplying a tumor. Because the oily substance is selectively retained by tumor cells, it helps concentrate the medication within the cancerous mass and can assist in blocking the blood supply to the tumor, aiding both in treatment and visualization.
LIPIODOL is made by Guerbet. 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 LIPIODOL?
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 LIPIODOL?
No — federal law (the Anti-Kickback Statute) prohibits manufacturer copay cards on Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, and VA prescriptions. But Guerbet has a separate Patient Assistance Program for Medicare beneficiaries. Check the options above.
Does my Medicare Part D plan cover LIPIODOL?
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 Liver 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 LIPIODOL
Full LIPIODOL drug page
FDA label, prior authorization rules, full indications list
More options for Liver Cancer
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