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Affordability Check

How to afford RETROVIR

Generic name: zidovudine

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

What is this medication? Retrovir, which contains the active ingredient zidovudine, is an antiviral medication used in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It belongs to a class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) that work by interfering with the ability of the virus to multiply in the body. By reducing the amount of HIV in the blood, the medication helps the immune system function better and lowers the risk of developing complications or opportunistic infections associated with AIDS.

This medication is also frequently used to prevent the transmission of HIV from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. In these cases, it may be administered to the mother throughout her pregnancy and then given to the infant for several weeks after birth. It is important to note that Retrovir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, but it is a critical component of combination therapy designed to manage the condition and help patients live longer, healthier lives.

RETROVIR is made by a pharmaceutical manufacturer. 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 RETROVIR?

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 RETROVIR?

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

Does my Medicare Part D plan cover RETROVIR?

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-1 Infection?

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 RETROVIR