Affordability Check
How to afford Valstar
Generic name: valrubicin
Pick how you're covered. We'll show you the cheapest legitimate way to get Valstar — 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 Valstar and its cost
What is this medication? Valstar is a prescription medication primarily used to treat a specific type of bladder cancer known as carcinoma in situ. It is specifically indicated for patients whose cancer has not responded to previous treatments with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, or BCG therapy. This medication is typically reserved for individuals who cannot undergo immediate surgery to remove the bladder because the procedure would pose too high a risk to their overall health.
The drug belongs to a class of medicines called anthracyclines and works as a chemotherapy agent. It is administered directly into the bladder through a catheter, a process known as intravesical therapy. By staying in contact with the bladder lining for a specific period before being voided, Valstar helps to destroy cancer cells locally while minimizing systemic side effects throughout the rest of the body.
Valstar is made by Endo. 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 Valstar?
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 Valstar?
No — federal law (the Anti-Kickback Statute) prohibits manufacturer copay cards on Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, and VA prescriptions. But Endo has a separate Patient Assistance Program for Medicare beneficiaries. Check the options above.
Does my Medicare Part D plan cover Valstar?
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 your condition?
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.