Neupogen Is Expensive — But You Have More Options Than You Think

You're already dealing with chemotherapy, doctors' appointments, and the emotional weight of a cancer diagnosis. Then you see the price tag on Neupogen: $300 to $450 per injection at cash price. With daily doses often needed for 7 to 14 days per chemotherapy cycle, a single course of Neupogen can cost $3,000 to $10,000 or more without insurance.

That's a staggering number. But before you panic, know this: there are real ways to bring that cost down significantly. In this guide, we'll walk you through every option — from biosimilars and insurance tips to patient assistance programs that can provide Neupogen for free.

What Does Neupogen Cost Without Insurance?

Let's start with the numbers:

• Brand Neupogen (Filgrastim): $300–$450 per prefilled syringe or vial
• Per chemotherapy cycle: $3,000–$10,000+ (depending on how many days of injections you need)
• Per year: For patients receiving multiple chemotherapy cycles, annual G-CSF costs can exceed $30,000–$60,000

These are cash prices — what you'd pay without any insurance or discount. The actual amount you pay will depend on your insurance coverage, the pharmacy you use, and whether you qualify for any assistance programs.

Option 1: Switch to a Biosimilar and Save 15–30%

The simplest way to save money on Neupogen is to ask your doctor about a biosimilar. Biosimilars are FDA-approved medications that are highly similar to the original brand-name biologic. For Filgrastim, four biosimilars are available:

• Zarxio (Filgrastim-sndz) — typically $200–$350 per injection
• Nivestym (Filgrastim-aafi) — typically $200–$350 per injection
• Releuko (Filgrastim-ayow) — similar pricing
• Nypozi (Filgrastim-szfi) — approved 2024, pricing competitive with other biosimilars

Switching from brand Neupogen to a biosimilar can save you $50 to $150 per injection. Over a full course of treatment, that adds up to $500 to $2,000+ in savings per chemotherapy cycle.

Biosimilars work the same way, at the same dose, for the same conditions. Your oncologist can tell you if a biosimilar is right for you. For more details, read our guide to Neupogen alternatives.

Option 2: Use Discount Cards and Coupons

Prescription discount cards can help reduce your out-of-pocket cost, especially if you're paying cash or have a high-deductible insurance plan. Some options to check:

• GoodRx: Compare prices across pharmacies and access discount coupons for Filgrastim products
• SingleCare: Free discount card accepted at most major pharmacies
• RxSaver: Compare Filgrastim pricing at pharmacies near you
• Optum Perks: Discount card with price comparison tools

Important note: Because Neupogen is a specialty injectable, not all discount cards will offer significant savings. These tools tend to work best for the biosimilar versions at retail pharmacies. Always compare the discount card price to your insurance co-pay — sometimes your insurance is the better deal.

Option 3: Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)

If you're uninsured, underinsured, or facing financial hardship, patient assistance programs can provide Neupogen or its biosimilars at no cost. These programs are specifically designed to help patients who can't afford their medications.

Amgen Safety Net Foundation

Amgen, the manufacturer of Neupogen, runs the Safety Net Foundation — a patient assistance program that provides free Neupogen to qualifying patients.

• Eligibility: Uninsured or underinsured patients with household income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level
• How to apply: Your doctor's office can help you submit an application. Call 1-888-4AMGEN-1 (1-888-426-4361) for information.
• What's covered: Free Neupogen for qualifying patients

Amgen FIRST STEP Program

For patients with commercial insurance, Amgen's FIRST STEP program may help reduce co-pays for Neupogen. This is designed for patients who have insurance but still face high out-of-pocket costs.

Independent Foundations

Several independent nonprofit foundations offer co-pay assistance for cancer supportive care medications:

• Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation: Provides co-pay assistance for patients with a cancer diagnosis who need G-CSF therapy. Check eligibility at panfoundation.org.
• HealthWell Foundation: Offers grants to cover co-pays, premiums, and deductibles for eligible patients.
• The Assistance Fund (TAF): Provides financial assistance for specific disease categories including cancer.
• CancerCare: Offers limited financial assistance for cancer treatment costs including medications.

How to Find More Programs

Two comprehensive databases can help you search for assistance programs:

• NeedyMeds (needymeds.org) — searchable database of patient assistance programs, discount cards, and other resources
• RxAssist (rxassist.org) — directory of pharmaceutical company assistance programs

Option 4: Explore Insurance Coverage Strategies

How your insurance covers Neupogen can make a big difference in your costs:

Medical Benefit vs. Pharmacy Benefit

Neupogen can be covered two ways:

• Medical benefit (Part B): When administered in your doctor's office or clinic, Neupogen is typically billed under your medical benefit. This often means lower out-of-pocket costs — many medical benefit plans cover injectable drugs at 80% after the deductible.
• Pharmacy benefit (Part D): When you fill a prescription at a pharmacy and self-inject at home, Neupogen is billed under your pharmacy benefit. Specialty tier co-pays can be $100–$500+ per fill.

If your pharmacy benefit co-pay is high, ask your oncologist about receiving Neupogen injections at their office instead. It may be significantly cheaper under your medical benefit.

Prior Authorization Tips

Most insurers require prior authorization for Neupogen. To avoid delays:

• Ask your oncologist's office to submit the PA before you finish your chemotherapy cycle
• Make sure the PA request includes the correct diagnosis codes and documentation of medical necessity
• If your plan requires a preferred Filgrastim product, ask about what's actually available — if the preferred product is out of stock, you may be able to get an exception for an alternative

Appeal Denials

If your insurer denies coverage, don't give up. You have the right to appeal. Common successful appeal strategies include:

• Providing documentation of medical necessity from your oncologist
• Demonstrating that the preferred product is unavailable (using FDA shortage documentation)
• Requesting an urgent/expedited appeal given the time-sensitive nature of G-CSF therapy

Option 5: Other Ways to Save

Hospital Financial Assistance

If you're receiving treatment at a hospital, ask about their financial assistance or charity care program. Many hospitals are required by law to offer financial assistance to patients who can't afford treatment, and this can extend to medications administered during your care.

State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs)

Some states offer their own prescription assistance programs for residents with cancer or other serious conditions. Check with your state's health department or cancer control program.

Oncology Social Workers

Your cancer center's social worker is one of your most valuable resources. They specialize in connecting patients with financial assistance programs, insurance navigation, and other support services. If you haven't spoken with one yet, ask your care team for a referral.

Final Thoughts

Neupogen is expensive, but you should never skip doses because of cost. The medication is critical for protecting you from life-threatening infections during chemotherapy. Between biosimilars, patient assistance programs, insurance strategies, and discount tools, there are real ways to make Neupogen affordable.

Start by asking your doctor about biosimilar options — that alone can save $500 to $2,000 per treatment cycle. Then explore the patient assistance programs listed above. And if you need help finding Neupogen in stock at the best price, check Medfinder.

For more information about Neupogen, read our posts on what Neupogen is, Neupogen side effects, and how to find Neupogen in stock near you.