Pegasys costs over $4,300/month without insurance. Learn about patient assistance programs, discount options, and ways to lower your costs in 2026.
Pegasys (Peginterferon Alfa-2a) is a specialty biologic that treats chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and is widely used for blood disorders like polycythemia vera. It's also one of the more expensive medications you might be prescribed — and with the ongoing shortage adding stress to an already difficult situation, the last thing you need is sticker shock at the pharmacy.
Here's what Pegasys actually costs and every way we know to bring that price down.
Let's start with the numbers:
These are cash prices — what you'd pay without any insurance or discount. Because Pegasys is a brand-name biologic with no generic or biosimilar available in the US, there's no cheaper equivalent to switch to.
With a GoodRx coupon, prices start around $4,290 for a 4-pack of the 180 mcg/mL vials — a modest discount but still a significant expense.
While manufacturer copay cards are common for many brand-name drugs, pharma& GmbH does not currently offer a standard copay savings card for Pegasys. However, third-party discount programs may offer some savings:
GoodRx shows prices starting at approximately $4,290 for a month's supply at participating pharmacies. While this isn't a huge discount off the cash price, it's free to use and worth checking. Visit goodrx.com/pegasys to compare prices at pharmacies near you.
Programs like SingleCare, RxSaver, and Optum Perks may occasionally show competitive pricing for specialty medications, though availability for Pegasys specifically varies. It's worth checking multiple platforms since prices can differ by pharmacy and location.
Keep in mind that discount cards cannot be used alongside insurance — they're most useful for uninsured patients or when the cash price is lower than your insurance copay.
If you're uninsured, underinsured, or facing financial hardship, patient assistance programs can be a lifeline. These programs may provide Pegasys at no cost or significantly reduced cost.
The current manufacturer of Pegasys, pharma& GmbH, offers a patient assistance program. To learn more or apply:
When Pegasys was marketed by Roche/Genentech, the Pegassist program provided free medication to qualifying patients. While this program has transitioned with the change in ownership, some resources may still be available through legacy channels. Contact pharma& directly to confirm current options.
NeedyMeds (needymeds.org) maintains a searchable database of patient assistance programs, including those for Pegasys. They also offer a free drug discount card that may help with some medications.
RxAssist (rxassist.org) is another comprehensive directory of patient assistance programs, copay assistance, and state-level resources for patients who need help affording medications.
RxHope (rxhope.com) helps patients connect with manufacturer-sponsored assistance programs and can help navigate the application process.
Most commercial insurance plans and Medicare cover Pegasys, but it's typically classified as a specialty medication, which means:
If you're on Medicare, there's good news: as of 2025, Medicare Part D includes a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap on prescription drug costs. Once you've spent $2,000 out of pocket for the year, your plan covers the full cost of covered medications for the rest of the year. For a drug as expensive as Pegasys, you'll likely hit this cap early in the year.
If your insurance denies coverage or requires step therapy (trying a cheaper medication first), your doctor can file an appeal. For hepatitis indications, insurance may require trial of direct-acting antivirals first. For off-label MPN use, include supporting literature (NCCN guidelines, published clinical trials) to strengthen the appeal.
Some hematology and hepatology practices purchase Pegasys directly and administer it in the office. This "buy-and-bill" approach means the medication is billed under your medical benefit (like a procedure) rather than your pharmacy benefit. Depending on your plan design, this could result in lower out-of-pocket costs.
Many states offer their own prescription assistance programs for residents who meet income requirements. Check with your state's health department or visit Medicare.gov to search for State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs) in your area.
If cost is a major barrier and your doctor agrees, switching to a less expensive medication may be an option. For polycythemia vera, Hydroxyurea costs under $50 per month and is available as a generic. For hepatitis C, oral direct-acting antivirals may be covered more favorably by your plan. Read our full guide: Alternatives to Pegasys.
No one should have to choose between their health and their finances. If you're struggling with the cost of Pegasys, start by calling the manufacturer's patient assistance line at 855-443-7028. Explore NeedyMeds and RxAssist for additional programs. And if you're also having trouble finding Pegasys in stock, use Medfinder to check real-time pharmacy availability.
For providers looking to help patients navigate costs, see our provider's guide to helping patients save money on Pegasys.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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