Income Assistance Information

MacNeil (adapted by Sharkey) (Oct 15/05)

Editor’s Note:  The following information regarding specific costs of Thyrogen was applicable as of Oct 15, 2005 in the Greater Toronto Area, and pricing may have changed significantly.  The general principle of doing a cost comparison does however still apply.

The consumer cost of Thyrogen can vary by over $200.00 per kit, depending upon WHERE you buy it.

Pricing

In 2005, Genzyme sold Thyrogen for $1324.00 to wholesalers/pharmacies.

Some pharmacies buy it from wholesalers who mark it up by approximately 5.5%, now the cost to the pharmacy is $1396.80.

Then the pharmacy can take a 10-20% mark up, if 10% - cost of Thyrogen now - $1536.48 plus a dispensing fee of 9.99 = $1546.47 (this is the most common consumer price)

Some hospital pharmacies seem to take a 20% mark up - cost of Thyrogen $1676.16 + 9.99 dispensing fee = $1686.15

Cost Examples

Ontario does not cover the cost of Thyrogen under the provincial health plan. Here are some specific Ontario examples of the consumer price differences:

St. Joseph's Hospital Pharmacy, Hamilton Phone # 905-521-6170, total price to the patient is $1465.90

Medical Pharmacy, 2300 Eglinton Ave. West  # 905-820-2100 (MedicalBuildingnear CreditValleyHospital) Mississauga, total price to patient is $1540.49.

Victor Pharmacy, 123 Edward Street, Toronto #905-597-0355, Total price = $1546.47.

Sunnybrook & Women's College Hospital Pharmacy, Toronto, Total price = $1676.16

Supercare Pharmacy, 6633 Hwy 7@ 9th Line, Markham#905-910-0060, Total price = $1462.39

In these few examples, the price varies by as much as $213.77.

If you need to purchase Thyrogen, call pharmacies and ask what you will be charged BEFORE you decide where you will buy it. Thyrogen is becoming much more widely available and more pharmacies are either stocking it or have quick access to it.