What are the most expensive prescription drugs in America?

It’s no secret that the United States has some of the most expensive prescription medications in the world. This is because unlike other governments, the U.S. government allows drug manufacturers to put whatever price tag they want on any prescription drug. Other governments actively negotiate to lower the prices of certain drugs, especially those which are vital to certain conditions like diabetes, cancer, or even severe allergies. Because of the free pricing of drugs in the U.S., it has led to some expensive prescription medication. Here are some of the most expensive drugs in America today. Margaret L. Salmon.

Image source: clinicaltrialsarena.com

Myalept (metreleptin) is currently the most expensive prescription drug in the country at $64,895. The package contains 14 vials and is used to treat a rare disease, which causes leptin deficiency in patients with acquired or congenital lipodystrophy. Even with its price tag, this medicine is not a cure for the disease. Margaret L. Salmon.

Image source: pharmaceutical-journal.com

Ravicti is the second most expensive drug, which goes for $52,756 for 11 vials. The drug is used to treat a genetic condition called urea cycle disorder, which results in high levels of ammonia in a person’s blood. Leaving the disease untreated can lead to confusion, comatose state, or even death. Margaret L. Salmon.

Actimmune is an approved medicine used to treat osteopetrosis and granulomatous disease, a disease that causes the immune system to malfunction. This drug costs $47,962 and comes in 11 single-use vials and is taken three times a week on average.

What makes these drugs so expensive is that they treat the rarest of rare conditions. Drug manufacturers have to pour a lot of funding in terms of researching for these drugs while on the production side of things, they can’t produce as much because very few people have the diseases these products manage. And while these products have exorbitant prices, health insurance can play a big part in reducing the prices of these drugs. Margaret L. Salmon.