Uninsured, 61, Arizona
Cutting a $19,000-a-month myeloma bill by 98%
A retiree facing a five-figure monthly bill for lenalidomide compared the same molecule in India.
| Item | US | India | Saved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lenalidomide — one 28-day cycle | $19,320 | $147 | $19,173 |
| Round-trip flights | $0 | $1,200 | -$1,200 |
| Accommodation (14 nights) | $0 | $840 | -$840 |
| Total | $19,320 | $2,187 | $17,133 |
After a multiple myeloma diagnosis, the monthly retail price quoted in the US for lenalidomide was close to nineteen thousand dollars for a single 28-day cycle.
The identical molecule, made by a WHO-GMP manufacturer in India, was a fraction of that. Even after factoring in a two-week trip, the math was not close.
This story is illustrative and uses sample pricing. Anyone considering importing or travelling for medication must consult their own physician and check the laws that apply to them.