Table 4. Estimated Drug Costs for Bone Modifying Agents
a
Agent,
Route Dose Schedule Price (USD)
Total Approximate
Cost Per 1-Year
Treatment Cycle
(USD)
Oral Bisphosphonates
Alendronate 5 mg
35 mg
70 mg
Daily
Once a week
Once a week
$6.50/month
$6.50/month
$6.50/month
$78 (6.50 × 12)
$78 (6.50 × 12)
$78 (6.50 × 12)
Risedronate 5 mg
35 mg
150 mg
Daily
Weekly (35 mg ) or
monthly (150 mg )
$6.50/month
$35.46/month
$69.81/month
$78 (6.50 × 12)
$425.52 (35.46 × 12)
$837.72 (69.81 × 12)
Ibandronate 150 mg Once a month $25.86/month $310.32 (25.86 × 12)
Intravenous (IV) Bisphosphonates
Zoledronic
acid
4 mg
5 mg
5 mg
Every 6 months
Yearly
Every other year
$46.40
($11.599 × 4)
$58.00
($11.599 × 5)
$58.00
($11.599 × 5)
$92.79 (46.40 × 2)
b
$58.00
b
$29.00
b
Monoclonal antibodies
Denosumab,
(subcutaneous
injection)
60 mg Every 6 months $1146.24
($19.104 × 60)
$2292.48
($1146.24 × 2)
a
Prices Per Dose were for a single infusion or per single injection. Prices for drugs reimbursed through
Medicare Part B only were identified from the July 2019 Medicare Payment Allowable Part B Drugs
Average Sales Price (ASP) Data (https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-Fee-for-Service-Part-
B-Drugs/McrPartBDrugAvgSalesPrice/2019ASPFiles.html). Prices for orally administered drugs
reimbursed through Medicare Part D were identified in the PlanFinder for a beneficiary living within ZIP
code 10065. Drug costs may vary by plan and by pharmacy where a medication is filled (e.g., preferred or
non-preferred pharmacies).
b
Does not include costs of administration or facility charges.