Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Capecitabine (Xeloda) Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| 500mg Tablets Generic (14-day cycle) | $100 – $500 | $10 – $80 |
| Brand Xeloda 500mg (14-day cycle) | $1,000 – $3,000 | $50 – $200 |
What Affects the Cost
- Brand-name vs. generic availability
- Insurance formulary tier placement
- Pharmacy choice (retail vs. mail-order vs. Costco)
- Manufacturer savings cards and coupons
- Dosage and quantity prescribed
- Geographic location
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Generic Tier 2-3; brand Xeloda specialty tier
Most insurance plans use a tiered formulary: Tier 1 (generic) $0-$15 copay, Tier 2 (preferred brand) $25-$75, Tier 3 (non-preferred brand) $50-$150, Tier 4 (specialty) $100-$500+. Prior authorization may be required for certain medications. Step therapy may require trying cheaper alternatives first.
How to Save Money
- Always ask for generic when available — saves 50-90%
- Use GoodRx, RxSaver, or similar discount cards
- Costco pharmacy is open to non-members and often has lowest prices
- Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs offers transparent low pricing
- Manufacturer patient assistance programs provide free medication to qualifying patients
- HSA/FSA funds can cover medication costs tax-free
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Capecitabine treats breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and gastric cancer. It is an oral chemotherapy that converts to 5-FU in tumor cells.
Generic capecitabine costs $100 to $500 per cycle. Brand Xeloda costs $1,000 to $3,000 per cycle.
Capecitabine is typically taken twice daily for 14 days followed by 7 days off. This 21-day cycle repeats for the prescribed duration.