Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Imatinib (Gleevec) Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| 400mg Tablets Generic (30-day) | $200 – $2,000 | $20 – $200 |
| 400mg Tablets Brand Gleevec (30-day) | $5,000 – $10,000 | $100 – $500 |
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 3-4; brand Gleevec specialty tier; prior auth required
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
Generic imatinib costs $200 to $2,000/month. Brand Gleevec costs $5,000 to $10,000/month. Generic availability has greatly reduced costs.
Imatinib treats chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), and other cancers with specific genetic mutations.
Many CML patients take imatinib indefinitely. Some may stop after years of deep molecular response under careful monitoring.