Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Keytruda 200mg IV Infusion | $10,000 – $12,000 | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| Keytruda 400mg IV (6-week dose) | $20,000 – $24,000 | $2,000 – $6,000 |
CPT/ADA Code: J9271
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: Specialty tier — prior authorization required; administered in oncology settings
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
A single Keytruda infusion costs $10,000 to $14,000. Treatment is typically given every 3 or 6 weeks, with annual costs exceeding $150,000.
Most insurance plans cover Keytruda for FDA-approved indications with prior authorization. Patient out-of-pocket costs vary widely based on plan design.
Keytruda is approved for non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, head and neck cancer, bladder cancer, and several other cancer types.