Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Sunitinib (Sutent) Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| 50mg Capsules (28-day cycle) | $10,000 – $16,000 | $150 – $2,000 |
| 25mg Capsules (28-day) | $8,000 – $12,000 | $100 – $1,500 |
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: Specialty Tier 5; prior auth required; copay assistance available
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
Sunitinib costs $8,000 to $16,000 per month depending on the dose. It is taken for 4 weeks on and 2 weeks off.
Sunitinib treats renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Most insurance plans cover sunitinib with prior authorization. Specialty copay assistance and the Pfizer patient assistance program can help with costs.