Does Insurance Cover Xiaflex

In this scientific world, there is nothing that is left undiscovered. And, since you are a human and have different body parts, including genitals, you must encounter some diseases there. And two of the illnesses doctors have discovered are ‘Peyronie’s disease’ and ‘Dupuytren’s contracture.’

You may use a medicine named ‘Xiaflex’ to reduce the effects of these two diseases. However, last week, I went to the local pharmacy store, and a man was talking about the high price of Xiaflex.

Do you want to know about the price of Xiaflex, and does insurance cover Xiaflex? If so, you can feel free to read this article. This article will make you understand Peyronie’s disease, the coverage of Xiaflex and more.

Xiaflex: What Is It?

Endo Pharmaceutical created the drug ‘Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum’ or ‘Xiaflex’. It is a sort of structural deformity therapy that has received FDA approval. These abnormalities are brought about by genetic connective tissue rigidity or by damage.

The medicine works by preventing the growth of plaque, which can occur as a consequence of contracting connective tissue. When treating Peyronie’s disease, it is usually injected in a urologist’s clinic.

Does Insurance Cover Xiaflex
Image Source: www.rcbarrymd .com

Patients receiving Xiaflex injections may also require moderate physiotherapy as part of their prescription. And patients need physiotherapy to relax the damaged areas as the drug dissolves a plaque or tissue growth by obstructing the normal motion range.

Xiaflex: The Uses

Prescription medications, like Xiaflex, are permitted to treat specific illnesses by the ‘Food and Drug Administration‘. Moreover, off-label uses for Xiaflex are possible for many diseases. In addition, off-label medication use refers to prescribing an FDA-licensed medication for a use that is not specified in its certified usage.

Xiaflex For Treating Peyronie’s Syndrome

Xiaflex has FDA approval to treat Peyronie’s syndrome in adult men. Doctors can use it on males who have the following conditions:

  • A painful plaque in the penis,
  • A 30-degree or greater penis curve at the beginning of the treatment.

Xiaflex For Treating Dupuytren’s Contracture

The treatment of adult Dupuytren’s contracture with Xiaflex has FDA approval. When a cord is detectable in your hand’s palm, it is safe to use.

Xiaflex: The Dosage

The amounts you should typically apply are described in the following portion of the article. But the dosage that would work best for you will be chosen by your doctor.

  • Dosages And Potentials

As a powder, Xiaflex is packaged in single-use capsules. And your doctor will use the powder to create an injection-safe liquid Xiaflex mixture. In addition, your doctor will give the injection in a clinic or office setting.

The dosage of Xiaflex is 0.9 milligrams per container. And for every injection doctors deliver, they will utilize a single 0.9 mg dose. Additionally, they will take the prescribed dosage out of the container and throw away the remaining medication.

  • Peyronie’s Disease Dosage

If you have Peyronie’s disease, your doctor will inject Xiaflex straight into the membrane in the penis that leads it to curve. However, you will have to take a maximum of four treatment sessions every six weeks.

You will get two injections scheduled at one to three days intervals during each treatment session. It is advised to inject 0.58 milligrams into the plaque during each infusion.

Next, you will revisit your doctor after one to three days of your second injection. And your doctor will try to extend the membrane and straighten your penis manually. However, you will not require additional treatment sessions if your penis’ curvature angle decreases to 15 degrees or less following any treatment cycle.

  • Dupuytren’s Contracture Dosage

Your doctor will provide an injection of Xiaflex for Dupuytren’s contracture directly into the nerve of your hand, which enables your finger to fold backwards. However, doctors recommend injecting 0.58 mg of one Xiaflex into the spinal cord.

You can take a maximum of two shots in the same appointment. Your doctor might provide two injections into separate locations in that cord, for instance, if one cord is causing the bending of two joints in a single finger. Besides, your doctor may inject one shot into each cord if two nerves affect your two distinct fingers to fold.

Generally, you will visit your doctor one to three days after the injection or injections. However, a doctor can use local anesthesia for this. And your doctor might attempt to straighten your finger to overcome the nerve gradually.

Then, after four weeks, your doctor might inject the cord again if your finger cannot straighten. They will try to fix your finger once more one to three days later. Eventually, at 4-week intervals, each cord can have treatment up to three times.

After getting all this information, you may be thinking about Xiaflex’s cost and coverage. In order to know the price and coverage of Xiaflex, you can read the following part.

Xiaflex: The Cost And Insurance Coverage

Now, in this part, you will know the answer to your question, ‘does insurance cover Xiaflex‘. So, keep reading.

Generally, the price of 0.9 mg of Xiaflex injection powder might be above $5,000 without insurance. Nevertheless, the price of Xiaflex can differ, just as with other drugs. The following factors could impact the cost you will pay:

  • Your course of treatment.
  • The disease for which Xiaflex is recommended to treat.
  • Your insurance policy.
  • The price of your doctor’s appointment to acquire Xiaflex dosages.
  • If Xiaflex has any financial assistance plans.

Now, from these factors, you can guess the answer to your question. And your prediction is correct; insurance can cover Xiaflex. But, your insurance provider might require you to obtain prior authorization before granting coverage for Xiaflex.

Therefore, before the insurance provider covers the medication, your doctor and the insurance provider will need to consult regarding your prescription. And after reviewing the prior authorization request, the insurance provider will determine whether or not to cover the medication.

Moreover, Xiaflex coverage varies from insurance plan to insurance plan and might or might not be available. However, Xiaflex insurance coverage costs vary based on your plan.

Besides, if your insurance policy does not cover Xiaflex, you might use SingleCare to get discounts on the medication at your neighborhood pharmacy. In addition, if you have Medicaid or Medicare, you can benefit from SingleCare discounts.

Moreover, you can utilize SingleCare if Medicaid or Medicare partially covers your Xiaflex order. If you want to compare the Xiaflex cost with SingleCare to the price with Medicare or insurance, you can use the SingleCare app or website.

The Medicare Coverage For Xiaflex

Generally, Part D of Medicare provides coverage for prescription drugs. But often, it is only valid for medications that you may purchase at a retail pharmacy and take medicine by yourself.

On the other hand, Medicare Part B coverage might help cover the price of pharmaceuticals you take in a clinical environment. Additionally, Medicare Part B provides coverage for outpatient expenses such as doctor visits and treatments received in a clinic.

Moreover, specific requirements must be met for the coverage of Xiaflex by Medicare. Initially, the doctor must identify Peyronie’s syndrome or Dupuytren’s contracture in the patient. A doctor must then prescribe the medicine as a medically essential course of treatment.

On top of that, the penis’ curvature must be greater than 30 degrees in Peyronie’s disease patients. And for Xiaflex to help treat Dupuytren’s contracture, the patient must be dealing with a cord-like fibrous development.

Other Medicare Insurance Plans

Besides Medicare coverage, treatment for Peyronie’s disease with Xiaflex must be covered by older Medicare Advantage plans from companies such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, etc.

  • Both Empire Blue Cross And Anthem BCBS

Most Empire Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross insurance policies pay for Peyronie’s disease therapy. However, Xiaflex may occasionally require predetermination and preauthorization.

  • Oxford Health Plans And UnitedHealthcare

The majority of Oxford Health Plans and United Healthcare will pay for the price of Xiaflex when treating men with Peyronie’s disease who have a painful plaque and a maximum of 30-degree curve.

Xiaflex: The Adverse Effects

There are several common and severe side effects of Xiaflex.

Typical Side Effects

For Dupuytren’s contracture, Xiaflex frequently causes the following side effects:

  • Reaction at the injection location.
  • Bruising.
  • Bleeding from the injection site.
  • Discomfort in the arm was cured.
  • Swelling in the hand where you take the injection.

Moreover, the following are typical penis-related side effects of using Xiaflex to treat Peyronie’s disease:

  • Bleeding.
  • Swelling.
  • Pain.

Severe Side Effects

With Xiaflex, serious adverse effects can occur. If you experience any of the following severe adverse effects, get immediate medical help.

  • Back pains after injection.
  • Significant allergic response.
  • More severe hand-related damage.
  • Some other severe injuries to the penis, including penile fracture.
  • Muscle damage.

Xiaflex: Who Should Not Take It?

If you come under any of the following categories, consult your doctor before getting Xiaflex injections:

  • Bad Allergic Reaction

Xiaflex is not the best treatment for you if you have experienced a severe allergic response to any of its chemicals or components.

  • Pregnant Women

Although Xiaflex should not likely harm an unborn fetus, animal studies indicate that it is not sure. Therefore, consider the advantages and disadvantages of using Xiaflex while pregnant with your healthcare professional’s help.

  • Children

Children are not allowed to use Xiaflex. Children under the age of 18 have not been researched with the medication.

  • Older People

Elderly persons, those over 65, and younger people do not respond to Xiaflex differently regarding safety or functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now, you can read this part if you still have some queries regarding ‘does insurance cover xiaflex.

What Is The Lifespan Of Xiaflex?

In order to treat Peyronie’s disease, you can inject a drug called Xiaflex directly into the penis. The drug reduces the penis’ bending by destroying the plaque. And it usually takes between four and six weeks for Xiaflex to work correctly.

Nevertheless, most men can get adverse effects like discomfort, bleeding, and swelling that can linger for a few weeks. Therefore, you must be cautious about discussing all possible dangers and advantages with your physician if you suffer from Peyronie’s disorder and are considering using Xiaflex as a medication.

What Results In The Penis Bending Or Curving?

When an erection initially begins, the penis enlarges in length and width as blood fills it. That portion of the penis becomes shorter because Peyronie’s disease prevents it from expanding. Nevertheless, the bending or curving of the penis is caused by the length difference between a perfectly erect penis and the shrinkage brought on by Peyronie’s disease.

What Is The Rate of Success Of The Xiaflex Treatment?

Although success rates can differ, I have shared some valuable data regarding Xiaflex efficiency below:

– 57% of males who received Xiaflex treatment who was previously unable to engage in sexual activity were able to do so after the treatment.
– Improved penile sensitivity was reported by 33% of the males taking Xiaflex.
– 92% of males said they could engage in sexual activity after receiving the Xiaflex therapy.

Is Xiaflex Treatment Going To Hurt?

Most men who have received Xiaflex treatment rate it as pleasant, with just minor discomfort for the first minute or perhaps once after injection. The treatment does not require general anesthesia.

However, you can take local anesthesia if necessary. Patients can receive the injection in the office and then leave on their own in minutes.

Is Xiaflex Secure?

Yes, Xiaflex has received FDA approval, indicating that its safety and effectiveness have been thoroughly examined. There are dangers with any procedure or medical therapy.

Additionally, at the site of the injection, the most frequent side effects include pain, inflammation, and bleeding. Moreover, a patient can face allergies and penile fractures.  

How Do I Recover After Receiving Xiaflex Therapy?

Due to the possibility of penile fracture, I recommend patients entirely refrain from sexual activity for two weeks following each Xiaflex injection. However, after the injection, you can immediately go back to work and engage in contact sports (but not sex), but I will advise you to wear protective underwear.

After Peyronie’s Operation, How Many Lengths Can Be Lost?

A recent incident with 90 patients who received IPP placement for Peyronie’s disease revealed that patients had a subjective reduction in the penile size of 1.6 inches before the treatment. And patients had an extra personal decrease of 0.25 to 4 inches after the treatment.

What Treatment For Peyronie’s Disease Works The Best?

Surgery is mainly found to be the most successful Peyronie’s disease solution for reshaping the penis. However, it is typically only advised in extreme circumstances for patients who have to bend for more than a year and do not respond to non-surgical treatment.

Wrap Up

In the end, you can surely be tension free from the question, ‘does insurance cover Xiaflex?’ You can feel free because all the prominent insurance companies in the U.S.A. can cover Xiaflex.

But there are more things about Xiaflex that you must get. You will need to learn about the side effects of Xiaflex because there are some restrictions. Everyone cannot use Xiaflex.

That is why you need to know the relevant information regarding Xiaflex. And to know some vital information relevant to Xiaflex, such as the uses, the dosage, the cost, and other coverage plans, you can go through the article whenever you want.

Website | + posts

Mehedi Hasan is an insurance expert with over 6 years of experience in the industry. He has a deep understanding of various types of insurance policies and is skilled at helping clients find the coverage that best fits their needs. In his current role, Mehedi works as a consultant, advising businesses and individuals on the best insurance options for their specific situations.

He is also a frequent speaker at industry events, sharing his knowledge and expertise with colleagues and professionals in the field. Mehedi holds a degree in insurance and risk management and is committed to staying up-to-date on the latest industry trends and developments. In his free time, he enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Mehedi hasan

Mehedi Hasan is an insurance expert with over 6 years of experience in the industry. He has a deep understanding of various types of insurance policies and is skilled at helping clients find the coverage that best fits their needs. In his current role, Mehedi works as a consultant, advising businesses and individuals on the best insurance options for their specific situations.

He is also a frequent speaker at industry events, sharing his knowledge and expertise with colleagues and professionals in the field. Mehedi holds a degree in insurance and risk management and is committed to staying up-to-date on the latest industry trends and developments. In his free time, he enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *