Erbitux

Indicated For

metastatic colorectal cancer, head and neck cancer

About This Medication

# Erbitux (cetuximab) Patient Guide: How to Get Erbitux at Low or No Cost Erbitux (cetuximab) is an infused cancer medication from Eli Lilly and Company with two main patient assistance options: the **Lilly Oncology Infused Products Savings Card Program** for commercially insured patients (reducing copays to as low as $25/month) and the **Lilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program** for uninsured or Medicare patients (providing free medication).[1][3][6] This guide explains eligibility, application steps, and support resources in simple terms to help you access Erbitux affordably. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice. ## About Erbitux (cetuximab) **Erbitux** is a prescription medicine used to treat certain types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer and head and neck cancer, often in combination with chemotherapy. It's given as an infusion (IV drip) in a doctor's office, hospital, or clinic.[1][2] Common side effects include skin rash, tiredness, diarrhea, and infusion reactions like fever or shortness of breath—tell your doctor right away if you experience severe symptoms.[2] Paying for Erbitux can be challenging due to high costs, but Eli Lilly offers programs through Lilly Oncology Support and the independent Lilly Cares Foundation to ease the burden.[1][3][5] ## Who Qualifies? Eli Lilly provides **two primary programs** for Erbitux: 1. **Lilly Oncology Infused Products Savings Card Program** (for commercially insured patients): - You must be 18+ and a U.S. or Puerto Rico resident.[6] - Prescribed Erbitux for an FDA-approved use.[1] - Have **commercial insurance** covering Erbitux, but with a copay or coinsurance (not fully covered).[1] - **Not eligible** if on government insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, VA, Tricare, or similar.[1][6] - Benefit: Pay as little as **$25 per month** (28-day period), up to the program's max savings.[1] 2. **Lilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program** (for uninsured/Medicare): - Permanent U.S., Puerto Rico, or U.S. Virgin Islands resident.[6][10] - Prescribed Erbitux by your doctor.[3] - **No insurance**, Medicare Part D, or limited coverage (not on Medicaid, full Extra Help, VA).[6][10] - Meet **household income guidelines** (typically up to 400-500% of Federal Poverty Level, but call for exacts as they vary).[6] - Benefit: **Free medication** shipped to your doctor's office.[3][10] **Note:** Independent foundations may help underinsured patients; funding changes weekly—call 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979).[1][9] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown The Savings Card has **no income limits** but requires commercial insurance.[1] Lilly Cares **is income-based** but specific thresholds aren't publicly listed online—contact Lilly at 1-800-545-5979 (Mon-Fri, 8am-10pm ET) or 800-545-6962 for your household size.[3][6][10] Generally: | Household Size | Estimated Max Income (400% FPL example)* | |----------------|-----------------------------------------| | 1 (Individual) | ~$60,000/year | | 2 (Couple) | ~$81,000/year | | 3 | ~$102,000/year | | 4 | ~$123,000/year | *Estimates only; actuals may differ. Verify with Lilly. No FPL % specified in sources.[6][10] ## Insurance Requirements - **Savings Card:** **Commercial insurance required** (private plans like employer or marketplace). Government beneficiaries excluded.[1][6] - **Lilly Cares:** **Uninsured or Medicare Part D** OK; **Medicaid, VA, full Extra Help excluded**.[6][10] Lilly Oncology Support can check your benefits, prior authorizations, and appeals (call 1-866-472-8663, Mon-Fri 8am-10pm ET).[5][6] ## Step-by-Step Application ### For Savings Card Program:[1] 1. Visit https://oncologysupport.lilly.com/erbitux-financial-support and **download/print the application**. 2. **Complete the patient section** (confirm eligibility, agree to terms). 3. Take it to your **doctor** to fill out their section. 4. Doctor **returns it to Lilly** for processing. 5. If approved, get your Savings Card—use at infusion site to pay $25 max. ### For Lilly Cares:[3][10] 1. Download application at www.lillycares.com or call 800-545-6962. 2. **Patient** completes personal/financial info; **doctor** verifies prescription. 3. Submit **online, fax (844-431-6650)**, or mail. 4. **Required documents** (if requested): Proof of income (tax return, pay stubs), residency, no insurance proof, doctor's note.[6] **Phone support:** 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979), Mon-Fri 8am-10pm ET.[1][2] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Savings Card:** Processing time not specified; typically quick (days-weeks). Card used directly at treatment site—no shipping.[1] - **Lilly Cares:** Approval in weeks; free med **shipped to doctor's office** for infusion. Month defined as 28 days.[1][3] Call for status updates. Reimbursement help available via Lilly Oncology Support Center.[5] ## Alternatives if Denied - Switch programs (e.g., commercial to Lilly Cares if uninsured).[1][3] - **Independent foundations** via Lilly referral (call 1-800-LillyRx; funding varies).[1][9] - Benefits investigation/appeals through Lilly (1-866-472-8663).[6] - Other copay cards or general cancer funds (ask Lilly rep).[8] - Biosimilars: None listed for Erbitux currently.[ ] ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on publicly available data as of 2026. Programs can change—**always verify with Eli Lilly directly** at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979). Not medical/financial advice. Eligibility not guaranteed. Terms apply; see official sites.[1][3] Word count: ~950.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026