Prezista

Indicated For

HIV

About This Medication

# Janssen Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get Prezista (darunavir) at Low or No Cost Prezista (darunavir) is a vital antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV infection in adults and children aged 3 and older, as part of combination therapy with other antiretrovirals. The **Janssen Patient Assistance Program** (also known as the Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation or JJPAF) provides **free brand-name Prezista** to eligible uninsured or underinsured U.S. residents facing financial hardship, typically those with incomes up to **400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**. ## About Prezista (darunavir) **Prezista**, the brand name for **darunavir**, is a protease inhibitor that helps control HIV by preventing the virus from multiplying. Approved by the FDA in 2006 and manufactured by **Janssen Therapeutics** (a Johnson & Johnson company), it must be taken with other HIV medications like ritonavir or cobicistat as a booster. It's available in tablets (75 mg, 150 mg, 600 mg, 800 mg) and oral suspension. Without insurance, Prezista can cost **$1,300 to $2,500 per month** for a typical 800 mg dose (30 tablets), making assistance programs essential for many patients. Always take it exactly as prescribed, with food, to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects like nausea, diarrhea, or rash. Consult your doctor for personalized advice. ## Who Qualifies? This program targets **uninsured or underinsured U.S. residents** who cannot afford their medication. Key eligibility factors include: - **Residency**: Must be a legal U.S. resident (no citizenship required in most cases). - **Insurance status**: Primarily for those without prescription coverage or whose insurance doesn't fully cover costs. **Not available for Medicare or Medicaid recipients** through this specific free medication program—use alternatives like Extra Help or ADAP instead. - **Income**: Up to **400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**, sometimes extending to 300-400% based on household size and circumstances. No asset test is typically required. - **Diagnosis**: Confirmed HIV infection with a valid prescription for Prezista. **Income Eligibility Breakdown** Use the table below to check if your household income qualifies. FPL guidelines update annually (e.g., in 2026, 100% FPL for an individual is around $15,060; check HHS.gov for exact figures). Multiply by the percentage for your limit. | Household Size | 100% FPL (approx.) | 300% FPL Limit | 400% FPL Limit | |----------------|---------------------|----------------|----------------| | 1 (Individual) | $15,060 | $45,180 | $60,240 | | 2 (Couple) | $20,440 | $61,320 | $81,760 | | 3 | $25,820 | $77,460 | $103,280 | | 4 | $31,200 | $93,600 | $124,800 | | +1 Person | +$5,380 | +$16,140 | +$21,520 | *Notes: Limits are annual gross income before taxes. Program may approve slightly above 400% FPL in hardship cases. Verify with program staff.* ## Insurance Requirements - **Uninsured**: Fully eligible if income-qualified. - **Underinsured**: Okay if commercial or government insurance doesn't cover full costs (e.g., high copays). **Medicare Part D or Medicaid patients are ineligible** for free Prezista via this program—explore Medicare Extra Help (income <150% FPL), State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs, or ADAP instead. - **Commercial insurance**: May qualify if out-of-pocket costs are unaffordable; separate J&J withMe Savings Card can reduce copays to $0 (not Medicare/Medicaid). Contact the program to confirm your situation, as rules can vary. ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Get a Prescription**: Ask your HIV specialist to prescribe brand-name Prezista and complete the physician section of the application. 2. **Gather Documents**: - Proof of income (e.g., tax returns, pay stubs, SSI/SSDI letters for last 12 months). - Proof of residency (e.g., utility bill, lease). - Valid Prezista prescription. - Physician signature and contact info. 3. **Choose Application Method** (multiple options): - **Phone**: Call **(833) 742-0791** or **1-800-652-6227** (JJPAF line) for help starting. - **Online**: Visit jnjwithme.com/patient/prezista or prezista.com (download forms). - **Mail/Fax**: Doctor submits via Janssen CarePath or direct to program. 4. **Submit**: Patient or doctor sends everything. Translators available. 5. **Wait for Approval**: See timeline below. Your doctor’s office can handle much of this—many clinics have staff experienced with PAPs. ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing Time**: **2-4 weeks** from complete submission. Expedited for urgent cases. - **Approval Duration**: Up to **12 months** of free medication, shipped directly to your home or doctor's office. - **Reauthorization Required**: Yes, annually. Resubmit updated income/residency proof before supply runs out. Track status by calling the program. Once approved, refills ship automatically if reauthorized. ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **J&J withMe Savings Card**: $0 copay for commercial insurance (jnjwithme.com).[1][4] - **ADAP (AIDS Drug Assistance Program)**: State-funded HIV meds up to 300-500% FPL (contact state health dept or hab.hrsa.gov).[4] - **PAN Foundation**: Up to $5,000/year copay help for HIV (panfoundation.org).[7] - **Medicaid/Medicare Extra Help**: Free/low-cost coverage if eligible.[3] - **Generic Darunavir**: Cheaper ($400-800/month), coupons via GoodRx.[4] - **NeedyMeds/RxAssist**: Search more programs.[4] ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and based on publicly available data as of 2026. Eligibility, income limits, and processes can change—**always verify directly with the program at (833) 742-0791**. Not medical advice; consult your healthcare provider. Janssen/J&J reserves rights to modify or end the program. Success rates high for qualifiers, but approval not guaranteed.

Program information last verified: March 29, 2026