Trump's Tariffs Could Spike Costs 100% for Common Meds

Prescription drugs are already one of the harder expenses to budget for. Now, a new tariff policy is adding another question for people who rely on brand-name medications: Could the price at the pharmacy rise later this year?

The Trump Administration has established a tariff of up to 100% on certain patented drugs imported from abroad. The first tariffs take effect July 31, 2026, making this a good time to prepare yourself financially. However, the policy includes enough exemptions and special agreements that a 100% increase is far from guaranteed.

Here's what the policy covers and which medications could face pressure.

The 100% tariff is now official

President Trump signed the pharmaceutical tariff proclamation on April 2, 2026. It establishes a 100% tariff on imported patented pharmaceuticals and certain ingredients when no lower rate to exemption applies.

For large manufacturers identified by the administration, the tariffs begin July 31. Other impacted companies have until September 29 before the new rate takes effect.

The 100% tariff does not automatically double retail prices

The tariff is charged on a drug's import value, not the final list price at the pharmacy. Manufacturers, wholesalers, insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, and pharmacies all play a role in determining what patients pay.

A company could absorb part of the cost, negotiate an exemption, or pass some of it through. Therefore, doubling today's cash price shows a worst-case mathematical scenario, not a reliable prediction.

Generics and biosimilars remain exempt

The policy currently targets patented brand-name drugs. Generic drugs, biosimilars, and their associated ingredients remain exempt from the Section 232 tariff.

That distinction matters because generic medications account for most prescriptions filled in the United States. Still, people who need newer treatments without generic or biosimilar competition could have fewer ways to avoid any tariff-related price increases.

Drugmakers have several ways out

Companies with approved plans to move manufacturing to the U.S. may receive a reduced 20% tariff, although that rate is scheduled to increase in 2030.

Manufacturers that pair qualifying onshoring plans with most-favored-nation pricing agreements may receive a zero rate through January 20, 2029. Reuters reported that 17 drugmakers have reached finalized or developing agreements when the policy was announced.

Country agreements could limit the tariff further

The full 100% rate is not the only number in the proclamation. Patented drugs produced in the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, or Liechtenstein generally receive a 15% rate. The United Kingdom has a separate 10% rate.

That means several prominent imported drugs may face a lower tariff even without a company-specific exemption. The examples below illustrate the maximum 100% pass-through scenario, not the most likely result.

Entresto: About $717 could become $1,434

Entresto, a brand-name treatment for chronic heart failure, costs around $717 for 60 tablets without insurance, based on the cited cash-price estimate.

If the full 100% tariff applied and every dollar was passed directly to consumers, that supply would reach around $1,434. In practice, the drug's exact manufacturing location, Novartis' agreements, insurance coverage, and supply-chain pricing will determine the actual change.

Keytruda: One cancer treatment could exceed $50,000

Keytruda is an immunotherapy used to treat several cancers. The cited uninsured price is around $25,000 per dose, producing a theoretical post-tariff cost of $50,000 under a full 100% pass-through.

However, Keytruda is manufactured in Ireland, an EU member. That could place it under the proclamation's lower 15% country rate unless another exemption or company agreement produces an even lower rate.

Lenvima: An already expensive therapy could cost more

Lenvima is used for certain thyroid, kidney, liver, and endometrial cancers. The cited uninsured price for 60 capsules is $25,143. Simply adding 100% would bring the total to more than $50,000.

Lenvima is manufactured in Japan, though, so the 15% country rate could apply instead. Its final treatment cost would depend on dosage, insurance, manufacturer assistance, and any agreement reached by drugmaker Eisai.

Ozempic and Wegovy could also face tariff pressure

Ozempic treats type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is prescribed for chronic weight management and certain cardiovascular risks. The cited cash-price comparison places 30 tablets at $1,012 before tariffs and $2,024 after a theoretical 100% increase.

Manufacturer Novo Nordisk has already reached pricing arrangements with the administration, though, and products made in Denmark may qualify for the EU's lower rate, anyway. Novo also plans to reduce both drugs' U.S. list prices in 2027.

Insurance changes what patients actually pay

These figures represent prices without insurance. Someone with a flat copay might see little immediate difference, while a person paying coinsurance or working through a deductible could be more exposed to a higher negotiated price.

Insurers might also respond by changing formularies, requiring prior authorization, or favoring less expensive alternatives. Patients should check coverage rather than assuming their cost will rise by the tariff percentage.

What you can do before the deadlines

If you take one of these medications, ask your pharmacist what you currently pay and whether a price change is expected. Your doctor can also explain whether a generic, biosimilar, or different covered medication could be medically appropriate.

Look into manufacturer coupons and patient assistance programs as well. Do not stop, ration, or replace a prescription without speaking to the clinician managing your treatment.

Bottom line

The 100% tariff does not mean every imported brand-name drug will suddenly cost twice as much. Exemptions, manufacturer agreements, country-specific rates, and insurance coverage could all impact what patients ultimately pay.

To avoid wasting money, review your plan's formulary and refill schedule before the deadlines. If your plan allows it, ask whether filing a 90-day supply could lock in your current cost while your pharmacist or doctor explores assistance programs or less expensive alternatives.

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