Rattlesnakes thrive in California sun. How much does the antivenom cost if you’re bitten?

Rattlesnakes are a common nuisance in California, and treatment requires a costly antivenom.

The two FDA approved rattlesnake antivenom distributors are ANAVIP and CroFab, according to the federal administration. The dosage information sent to medical professionals dictates CroFab’s initial dose would be four to six vials, and 10 for ANAVIP. Depending on the case, more vials might be needed.

As of 2019, the wholesalers’ cost for one vial of antivenom are:

• $1,220 per vial for ANAVIP, said Paul Landes, vice president of sales at Rare Disease Theraputics.

• $3,200 per vial for CroFab, a North Carolina TV station reported.

Does my insurance cover rattlesnake antivenom treatment?

It is best to check with your provider.

Your policy and the bill from the hospital will determine how much you pay out of pocket. According to Smithsonian Magazine, hospitals don’t have consistent prices for medicines, and this will affect how much of the treatment for a rattlesnake bite is covered.

Multiple reports said most insurers will cover at least part of the cost.

For example, “Blue Shield of California covers antivenom and no prior authorization is required since it is typically given in an Emergency Room setting, or as an inpatient on an emergency basis,” said Mark Seelig, a spokesperson for the company, in an email to The Bee.

Is it antivenin or antivenom?

The terms “antivenin” and “antivenom” mean the same thing, according to Johns Hopkins. Providers and medical facilities could use either. Both terms refer to the treatment of a bite from a venomous animal or insect.

What antivenom treatment could cost the patient

The unit price from the manufacturer is not relevant to the patient, because the hospital will determine the cost.

A 2015 study found the final price of a single dose to be much higher than what the medicine costs to produce, because the United States develops drugs for-profit.

“The amount covered would vary by the specific plan type, what kind of deductibles have been met for the year, and additional factors, such as whether this coverage is in or out of network. This is the same for any other type of service provided, and is not specific to the antivenom itself,” Seelig said.

Deniene Erickson, a Kaiser spokeswoman, said “costs would be based on the individual’s health plan coverage.”

In 2019, National Public Radio reported, one family was charged $67,957 for four vials of CroFab in Illinois. In 2014, a man who needed four vials in North Carolina was charged $20,000 per vial, TIME reported.

The UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento was not able to give a price range for the antivenom cost.

“Unfortunately, there are too many variables to give an exact charge for a patient. It can depend on a patient’s insurance and many other factors,” said Liam Connolly, a UC Davis spokesman, in an email.

Is antivenom in stock at your hospital?

It could be worth looking up CroFab’s map of hospitals in your area carrying antivenom, if you plan to visit an area with high instances of rattlesnake sightings.

Here are the facilities currently listed on the map near the Sacramento area:

• Mercy General Hospital

• Methodist Hospital of Sacramento

• Mercy San Juan Medical Center

• Woodland Memorial Hospital Dignity Health

• Mercy Hospital of Folsom

Chyresse Hill, another Kaiser spokeswoman, said Kaiser medical centers in the greater Sacramento area have rattlesnake antivenom in stock.

Side effects of rattlesnake antivenom

Mild symptoms include rash, nausea, vomiting, headache and fever. According to The National Library of Medicine, mild symptoms are the most common.

What should I do if I get bitten?

Here are some tips on how to spot rattlesnakes, and what to do if you or another is bitten.

How to spot them

Rattlesnakes are venomous and all bites should be treated as such. However, around 25% of their bites are dry, The Bee previously reported, meaning that venom was not released.

If you are bitten, seek medical attention right away.

In addition to calling 911 for professional treatment, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the University of California recommend these steps:

• Try to calm yourself or your friend if they get bitten
• Gently wash the area with soap and water
• Apply a cold, wet cloth over bite
• Remove any watches or rings that may constrict swelling
• Immobilize the affected area
• If possible, photograph the snake in order to help determine the venom and proper treatment

Here’s what not to do. These can worsen the wound and may lead to an amputation.

• Don’t apply a tourniquet
• Don’t ice the wound
• Do not suck the poison out
• Do not make a cut on the wound

This story was originally published June 28, 2022 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Rattlesnakes thrive in California sun. How much does the antivenom cost if you’re bitten?."