Drugmaker to list prices in TV commercials

Johnson & Johnson says it will start giving the list price of its prescription drugs in television ads.

The company would be the first drugmaker to take that step.

J&J said last week it would start with its popular blood thinner, Xarelto. By late March, commercials will give the pill’s list price plus typical out-ofpocket costs.

The information will appear on screen at the end of the commercial. It will include a link to a website where people can enter insurance information to get more specific costs.

Without insurance, Xarelto costs $450 to $540 per month, depending on the pharmacy.

The move follows a Trump administration proposal to require list prices in TV ads.

The pharmaceutical industry opposed that, arguing that few people pay the high list prices.