High cost of insulin may be sending consumers to use over-the-counter version, researchers say

[Northeast Agent]

High cost of insulin may be sending consumers to use over-the-counter version, researchers say

Walmart-brand ReliOn human synthetic insulin is available without a prescription in every state except Indiana, and retails for a fraction of the cost of brand-name analog versions, making it popular among some patients who can’t afford the pricier versions their doctors prescribed, according to the researchers’ findings, published in a research letter in JAMA Internal Medicine on Monday.

A 10 milliliter vial of ReliOn costs $24.88, compared with between $152 and $163 for a vial of Novolin or Humulin, over-the-counter human insulins sold at other pharmacies, according to the report.

Brand-name insulin analogs can cost twice as much. A vial of Norvo Nordisk’s Novalog, which requires a prescription and does not have a generic equivalent, costs more than $300, according to GoodRx, a website that tracks drug prices by pharmacy.

Human and synthetic insulins are not the same, which mean substituting one insulin without a doctor’s input could be dangerous.

 

[Northeast Agent]

Eli Lilly introduces generic insulin at half the price of brand-name drug - CNN

At 50% the price of Humalog, the generic insulin lispro will carry a list price of $137.35 per vial, the company said, or $265.20 for a pack of five pens. Brand-name Humalog will remain on the market.

 

[GoPokes]

A client told me about this yesterday. This is long overdue.

 

[kstein]

When do we expect this to show in the plan finder or on pharmacy shelves?

 

[Northeast Agent]

Colorado becomes first state in nation to cap price of insulin

Insulin has been around for nearly a century, but the price that patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes pay for the drug has doubled since 2012, according to the Healthcare Cost Institute. The cost of insulin can creep up toward $1,000 for those whose health care coverage requires significant cost-sharing.

The sudden spike in insulin prices lead to congressional inquiries and public outrage, but Colorado is the first state to implement a cap on what its residents can be charged for the medication. The law doesn’t limit what insulin manufacturers can charge insurance companies, and it’s expected those insurers will pay the difference.

 

[Northeast Agent]

Half-price version of popular insulin Humalog now sold by Lilly | FOX 29 News Philadelphia (WTXF)

A half-price version of Eli Lilly's popular Humalog insulin is now available, following the company's promise in March to offer diabetics a more affordable option amid fierce criticism of soaring insulin prices.

Lilly, one of the three top insulin makers, said Wednesday that it has begun selling its own generic version of Humalog U-100 under the chemical name insulin lispro.

Lilly said the biggest savings will go to patients who are uninsured, have high-deductible health insurance or have Medicare Part D plans.

 

[Northeast Agent]

Study finds many go online to find affordable insulin

Dr. Todd Hobbs, chief medical officer at Novo Nordisk, one of the most prominent producers of insulin, said there's a lot of negotiation between pharmaceutical companies like his and the insurance companies to determine pricing.

"There's a whole lot that goes into the price a patient sees versus the list price," Hobbs said.

As a diabetic himself, he said there are other options for those struggling to get their medication, including coupons available for download.

"A month's supply for most patients for $99," he said.

Hobbs said if you have questions or need help paying for your medication, call 1-844-668-6463.