Search for articles or Rx savings
Key takeaways
Novolog is a rapid-acting insulin used to manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Novolog is a brand-name medication that can be costly. Without insurance, a one-month supply of Novolog can cost about $140. A SingleCare discount card can significantly lower this amount.
Other ways to lower the cost of a Novolog prescription include switching to the generic version, switching to the ReliOn brand, switching to a different fast-acting insulin, and comparing prices at various pharmacies.
Novolog (insulin aspart) is a prescription medication used to manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. It works fast, and the effects wear off quickly, so healthcare providers typically prescribe that it be administered before meals. The dose of Novolog is highly individualized and depends on several factors, such as blood glucose levels, metabolic needs, and blood sugar goals. Without insurance, the average cost of Novolog is $143 for one 3 mL pen of 100 units/mL. But there are ways to make a Novolog prescription more affordable.
Related: Novolog dosage | Novolog side effects
What is the generic for Novolog?
Novolog is a brand-name medication that is a type of fast-acting insulin. It contains the active ingredient insulin aspart. In 2020, Novo Nordisk launched an authorized generic of Novolog that was available at a 50% discount compared to its brand-name version. Without insurance, the average retail price of insulin aspart is $217 for one 10 mL vial of 100 units/mL. In 2021, a private-label insulin called ReliOn Novolog was launched, which is the same drug as Novolog, just with the ReliOn name on the product. Although this isn’t considered a generic medication, ReliOn Novolog typically reduces insulin costs by 58% to 75% off the cash price of brand-name insulin.
Is Novolog covered by insurance?
It depends on the specific insurance plan, insurance coverage, and the type of insulin (fast or long-acting). While many health insurance plans cover Novolog, each has its own drug formulary and eligibility requirements. Some insurance plans may require prior authorization before Novolog is covered, which means the insurance company may want to verify whether the drug is medically necessary before they agree to cover it. Some manufacturers offer patient assistance programs or savings cards to help reduce costs for uninsured eligible patients. However, it may be challenging to meet the eligibility requirements required by some pharmaceutical companies.
Some Medicare or Medicaid plans may also cover Novolog. Depending on how Novolog is administered, either through an insulin pump or through subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection, the drug may be covered under Medicare Part B or Medicare Part D. If Novolog is a covered insulin product under your Medicare plan, the cost of a one-month supply is capped at $35, and there are no deductibles or other out-of-pocket costs.
How much does Novolog cost without insurance?
With insurance, Novolog copays vary depending on the plan. Without insurance, the cost of Novolog depends on multiple factors, such as the dosage, quantity, and pharmacy. The average cash price of Novolog is $143 for one 3 mL pen of 100 units/mL. In most cases, this provides about a 30-day supply. This means the cost of one year of treatment is approximately $1,700.
Fortunately, there are alternatives to Novolog available. Consider switching to a generic version of Novolog or another type of rapid-acting insulin.
Compare Novolog (insulin aspart) prices to related drugs |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance of brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Novolog | $143 per 1, 3 mL of 100 unit/mL pen | $29 per 1, 3 mL of 100 unit/mL pen of brand-name Novolog | See latest prices |
| Generic Novolog (insulin aspart) | $217 per 1, 10 mL of 100 unit/mL vial | $73 per 1, 10 mL of 100 unit/mL vial of generic insulin aspart | See latest prices |
| Humalog (insulin lispro) | $133 per 1, 3 mL of 100 unit/mL pen | $33 per 1, 3 mL of 100 unit/mL pen of brand-name Humalog | See latest prices |
| Fiasp (insulin aspart with niacinamide) | $386 per 1, 10 mL of 100 unit/mL vial | $216 per 1, 10 mL of 100 unit/mL vial for brand-name Fiasp | See latest prices |
| Lyumjev (insulin lispro with treprostinil and citrate) | $353 per 1, 10 mL of 100 unit/mL vial | $271 per 1, 10 mL of 100 unit/mL vial of brand-name Lyumjev | See latest prices |
| Apidra (insulin glulisine) | $343 per 1, 10 mL of 100 unit/mL vial | $85 per 1, 10 mL of 100 unit/mL vial of brand-name Apidra | See latest prices |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs, if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see the latest drug prices.
How to get Novolog without insurance
Brand-name medications can be costly. Novolog is no exception. Luckily, there are ways to save on a Novolog prescription if you don’t have insurance. Here are some cost-saving tips to help you save on your next Novolog prescription.
1. Use a SingleCare prescription discount card
A SingleCare discount card can lower the cash price of Novolog to $29 for one 3 mL pen of 100 units/mL compared to $143. Signing up is free, and the card can be used at over 35,000 participating pharmacies.
2. Switch to ReliOn brand
ReliOn is a private-label insulin brand. It typically costs 58% to 75% less than Novolog. ReliOn Novolog is the same medication as Novolog but with a different name. It is available for sale in vials or as FlexPens.
3. Switch to generic Novolog
Generic medications typically cost less than brand-name medications. Novolog is available as a generic called insulin aspart. Your healthcare provider can discuss the cost of the generic and whether it’s a good fit for you.
4. Discuss alternative insulin medications with your healthcare provider
Fortunately, there are many insulin medications available. Talk to your healthcare professional about which insulin products would be best for you. Other fast-acting insulins include Humalog (insulin lispro) and Apidra (insulin glulisine).
5. Compare pharmacy prices
The price of Novolog can vary depending on the pharmacy from which you purchase it. Check local, chain, or independent pharmacies for the best price.
Sources
- Insulin, Medicare.gov
- Novo Nordisk launches authorized generic insulins, gets FDA approval for fast-acting insulin in pediatric population, AJMC The Center for Biosimilars (2020)
- Walmart revolutionizes insulin access & affordability for patients with diabetes with the launch of the first and only private brand analog insulin, Walmart (2021)