Key takeaways
Fiasp is a fast-acting insulin approved by the FDA to manage blood sugar levels in people living with diabetes.
Without insurance, the cost of a 10mL (100 unit/mL) vial of Fiasp may exceed $350.
Currently, there is no generic formulation of Fiasp, specifically.
Fiasp may be covered by insurance plans, including Medicare Part D, although differences in copays may exist.
Fiasp (insulin aspart with niacinamide) is a prescription medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk and used in the management of both Type 1 diabetes mellitus and Type 2 diabetes mellitus to lower blood glucose. There are many insulin products on the market, and one way to classify them is by how quickly they take effect and how long the effect is anticipated to last. Fiasp is considered a rapid-acting insulin, with an onset of action of 10 to 20 minutes and duration of action of 3 to 5 hours. Fiasp is injected subcutaneously once daily to three times daily at mealtimes or within 20 minutes after the start of the meal. The 10 mL (100 unit/mL) vial is $350 without insurance.
What is the generic for Fiasp?
Fiasp is currently not available in a generic version, and the soonest the patent for the brand name may expire is 2026; not until after that date would a generic version be expected. Fiasp is unique in its incorporation of niacinamide, otherwise known as vitamin B3. This coformulation improves the rapidity of onset of action by about 5 minutes from traditionally formulated insulin aspart, which may give patients additional flexibility in injecting either right before or right after meals. In addition to a 10 mL (100 unit) vial, Fiasp is also available as Fiasp FlexTouch, Fiasp Penfill, and Fiasp Pumpcart.
Is Fiasp covered by insurance?
Fiasp is covered on the majority of commercial insurances as well as those Medicaid and Medicare Part D health insurance plans that cover Novolog (insulin aspart). Certain details, like copay amounts, can vary depending upon formulary status on insurance plans, including tiers of preferred medications over others. Plans that carry prescription medication deductibles may also result in increased out-of-pocket costs until that deductible is met.
How much does Fiasp cost without insurance?
Fiasp cost can vary when not covered by insurance. At time of publication, the average retail price for a 10 mL, 100-unit/mL vial of Fiasp is about $384. As a further cost breakdown, the cost per unit of insulin is approximately $0.38.
Total daily doses of insulin is individualized and based on diagnosis to avoid side effects like hypoglycemia. Additionally, rapid-acting insulin is often administered in conjunction with a longer-acting (basal) insulin like Lantus (glargine) or Tresiba (degludec). A general starting dose for Fiasp in those with Type 1 diabetes mellitus is about 50% of their total daily insulin requirements, further divided into administrations before mealtimes. If an initial total daily dose is approximately 0.5 units/kg/day, the total daily dose of Fiasp in a person with Type 1 diabetes weighing 80 kg may be 20 units per day. The total cost of Fiasp for these individuals would equate to $8 per day. Therefore, a 30-day supply without insurance would cost approximately $228, totaling $2,736 per year. The starting dose may be slightly lower in those with Type 2 diabetes mellitus of 4 to 6 units prior to each mealtime-totaling 12 to 18 units per day. Doses to control blood sugar levels can be much higher than this, which would mean completing a vial of Fiasp more quickly, and thus increasing the monthly and annual cost to a patient.
Compare Fiasp prices to related drugs | |||
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Drug name | Price without insurance of brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
Fiasp (insulin aspart with niacinamide) | $350 per 1, 10 mL 100 unit/mL vial | $225 per 1, 10 mL 100 unit vial of brand-name Fiasp | See latest prices |
Fiasp Flextouch (insulin aspart with niacinamide) | $765 per 5, 3 mL of 100 unit/mL pens | $414 per 5, 3 mL of 100 unit/mL pens | See latest prices |
Apidra (insulin glulisine) | $346 per 1, 10 mL 100 unit/mL vial | $88 per 1, 10 mL 100 unit vial of brand-name Apidra | See latest prices |
Afrezza (inhaled insulin) | $546 per 1, 4 unit box of 90 powders | $445 per 1, 4 unit box of 90 powders of brand-name Afrezza | See latest prices |
Lyumjev (insulin lispro with treprostinil and citrate) | $349 per 1, 10 mL 100 unit/mL vial | $277 per 1, 10 mL 100 unit vial of brand-name Lyumjev
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See latest prices |
Admelog (insulin lispro) | $62 per 1, 3 mL 100 unit/mL vial | $26 per 1, 3mL 100 unit/mL vial of brand-name Admelog | 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 Fiasp without insurance
Paying for brand-name medications without insurance can be challenging. Fiasp is no exception. Fortunately, there are alternatives to paying pull price for your Fiasp prescription without relying on insurance.
1. Use a SingleCare discount card
A SingleCare discount card may help reduce the cost of Fiasp. For example, instead of paying $384 per vial, you could pay around $225 per vial at participating pharmacies. This could result in $1,000 in savings per year, or more, dependent upon dose.
2. Try other insulin products
Insulin is a critical medication, so if cost is a barrier to adherence it is worthwhile having a discussion with your healthcare provider about alternatives. There is currently no generic insulin for Fiasp, but other mealtime insulins like Novolog may be available at a lower cost.
3. Apply for manufacturer assistance
The manufacturer of Fiasp, Novo Nordisk, offers a MyInsulinRx savings program that allows eligible individuals to pay just $35 for a monthly supply of Novo Nordisk insulin. Novo Nordisk also has a patient assistance program, NovoCare, that provides medications at no cost to eligible individuals who either have Medicare or no insurance.
4. Compare prices at multiple pharmacies
Prices for Fiasp vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. Scope out different pharmacies to see where you can get the lowest price and maximum savings. Pharmacies may also provide discounts or savings offers, so make sure to speak to your pharmacist.
5. Seek professional advice from a healthcare provider on other treatment options
Financial constraints are difficult, and open communication with your healthcare provider is strongly encouraged if accessing Fiasp is a problem. Insulin is a critical medication and alternatives are available. In addition, implementing lifestyle and dietary modifications to manage blood sugar levels may help reduce insulin needs over time.
Sources
- Types of Insulin, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024)
- Fiasp Drug Profile, DrugPatentWatch (2024)
- Elucidating the mechanism of absorption of fast-acting insulin aspart: the role of niacinamide, Pharmaceutical Research (2019)
- Ultra-rapid-acting insulins: how fast is really needed?, Clinical Diabetes (2021)
- NovoMedLink, Novo Nordisk (2024)
- MyInsulinRx, Novo Nordisk (2024)
- Patient Assistance Program, Novo Nordisk (2024)