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Key takeaways
Invokana lowers blood sugar and reduces cardiovascular and kidney risks in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
The average cost of Invokana without insurance ranges from $600 to $800 for a 30-day supply.
There is no generic version of Invokana available until the patent expires in 2031.
Invokana is usually covered by insurance, but coverage and costs vary.
Invokana (canagliflozin) is a brand-name prescription drug approved to treat Type 2 diabetes. It helps lower blood sugar levels by causing the kidneys to remove glucose through the urine. Invokana is also approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In addition, individuals with diabetic kidney disease can take Invokana to reduce the risk of worsened kidney function, death, and hospitalization.
The average cost of Invokana without insurance can range between $600 and $800 for a 30-day supply. However, the retail cost can vary depending on the dosage and pharmacy. For those without insurance, several strategies may be available to reduce the cost of Invokana.
Is there a generic for Invokana?
There is currently no generic version of Invokana, which is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor known generically as canagliflozin. Invokana remains under patent protection, which prevents generic alternatives from hitting the market. The patent for brand-name Invokana is projected to expire in 2031, after which a generic version may be made available.
Many patients look for generics due to cost concerns. Without insurance, the cost of Invokana can reach over $7,200 annually. Alternatives exist, including other SGLT2 inhibitors or combinations with other diabetes medications like metformin, but these choices need to be discussed with a healthcare professional.
RELATED: Jardiance vs. Invokana
Is Invokana covered by insurance?
Many private insurance plans cover Invokana. In addition, many Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans may help cover the cost of Invokana. However, coverage can vary between plans.
It’s important to check with your insurance company or pharmacy to understand the specific coverage details and any potential out-of-pocket costs associated with Invokana.
In some cases, insurance companies may require prior authorization before covering Invokana. This means that the healthcare provider must submit a request to the insurance company to confirm that the medication is medically necessary for its approved use. Without this authorization, the insurance company may deny coverage, leading to higher out-of-pocket costs for the patient.
Even when Invokana is covered, you may still face copays, coinsurance, or deductibles that apply to your specific insurance plan. A copay is a fixed amount the patient pays for each prescription, while coinsurance is a percentage of the total cost. Review your insurance policy and discuss it with your pharmacist or healthcare provider to understand your financial responsibilities when using Invokana.
How much does Invokana cost without insurance?
Invokana is available as a 100 milligram (mg) and 300 mg oral tablet. The typical retail cost depends on various factors, such as dosage, pharmacy, and location.
The average retail price for a 30-day supply of 300 mg tablets can be around $800. This means each pill may cost around $27. By these estimates, a full year of Invokana at 300 mg could cost around $9,600. Still, the price may be lower for the lower-strength tablets. It’s important to check with local pharmacies to compare prices.
Compare Invokana prices to related drugs |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance of brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Invokana (canagliflozin) | $806 per 30, 300 mg tablets | $587 per 30, 300 mg tablets | See latest prices |
| Farxiga (dapagliflozin) | $799 per 30, 10 mg tablets | $403 per 30, 10 mg tablets | See latest prices |
| Jardiance (empagliflozin) | $868 per 30, 25 mg tablets | $487 per 30, 25 mg tablets | See latest prices |
| Onglyza (saxagliptin) | $605 per 30, 5 mg tablets | $101 per 30, 5 mg tablets | See latest prices |
| Tradjenta (linagliptin) | $755 per 30, 5 mg tablets | $516 per 30, 5 mg tablets | See latest prices |
| Prandin (repaglinide) | $275 per 90, 1 mg tablets | $22 per 90, 1 mg tablets | See latest prices |
| Actos (pioglitazone) | $730 per 30, 30 mg tablets | $12 per 90, 30 mg tablets | See latest prices |
| Glucotrol XL (glipizide ER) | $343 per 90, 10 mg tablets | $7 per 90, 10 mg tablets | See latest prices |
| Precose (acarbose) | $93 per 90, 50 mg tablets | $14 per 90, 50 mg tablets | See latest prices |
| Victoza (liraglutide) | $1,459 for 3, 3 mL of 18 mg/3 mL pens | $254 for 3, 3 mL of 18 mg/3 mL pens | 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 Invokana without insurance
Paying for medications like Invokana without insurance may be a challenge. However, several ways exist to save on an Invokana prescription without relying on insurance. Here are some potential methods to reduce costs:
1. Use a SingleCare discount card
SingleCare discount cards provide access to coupons you can use at pharmacies around the country. Without insurance, a 30-day supply of Invokana costs about $806 as of the time of publication. But with a SingleCare coupon, you could pay around $587 for a similar supply. Check with your pharmacy to see if they will accept a SingleCare discount card.
2. Compare pharmacy prices
The price of Invokana can vary widely across different pharmacies. By comparing prices at various pharmacies using tools like SingleCare, you might save significantly just by choosing the pharmacy with the lowest cost, whether it’s a local independent pharmacy or a larger chain. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate frequently, so checking periodically could help you find the best deal.
3. Look for patient assistance programs
Some pharmaceutical companies may offer patient assistance programs for those who can’t afford their medications. Check if you qualify for any Invokana patient assistance programs, which might significantly reduce prescription costs.
4. Consider generic alternatives
Though a generic for Invokana isn’t available yet, ask your healthcare provider about comparable medications that may be more affordable. For instance, medications such as GLP-1 agonists and DPP4 inhibitors may be suitable alternatives depending on your specific needs. In addition, lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet and increasing physical activity may also help manage blood sugar levels.
By exploring these options, you may be able to better manage the cost of Invokana without insurance. Paying full price is rarely necessary when different strategies can help make medications more affordable.
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Sources
- Invokana highlights of prescribing information, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023)
- Invokana drug patent profile, DrugPatentWatch (2024)