Here Are the 5 Best Ways to Save on Invokana, the Diabetes Medication
Key takeaways:
Invokana (canagliflozin) is a medication taken to treat Type 2 diabetes. A 30-day supply could cost more than $600, depending on the pharmacy you visit.
Consider using your insurance coverage, a manufacturer’s savings program, or a patient assistance program to save on Invokana.
If you have difficulty paying for your medications, you can discuss other options with your healthcare provider, such as prescription workarounds and alternatives.
Invokana (canagliflozin), a tablet taken to treat Type 2 diabetes, can cost more than $600 for a 30-day supply. The price will vary depending on the pharmacy you visit.
You can save money on Invokana with a GoodRx coupon or compare prices on the website to get the best deal in your area. But you can also look into other savings opportunities such as manufacturer copay cards and patient assistance programs.
How popular is Invokana?
Approved in 2013, Invokana is one of the most popular SGLT2 inhibitors, a class of medications that is used to treat Type 2 diabetes. It blocks the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose (sugar) back into the blood, so any excess glucose is excreted from the body.
The starting Invokana dosage is a 100 mg tablet taken once daily before breakfast. But it can be increased to 300 mg once a day for those with normal kidney function.
5 ways to save money on Invokana
If you’re looking for ways to save on Invokana, here are some options to consider.
1. Review your health insurance plan
One of the best ways to save on brand-name medications is typically by using your insurance. But sometimes you may face high deductibles or your plan may drop certain medications off of its formulary, meaning it won’t cover them anymore.
If you have insurance and your plan doesn’t cover Invokana, ask your provider about submitting an appeal. The exact process will depend on your insurer, but often requires that you work with your provider to submit an application or letter of appeal. If you have insurance, call your provider and ask how to get this process started.
2. Save as much as $3,000 with the Invokana copay card
You may be able to use a manufacturer coupon for Invokana to save on your out-of-pocket costs. With the Janssen CarePath Savings program, your copay can be reduced to as little as $0 per month. However, your program benefits are capped at $3,000 per calendar year.
Keep in mind that this program is for qualified commercially insured patients only. If you have any of the following state or federal government-funded health plans, you will not qualify:
If you’re eligible, you can apply for an Invokana card and bring it to your pharmacist to save.
3. Apply for a patient assistance program
In addition to coupons, manufacturers also typically offer patient assistance programs for brand-name medications like Invokana. These programs help people who meet certain income and insurance requirements afford their medications. For example, the Johnson and Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation (JJPAF) helps patients without insurance and who have limited incomes access Invokana for free.
You can check your eligibility and apply on the JJPAF website. You will need a valid prescription and proof of household income. Individuals who have private or public insurance are no longer eligible for the program. If you have any questions, you can call JJPAF at 1-800-652-6227 to learn more.
4. Speak to your provider about prescription workarounds
If none of the above options work for you, speak with your provider about ways to save. Your provider may talk to you about the following:
Getting a prescription for a higher-dose pill (which you can cut in half to save on cost)
Filling a 90-day supply (which can be cheaper than a 30-day supply)
Obtaining free samples
5. Ask your provider about alternatives to Invokana
Invokana may not be affordable for those without insurance or whose insurers removed the medication from their formulary list. Here are some alternatives that you may want to talk to your provider about.
Multiple brand-name medications are similar to Invokana. Farxiga (dapagliflozin) and Jardiance (empagliflozin) are two SGLT2 inhibitors used to control blood sugar in those with Type 2 diabetes. Both of these have been shown to lower A1C levels. If you notice that your insurer covers similar medications for Type 2 diabetes but not Invokana, you might want to talk to your provider about switching.
Another option is metformin, which has been approved for stand-alone therapy or in combination with Invokana. Since metformin is a first-line treatment for Type 2 diabetes, it is likely that you have already taken or are currently taking this medication — but if not, it’s worth a try.
When will generic Invokana be available?
Unfortunately, there is no generic Invokana available. Currently, Invokana is only available as a brand name and we don’t know exactly when it will be available in generic form.
The bottom line
Invokana can cost hundreds of dollars per month without insurance. While a generic version of Invokana is not available, you can still reduce costs by using GoodRx coupons, manufacturer cards, and patient assistance programs. You can also speak to your healthcare provider about alternatives, prescription workarounds, and free samples to ensure you get the medication you need.
Why trust our experts?
References
Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2022). Savings program overview - Invokana, invokamet, invokamet XR.
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