Insulin is expensive, and popular long-acting insulin Tresiba is no exception. With a cash price of more than $700 for three 100 unit/mL pens, the insulin is unaffordable for many patients.
Luckily, there are ways for you to save. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Tresiba?
Tresiba is an insulin used to improve blood sugar control in adults and children with diabetes types 1 and 2. It is a long-acting insulin, which means it is gradually absorbed into the bloodstream to help patients control blood sugar between meals and overnight.
Tresiba is available in 100 unit/mL and 200 unit/mL concentrations, and is considered the longest-acting insulin, lasting for more than 40 hours.
When will a Tresiba generic be available?
Unfortunately, maybe never. Insulins are biologic drugs, which means they are made out of living cells, making it nearly impossible for manufacturers to create an exact replica of the drug. So, don’t hold your breath for a true generic version of Tresiba. Instead, keep an eye out for a biosimilar, which is a very similar version of a biologic drug.
Unfortunately, because of the high cost of producing insulin, even when biosimilar versions are approved, they are often still expensive. Biosimilars are generally sold for only about 20% less than the original drug, compared to standard generics which are sold at 80% less.
For more information about biosimilars, see our blog post here.
Savings tip #1: Use your insurance
One of the best ways to save on Tresiba is to use your insurance. Tresiba is a preferred drug on most insurance plans, which means it will have a lower copay than non-preferred drugs.
If you are uninsured, or find that Tresiba isn’t covered by your insurance plan, ask your doctor about an appeal. The exact process will depend on your insurance, but often requires that you work with your doctor to submit a letter explaining why the drug is medically necessary.
Savings tip #2: Pay as little as $5 with a savings card
Manufacturer Novo Nordisk offers a savings card to help insured patients afford Tresiba.
| Program website | www.tresiba.com/savings-and-coverage/get-instant-savings |
| Phone number | 1-877-304-6855 |
| Savings | Your copay may be reduced to as little as $5. |
| How to get the discount | Register for the program online to download and print a card. |
| Restrictions | The program is for commercially-insured patients only. |
Savings tip #3: Apply for a patient assistance program
Novo Nordisk also offers a patient assistance program for uninsured patients.
| Program website | www.novocare.com/psp/PAP |
| Phone number | 1-866-310-7549 |
| Savings | Your prescription may be free if you qualify. |
| How to get the discount | Download and fill out your part of the application. Then, ask your doctor to help you submit it. |
| Restrictions | You will need a valid prescription and proof of your gross monthly household income. Contact the program to see if you are eligible. |
Savings tip #4: Talk to your doctor about alternatives
You may want to talk to your doctor about other long-acting insulins like Lantus, Basaglar, Toujeo and Levemir. While the retail prices of these alternatives may not be significantly less expensive than Tresiba, depending on your insurance coverage, some might cost less under your plan.
Of all of these, Basaglar, the biosimilar for Lantus, is the most affordable and costs $250 for a five 100 unit/mL kwikpens with a GoodRx coupon.
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