Quick answer – it really depends on where you’re buying it, what kind of coverage you have, and whether you’re getting a brand‑name pen or a generic vial. Below are some ball‑park figures that give a sense of the price range in a few major markets (USD).
| Insulin | Brand name (pen) | Typical US price (per 100‑unit pen) | Typical EU price (per 100‑unit pen) | Typical Japan price (per 100‑unit pen) |
|---------|-------------------|-------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| Degludec | Tresiba | $90 – $110 | €70 – €90 | ¥10,000 – ¥12,000 |
| Aspart | Novolog (brand) | $25 – $35 | €20 – €30 | ¥4,000 – ¥6,000 |
Note:
* These are retail prices – the actual cost you pay can be much lower if you have insurance, a discount card, or a patient‑assistance program.
* Prices can change with new market entrants, changes in manufacturer pricing, or local policy shifts.
* In the US, many patients are covered by the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) or manufacturer coupons that can reduce the out‑of‑pocket cost to a few dollars per pen.
* In many European countries, national health services negotiate bulk prices that can be a fraction of the retail price.
Why the price difference?
| Factor | Explanation |
|--------|-------------|
| Formulation & manufacturing | Degludec is a long‑acting basal insulin with a unique pegylated structure, requiring specialized manufacturing that adds cost. Aspart is a rapid‑acting analog that is available in both brand‑name and generic forms. |
| Regulatory status | Degludec has only recently been approved in several regions, so it still carries a premium. Aspart generics are now widely available, especially in the US and EU, driving prices down. |
| Packaging | Pens typically cost more per unit than pre‑filled syringes or vials. However, pens are more convenient and carry a lower risk of dosing errors for many patients. |
| Insurance coverage | Some insurers cover basal insulin more heavily than rapid‑acting analogues, or vice versa, influencing the out‑of‑pocket price you see. |
How to get the best price for you
1. Check your insurance formulary – Many plans list the preferred insulin pens and any prior‑authorization requirements.
2. Ask for a discount card – Novo Nordisk (Tresiba) and Lilly (Novolog) both offer patient‑discount cards that can reduce the copay by up to 50 % or more.
3. Look for manufacturer coupons – These can be found on the company’s website or through your pharmacy.
4. Consider generic options – In the US, generic aspart (e.g., “Aspart” from Teva or Pfizer) is available and usually costs 30–70 % less than the brand‑name pen.
5. Shop around – Prices can vary between chain pharmacies, independent pharmacies, and online prescription services.
6. Ask your pharmacist – They often know about local discount programs, patient‑assistance initiatives, or upcoming promotions that aren’t widely advertised.
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Bottom line:
- Degludec (Tresiba) is generally the pricier pen, ranging from $90–$110 in the US for a 100‑unit pen.
- Aspart (Novolog) is typically cheaper, around $25–$35 in the US for a 100‑unit pen, and even less if you opt for a generic vial or a brand‑name pen with a discount card.
Always double‑check with your pharmacy or insurance provider to confirm the exact cost you’ll pay, and let them know if you’re looking for cost‑saving options. If you’d like more detailed help figuring out your specific situation—e.g., which discount card to apply or how to navigate a prior‑authorization—feel free to ask!