Glargine insulin (the active ingredient in Lantus, Toujeo, and several biosimilars) is one of the most commonly prescribed long‑acting insulins, but its cost can be a real barrier for many people. Below is a quick snapshot of what you might expect in a few key markets. The numbers are ball‑park ranges for a typical 30‑day supply and are based on 2024 pricing; actual costs can vary by pharmacy, insurance plan, and even the specific pen or vial you use.
| Market | Typical 30‑day supply (without insurance) | Typical 30‑day supply (with insurance, co‑pay) | Notes |
|--------|-------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|-------|
| United States | $300 – $600 | $20 – $100 per month (depending on plan) | Most U.S. plans use a tiered copay: $20‑$30 for the first tier, $50‑$100 for the second. Some plans require prior authorization for non‑biosimilar glargine. |
| Canada | $30 – $50 | $5 – $15 | Pharmacists often dispense in 10‑unit pens; government price‑negotiation keeps prices low. |
| United Kingdom | £30 – £50 | £5 – £10 | NHS pricing varies by region; 10‑unit pens cost £25‑£35 in most GP pharmacies. |
| European Union (generic/ biosimilar) | €40 – €70 | €10 – €20 | Prices are set through national tender processes; generic glargine (Basaglar, Lantus® biosimilar) is cheaper than brand‑name Lantus. |
What drives the price?
| Factor | Effect on cost |
|--------|----------------|
| Formulation | 100 U/mL pens (Lantus) ≈ 10 $/pen; 300 U/mL pens (Toujeo) ≈ 15 $/pen. The higher concentration gives you fewer injections but still a higher upfront cost. |
| Brand vs. biosimilar | Biosimilars (Basaglar, Toujeo) typically start 10–20 % cheaper than brand‑name Lantus, but prices converge as competition increases. |
| Insurance tier | Many insurers place Lantus on a “specialty” tier, which carries a larger copay. Switching to a 300 U/mL pen may move you to a lower tier in some plans. |
| Pharmacy discounts | Manufacturer discount cards or pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) rebates can shave 10–30 % off the list price, depending on the contract. |
| Patient assistance programs | Eli Lilly’s “Lantus Care” and other manufacturer programs can cover most or all of the cost for qualifying patients without insurance. |
Tips to lower your out‑of‑pocket expense
1. Ask your pharmacist about the cheapest pen size – a 10‑unit pen can be cheaper per dose than a 20‑unit pen, but you’ll need more pens for a 30‑day supply.
2. Check for a biosimilar – Basaglar (glargine 100 U/mL) and Toujeo (glargine 300 U/mL) are typically less expensive once they’re on the market.
3. Use manufacturer discount cards – Eli Lilly’s “Lantus Care” card, Lilly’s “Lilly Patient Assistance” program, or other drug‑store discount cards can reduce copays by 10‑30 %.
4. Shop around – Prices can vary 10–20 % between pharmacy chains and independent pharmacies.
5. Ask your insurance about prior authorization – If your plan is on the “specialty” tier, a prior authorization request may move you to a lower copay tier.
6. Look for generic 100 U/mL insulin – Some U.S. pharmacies now dispense a generic version of glargine that’s often 20–30 % cheaper.
7. Consider a 300 U/mL pen – Even though it costs more per pen, you’ll only need one injection per day, reducing the number of pens you purchase.
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Bottom line: In the U.S., a typical 30‑day supply of glargine insulin (Lantus or Toujeo) can run $300–$600 without insurance. With insurance, monthly copays usually fall to $20–$100, depending on your plan. In Canada, the U.K., and many European countries, the cost is generally $30–$70 (or equivalent) for a month’s supply.
If you’re struggling with the cost, talk to your prescriber or pharmacist—they can help you explore discount cards, generic options, or patient‑assistance programs that may apply to you.