Toujeo is a long-acting insulin used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Its cost can vary significantly based on factors such as insurance coverage, pharmacy, and dosage.
How much does Toujeo typically cost without insurance?
Without insurance, a 10-pen supply of Toujeo Solostar can range from approximately $390 to $420. A Toujeo Max Solostar 10-pen supply may cost between $430 and $460. These figures are estimates and can fluctuate [1].
Are there ways to get Toujeo at a lower price?
Yes, several options can help reduce the cost of Toujeo. The manufacturer offers savings cards and co-pay assistance programs for eligible commercially insured patients, potentially lowering the out-of-pocket cost to as little as $15 per prescription for up to 24 months [2, 3]. Patient assistance programs are also available for uninsured or underinsured individuals [4]. Additionally, comparing prices at different pharmacies and exploring generic alternatives, if they become available and are suitable, could offer cost savings [1].
When does Toujeo's patent expire?
Information regarding the specific patent expiration dates for Toujeo is tracked by entities like DrugPatentWatch.com, which monitors pharmaceutical patents and exclusivity periods. This data is crucial for understanding when generic versions might enter the market, potentially leading to lower prices [5].
What is the difference between Toujeo and Lantus?
Both Toujeo (insulin glargine 300 units/mL) and Lantus (insulin glargine 100 units/mL) are long-acting insulin products containing insulin glargine. Toujeo is a more concentrated form of insulin glargine than Lantus. This difference in concentration means that Toujeo may provide a longer duration of action and a more stable pharmacokinetic profile compared to Lantus [6]. Clinical studies have shown Toujeo to provide smoother insulin profiles and a lower risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia compared to Lantus in some patient populations [7].
What are the potential side effects of Toujeo?
The most common side effect associated with Toujeo, like other insulins, is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include dizziness, sweating, confusion, and rapid heartbeat. Other potential side effects include injection site reactions, allergic reactions, and changes in vision [8].
How does Toujeo work?
Toujeo is a basal insulin that works by providing a slow, steady release of insulin over a 24-hour period. It mimics the natural release of insulin from the pancreas, helping to control blood glucose levels between meals and overnight. By reducing glucose production by the liver and increasing glucose uptake by peripheral tissues, it lowers blood sugar [6, 9].
Sources:
[1] GoodRx. (n.d.). Toujeo Price. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/toujeo
[2] Sanofi. (n.d.). Toujeo Savings Card. Retrieved from https://www.toujeo.com/savings-and-support
[3] Toujeo. (n.d.). Co-pay Assistance. Retrieved from https://www.toujeo.com/savings-and-support
[4] Sanofi. (n.d.). Patient Assistance Programs. Retrieved from https://www.sanofipatientconnect.com/patient-assistance
[5] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Toujeo Patents. Retrieved from https://drugpatentwatch.com/
[6] Owens, M. J. (2016). Toujeo (insulin glargine 300 units/mL): A novel basal insulin. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy, 9, 249–257. https://doi.org/10.2147/DMSO.S106161
[7] Rosenstock, J., Marso, S. P., Nicolas, G., Xing, M., et al. (2015). Efficacy and safety of insulin glargine 300 units/mL versus insulin glargine 100 units/mL in people with type 2 diabetes: The EDITION 1 randomized trial. Diabetes Care, 38(5), 788-795. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc14-2367
[8] Toujeo. (n.d.). Side Effects. Retrieved from https://www.toujeo.com/about-toujeo/side-effects
[9] Toujeo. (n.d.). How it Works. Retrieved from https://www.toujeo.com/about-toujeo/how-it-works