Short answer:
- Insulin aspart (brand name Humalog or generic) → roughly $0.50–$0.70 per unit in the U.S.
- Insulin degludec (brand name Tresiba or generic) → roughly $0.70–$0.90 per unit in the U.S.
These are ball‑park figures and can shift depending on the pharmacy, your insurance, your location, and any discounts or savings programs you qualify for.
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How the numbers break down
| Insulin | Typical vial size | Approximate U.S. retail price (no insurance) | Unit cost (average) |
|---------|-------------------|----------------------------------------------|---------------------|
| Aspart | 100 U (2.5 mL) | $45–$65 | $0.45–$0.65 |
| | 10 U (0.25 mL) | $5–$8 | $0.50–$0.80 |
| Degludec | 100 U (2.5 mL) | $75–$105 | $0.75–$1.05 |
| | 10 U (0.25 mL) | $8–$12 | $0.80–$1.20 |
Tip: Many pharmacies offer a “small vial” (10 U) option that is often cheaper per unit because of lower handling costs.
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Why the cost differs
| Factor | Effect on price |
|--------|-----------------|
| Insurance | Copays, coinsurance, or full coverage can dramatically lower your out‑of‑pocket cost. |
| Manufacturer discounts | Some insurers negotiate better rates or provide co‑pay assistance. |
| Pharmacy discounts / savings cards | GoodRx, SingleCare, and manufacturer copay cards can cut prices by 10–50 %. |
| Generic availability | For insulin aspart, a generic version is often available at a lower price; for degludec, generics are still limited in many markets. |
| Geographic location | State, city, and even individual pharmacy chains can vary prices. |
| Formulation | Aspart is a rapid‑acting analog, degludec is a long‑acting analog—long‑acting insulins are usually a bit pricier per unit. |
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Finding the best price for you
1. Ask your pharmacist – they can compare prices across local pharmacies and may know about any ongoing promotions.
2. Use discount tools – GoodRx (or similar sites) lets you compare prices across thousands of pharmacies and shows the cheapest option for a particular brand or generic.
3. Check with your insurer – Your formulary will list the preferred insulin brand and the copay schedule.
4. Apply for assistance – If you’re on Medicare, the “Extra Help” program can reduce copays. Some drug manufacturers run copay card programs for patients who qualify.
5. Ask your doctor – They can prescribe the most cost‑effective insulin that meets your clinical needs.
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Other countries
- United Kingdom – The NHS covers insulin, so out‑of‑pocket cost is usually minimal.
- Canada – Provincial plans cover most insulins; the price you pay varies by province.
- Australia – The PBS subsidises insulin; out‑of‑pocket costs are typically lower than the U.S. retail price.
If you’re outside the U.S., let me know your country and I can give you a rough idea of typical prices and where to look for savings.
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Bottom line: Insulin degludec is generally a bit pricier per unit than insulin aspart, but the difference isn’t huge. The biggest factor affecting how much you actually pay is your insurance coverage, local pharmacy pricing, and any discount programs you qualify for. Checking prices with a few pharmacies or through a discount site like GoodRx can often uncover savings of 10–30 % or more. If you need help navigating your specific plan or finding assistance, feel free to share more details—happy to help!