The cost of Lantus Solostar varies depending on factors such as insurance coverage, pharmacy, and geographic location.
What is Lantus Solostar?
Lantus Solostar is a brand-name injectable prescription medication containing insulin glargine [1]. It is used to treat adults and children with type 1 diabetes and adults with type 2 diabetes to control blood sugar levels [1]. Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that works over a 24-hour period [1].
How much does Lantus Solostar cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the retail price for a 5-pen pack of Lantus Solostar (100 units/mL) can range significantly, often between $400 and $700 or more [2]. This price can fluctuate based on the pharmacy and current market conditions.
Can I get Lantus Solostar at a lower price with coupons or savings cards?
Yes, patients may be able to reduce the out-of-pocket cost of Lantus Solostar through manufacturer savings programs, discount coupons, or by using pharmacy discount cards [2]. Sanofi, the manufacturer of Lantus, offers a Lantus Savings Card that can provide eligible patients with savings [3]. These programs typically have eligibility requirements.
Are there generic alternatives to Lantus Solostar?
Yes, generic versions of insulin glargine are available, which are typically less expensive than the brand-name Lantus Solostar [4]. Semglee is one such biosimilar/generic insulin glargine product [4]. Access to generic or biosimilar options can depend on a patient's insurance formulary and pharmacy availability.
How does insurance affect the cost of Lantus Solostar?
Insurance coverage plays a significant role in the final cost of Lantus Solostar for patients. The amount paid will depend on the patient's specific health insurance plan, including their deductible, copay, and coinsurance. Some insurance plans may cover Lantus Solostar at a lower cost than others, or they may require patients to try a generic alternative first. Checking with one's insurance provider is crucial to understanding out-of-pocket expenses.
When does the patent for Lantus expire?
The primary patents for Lantus expired in 2015 [5]. This patent expiry opened the door for the development and approval of biosimilar and generic versions of insulin glargine [5].
Sources:
1. Lantus Solostar official prescribing information.
2. GoodRx. Lantus Solostar Price.
3. Sanofi. Lantus Savings Card.
4. FDA. Approved Cellular and Gene Therapies.
5. DrugPatentWatch.com. Lantus Patent Expiry.