Humalog Mix 50/50 (Insulin Lispro 50 / 50) – Approximate U.S. Prices (2024)
| Form |
Typical Retail Cost (no insurance) |
Notes |
| 10 mL vial (100 units/mL) |
$350 – $450 |
Price varies by pharmacy, location, and whether you’re buying a new vial or a used one from a pharmacy that offers “generic” discounts. |
| 3 mL pen (60 units) |
$120 – $140 |
Each pen contains 60 units of insulin lispro. The price per unit is roughly $2–$2.30. |
| 1 mL pen (20 units) |
$70 – $85 |
For a smaller dosage or for patients who need a lower daily amount. |
Quick Take‑away: If you’re paying out‑of‑pocket, expect to spend roughly $2–$2.30 per unit. That means a 10 unit dose could cost about $20–$23. With insurance, the copay or coinsurance can bring that down dramatically—often to a few dollars or a flat copay of $10–$30.
How Prices Can Shift
| Factor |
Effect on Price |
| Insurance Coverage |
Most plans cover insulin; copay varies. |
| Pharmacy Discount Programs |
Programs like GoodRx, CVS “CVC” savings, or drug‑store coupons can shave 10–30 % off the retail price. |
| Manufacturer Assistance |
Lilly’s “Humalog Patient Assistance” program may provide vouchers for eligible patients. |
| Bulk Purchasing |
Buying 3‑pen sets or 2‑vial sets can lower the per‑unit cost. |
| Location |
Urban pharmacies often charge a premium; rural or discount chains may be cheaper. |
| Generic Availability |
While Humalog is brand‑named, the active ingredient (lispro) has no generic yet, so the price range remains relatively stable. |
Tips to Get the Best Price
-
Check with Your Pharmacy
- Call or use the pharmacy’s online portal to ask for the current price for a 10 mL vial or a pen.
- Ask if the pharmacy can use a discount card or coupon.
-
Use Price‑Comparison Apps
- GoodRx, RxSaver, or Blink Health allow you to compare prices across pharmacies in your area.
- Some apps automatically apply coupon codes.
-
Ask About a 3‑Pen Set
- Many pharmacies sell 3‑pen packs at a reduced per‑pen price compared to buying a single pen.
-
Explore Manufacturer Assistance
- The Eli Lilly Humalog Patient Assistance Program offers vouchers for patients who qualify (income‑based, uninsured, etc.).
- Visit Lilly’s Humalog Patient Assistance for eligibility details.
-
Check for Local Discount Programs
- Some hospitals or health systems have “pharmacy savings” programs for patients.
- Your diabetes educator or endocrinologist may have additional resources.
-
Consider Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)
- If you have a PBM plan (often through employer or state), they may have negotiated lower rates at participating pharmacies.
Example Cost Calculation
Let’s say you need a 10 unit daily dose of Humalog 50/50:
- Retail price per unit (no insurance): $2.20
- Estimated daily cost: 10 units × $2.20 / unit = $22.00
- Monthly cost (30 days): $22.00 × 30 = $660
With a typical 20 % copay on a $350 vial (common for many insurance plans):
- Copay per vial: 20 % × $350 = $70
- Cost per 10 unit dose: $70 ÷ 100 units × 10 = $7
- Monthly copay: $7 × 30 = $210
(These numbers are illustrative; your actual copay will depend on your plan details.)
Bottom Line
- Out‑of‑pocket (no insurance): Roughly $2–$2.30 per unit.
- With insurance: Copay can reduce daily costs to a few dollars—often $5–$15 per day.
- Discounts and assistance programs can lower the price further.
If you’re looking for the most up‑to‑date price in your area, give your local pharmacy a quick call, or use a price‑comparison app—most of the time you’ll see a range of prices and can pick the best option for your budget.
Disclaimer: Prices are approximate and can vary widely by location, pharmacy, and insurance plan. Always confirm the current cost with your pharmacy before making a purchase. If you have specific insurance questions, consult your provider’s formulary or contact a pharmacy benefits manager.*