How Much Is Starlix 60 mg?: A Guide to Cost and Savings

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

The brand-name medication Starlix 60 mg has been discontinued, making the discussion of its retail price largely theoretical. However, the cost of its generic equivalent, nateglinide 60 mg, can range significantly depending on the pharmacy, insurance, and whether discount coupons are used. This article explores the current cost landscape and strategies for managing the expense of this important diabetes medication.

Quick Summary

The brand-name Starlix 60 mg is discontinued, but its generic version, nateglinide 60 mg, is available at a much lower cost. Pricing varies based on insurance, pharmacy choice, and discount cards. Savings programs can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expense for patients managing type 2 diabetes.

Key Points

Discontinued Brand: The brand-name medication Starlix 60 mg has been discontinued by the manufacturer, Novartis, making its high retail price no longer relevant for new prescriptions.
Affordable Generic: Generic nateglinide 60 mg is widely available at a significantly lower cost, often for under $35 for a 90-day supply with discount coupons.
Coupons are Key: Prescription discount cards from providers like GoodRx and SingleCare can offer better prices than many insurance co-pays for generic medications.
Price Variations Exist: The final cost of nateglinide can vary based on your insurance plan, the pharmacy you choose, your location, and the quantity of the prescription.
Explore Alternatives: Discussing alternative diabetes medications with your doctor, such as other affordable generics like glyburide, can provide additional cost-saving options.

The Discontinuation of Brand-Name Starlix 60 mg

For those asking specifically about the price of brand-name Starlix 60 mg, it is important to note that this version of the drug has been discontinued by the manufacturer, Novartis. While historical retail pricing for a 100-tablet supply was over $385 without insurance, this is no longer a relevant metric for current prescriptions. Patients who were prescribed Starlix in the past have transitioned to its generic form, nateglinide.

The Affordable Alternative: Generic Nateglinide 60 mg

The most practical and cost-effective option for this medication today is generic nateglinide 60 mg. Unlike the costly brand name, the generic version is widely available and accessible at a fraction of the price. Generic nateglinide is chemically identical to Starlix and works in the same way to stimulate insulin secretion for people with type 2 diabetes.

Prescription discount programs, such as GoodRx, WebMDRx, and SingleCare, offer significant savings on the generic version. For instance, a typical supply of 90 tablets of nateglinide 60 mg can be found for as little as $25 to $35 with a coupon, a dramatic difference from the brand-name cost.

Factors Influencing Your Nateglinide Cost

The final price you pay for nateglinide is not a fixed amount. Several variables can affect your out-of-pocket expense:

Insurance Coverage: Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover generic nateglinide. Your co-pay will depend on your specific plan's formulary, deductible, and co-insurance. The price with insurance is often higher than the coupon price for generics.
Pharmacy Choice: Retail prices can differ between pharmacies. Chain stores, independent pharmacies, and grocery store pharmacies may offer different pricing structures. Comparing prices at different locations can yield significant savings.
Discount Coupons: Using free discount cards from services like GoodRx, SingleCare, or WebMDRx can provide prices that are often lower than many insurance co-pays, especially for generic medications.
Prescription Quantity: Purchasing a larger supply, such as a 90-day fill instead of a 30-day fill, can sometimes lower the overall cost per tablet.
Location: Drug pricing can vary based on your geographical location and even between different neighborhoods.

Comparison: Starlix vs. Generic Nateglinide and Other Medications

Here is a comparison highlighting the cost difference between the discontinued brand-name Starlix, its generic equivalent nateglinide, and a different class of generic diabetes medication, glyburide. The costs reflect typical coupon pricing and retail price estimates without insurance.


Feature	Discontinued Starlix 60 mg	Generic Nateglinide 60 mg	Generic Glyburide 5 mg
Availability	Discontinued	Readily Available	Readily Available
Class	Meglitinide	Meglitinide	Sulfonylurea
Mechanism	Stimulates rapid insulin release	Stimulates rapid insulin release	Stimulates pancreas to release insulin
Typical Cost (90 Tablets)	$385+ (Historical Est.)	$25 - $35 with coupon	$12 - $15 with coupon
Main Advantage	None (due to discontinuation)	Lower post-meal blood sugar spikes	Very inexpensive
Main Disadvantage	N/A	Must be taken just before each meal	Higher risk of hypoglycemia

Strategies for Reducing Your Prescription Costs

Beyond just seeking the generic, there are several other effective ways to lower your out-of-pocket expense for nateglinide:

Use Prescription Discount Cards: Always check popular discount card websites like GoodRx, SingleCare, and WebMDRx before filling a prescription. In many cases, the coupon price is lower than your insurance co-pay, and they are free to use.
Enroll in Patient Assistance Programs: Novartis, the original manufacturer of Starlix, once offered patient assistance programs. While the brand is discontinued, some independent non-profit programs may still offer assistance for certain medications. These programs can often be identified through services like NowPatient.
Compare Pharmacy Prices: Utilize online price comparison tools or call different pharmacies in your area. Prices for generic drugs can vary significantly from one pharmacy to the next, even within the same chain.
Consider a 90-Day Supply: Many insurance plans and pharmacies offer a lower price per pill for a 90-day supply of a medication compared to a 30-day supply. This is particularly effective for maintenance medications like nateglinide.
Talk to Your Doctor: If cost is a significant barrier, discuss alternative diabetes treatments with your doctor. As the comparison table shows, other classes of drugs like sulfonylureas (e.g., glyburide) are even more affordable than nateglinide with a generic coupon. However, these alternatives may have different side effect profiles or be less suitable for your specific health needs.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

While how much is Starlix 60 mg specifically is a moot point due to its discontinuation, the more relevant question for today's patients is the cost of generic nateglinide 60 mg. The good news is that the generic is significantly more affordable than the brand name once was. By leveraging prescription discount cards, comparing pharmacy prices, and discussing savings options with a healthcare provider, individuals can effectively manage the cost of this important medication. Making an informed decision based on current pricing and available savings can substantially reduce the financial burden of managing type 2 diabetes.

For more detailed information on prescription drug prices and savings, visit the GoodRx website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brand-name Starlix 60 mg was discontinued by its manufacturer, Novartis, in the early 2000s. Its generic equivalent, nateglinide 60 mg, is now the standard option available in pharmacies.

With a prescription discount coupon, a 90-tablet supply of generic nateglinide 60 mg can typically be purchased for as low as $25 to $35. The average retail price without a coupon is higher and varies by pharmacy.

Yes, you can. In many cases, the coupon price for generic medications like nateglinide is lower than your insurance co-pay. You can simply ask the pharmacist to process the transaction using the discount card instead of your insurance.

Yes, some other generic diabetes medications are very inexpensive. For example, generic glyburide is often available for a lower price with coupons compared to nateglinide, though it is in a different drug class with different mechanisms and side effects.

Generic nateglinide is the pharmaceutical equivalent of brand-name Starlix. It contains the same active ingredients, works in the same way, and is prescribed for the same purpose. The main difference is the cost, with the generic being significantly less expensive.

Yes, prescription prices, particularly for generics, can differ between pharmacies. It is always a good idea to compare prices at different locations, such as national chains versus local independents, or to use an online price checker tool.

Often, purchasing a 90-day supply of nateglinide instead of a 30-day supply can result in a lower overall cost per tablet. This can be a cost-effective strategy for a medication that is taken regularly.