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Understanding How Expensive Is Canagliflozin? A Guide to Costs and Savings

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6 min read

For those without insurance, a 30-day supply of the brand-name medication Invokana (canagliflozin) can cost an average of $600 to $800 or more, highlighting just how expensive is canagliflozin without assistance. This price can fluctuate significantly depending on pharmacy, location, and dosage, making it a financial challenge for many. However, several strategies exist to make this important medication more affordable.

Quick Summary

Canagliflozin (Invokana) is an expensive brand-name drug, often costing hundreds per month without insurance due to patent protection. The price can be significantly reduced with insurance, manufacturer savings programs, patient assistance, and discount coupons.

Key Points

  • High Retail Price: Without insurance, canagliflozin (Invokana) typically costs between $600 and $800+ for a 30-day supply.

  • No Generic Available: The high cost is largely due to patent protection, with no generic version expected until around 2031.

  • Insurance Varies: The final price with insurance depends on your plan's specific terms, such as copays and deductibles, and may require prior authorization.

  • Manufacturer Savings Card: Commercially insured patients may be eligible for a manufacturer's savings card, potentially reducing the monthly cost to $0.

  • Patient Assistance Available: Uninsured or underinsured patients meeting income requirements can apply for the Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Program or other charitable foundations.

  • Discount Coupons Work: Prescription discount cards from providers like GoodRx and SingleCare can lower the cash price for anyone, regardless of insurance status.

  • Explore Alternatives: If cost remains prohibitive, discuss other SGLT2 inhibitors or alternative diabetes medications with your doctor.

In This Article

The High Cost of Brand-Name Canagliflozin

Canagliflozin is the generic name for the brand-name prescription drug Invokana, an SGLT2 inhibitor used for type 2 diabetes and to reduce cardiovascular and kidney risks. It is available in 100 mg and 300 mg tablets. A major factor contributing to its high cost is its status as a brand-name medication protected by patents, which prevents generic competition and allows the manufacturer, Janssen, to set a higher price.

Without insurance, the retail price for a 30-day supply of Invokana typically ranges from approximately $600 to over $800, varying by pharmacy and location for both dosage strengths. This can result in thousands of dollars annually for uninsured individuals.

Factors Influencing Canagliflozin's Cost

The high cost of canagliflozin is influenced by:

  • Patent Protection: Patents grant the manufacturer exclusive marketing rights, preventing generic alternatives and price competition until around 2031.
  • Research and Development Costs: The significant investment in developing and testing the drug is recouped through sales while the patent is active.
  • Marketing and Sales: Costs associated with promoting the drug also contribute to its price.
  • Limited Competition: Without a generic, there is less market pressure to lower the price.

Comparison of SGLT2 Inhibitor Costs

Canagliflozin is part of the SGLT2 inhibitor class. Other medications in this class also have high retail prices, though some offer authorized generics or different savings options.

Drug (Active Ingredient) Average Retail Price (per 30 tablets) without coupons SingleCare Price (per 30 tablets) Generic Status Potential Savings Opportunities
Invokana (canagliflozin) ~$806 (300 mg) ~$587 (300 mg) No generic available Manufacturer program, discount coupons, patient assistance
Farxiga (dapagliflozin) ~$799 (10 mg) ~$403 (10 mg) Authorized generic available Manufacturer program, discount coupons, patient assistance
Jardiance (empagliflozin) ~$868 (25 mg) ~$487 (25 mg) No generic available Manufacturer program, discount coupons, patient assistance

Note: Prices are estimates and can vary by pharmacy and location. Coupons are subject to program terms.

Navigating the Cost with Insurance and Savings Options

Insurance coverage significantly impacts the out-of-pocket cost of canagliflozin, though coverage terms like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance vary by plan. Prior authorization may also be required by some plans. For example, some Medicare Advantage plans may have copays as low as $25 per month.

Several programs and strategies can help reduce the cost:

  • Manufacturer Savings Programs: The J&J withMe Savings Program offers commercially insured patients potential savings, possibly resulting in a $0 monthly cost, with an annual maximum benefit. These programs are not for government-funded insurance beneficiaries.
  • Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs): Uninsured or underinsured individuals who meet specific criteria may receive canagliflozin at no cost for a year through the Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Program. Other charitable foundations, like the HealthWell Foundation, also offer assistance. Information on applying is available on the manufacturer's website.
  • Discount Cards and Coupons: Websites such as GoodRx, SingleCare, and Cost Plus Drugs provide coupons that can lower the cash price for both insured and uninsured patients. A recent GoodRx coupon, for example, brought the cost of a 100 mg supply below $600, and Cost Plus Drugs lists a 100mg supply for approximately $535. Comparing prices from different providers is recommended.
  • Generic Alternatives: Currently, no generic canagliflozin is available. However, some online pharmacies market alternatives like Brenzavvy, which is another SGLT2 inhibitor they claim is cheaper. Discussing other SGLT2 inhibitors like Jardiance or Farxiga with a healthcare provider is also an option, as some alternatives may have authorized generics available.

Conclusion: Finding an Affordable Path to Treatment

While the initial retail price of canagliflozin may seem high, the actual cost for many patients can be significantly lower through insurance, manufacturer savings, patient assistance, and discount coupons. For those facing cost challenges, speaking with a healthcare provider about alternative medications and consulting a pharmacist about available savings programs are essential first steps. As a generic is not expected until the early 2030s, utilizing these cost-saving measures will be crucial.

For more information on Johnson & Johnson patient assistance programs, visit https://www.jnjwithme.com/hcp/invokana/affordability/.

Key takeaways

  • High Retail Price: Without insurance, canagliflozin (Invokana) typically costs between $600 and $800+ for a 30-day supply.
  • No Generic Available: The high cost is largely due to patent protection, with no generic version expected until around 2031.
  • Insurance Varies: The final price with insurance depends on your plan's specific terms, such as copays and deductibles, and may require prior authorization.
  • Manufacturer Savings Card: Commercially insured patients may be eligible for a manufacturer's savings card, potentially reducing the monthly cost to $0.
  • Patient Assistance Available: Uninsured or underinsured patients meeting income requirements can apply for the Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Program or other charitable foundations.
  • Discount Coupons Work: Prescription discount cards from providers like GoodRx and SingleCare can lower the cash price for anyone, regardless of insurance status.
  • Explore Alternatives: If cost remains prohibitive, discuss other SGLT2 inhibitors or alternative diabetes medications with your doctor.

FAQs

Question: Why is canagliflozin (Invokana) so expensive? Answer: Canagliflozin is expensive because it is currently only available as a brand-name medication, Invokana. The manufacturer, Janssen, holds patents that prevent generic competition, and the price includes significant costs for research, development, and marketing.

Question: Is a generic version of canagliflozin available? Answer: No, a generic version is not yet available. The patent protection for Invokana is not expected to expire until approximately 2031, which is the earliest a generic version would be widely introduced.

Question: How much does canagliflozin cost with insurance? Answer: The cost with insurance varies widely depending on your specific plan. Your out-of-pocket expense could be a small copay, or a higher amount if you have a deductible. Some Medicare plans have low copays.

Question: Can I get canagliflozin for free? Answer: Patients who are uninsured or underinsured and meet certain financial and eligibility criteria may qualify to receive the medication at no cost through the Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Program.

Question: What are some alternatives to canagliflozin if it's too expensive? Answer: Other medications in the same class of SGLT2 inhibitors, such as dapagliflozin (Farxiga) and empagliflozin (Jardiance), or older, more affordable diabetes drugs may be suitable. You should discuss all options with your healthcare provider to find the best alternative for your situation.

Question: How can I use a prescription coupon to save money? Answer: You can find coupons on websites like GoodRx, SingleCare, and Cost Plus Drugs. You present the coupon to your pharmacist, who can apply the discount to the cash price of the medication.

Question: How does a manufacturer savings card work for Invokana? Answer: If you have commercial insurance, you can sign up for the J&J withMe Savings Program. The savings card can help cover your copay, potentially reducing your out-of-pocket cost to as little as $0, though annual maximums and other restrictions apply. It is not valid for government-funded insurance programs.

Citations

Frequently Asked Questions

Canagliflozin is expensive because it is currently only available as a brand-name medication, Invokana. The manufacturer, Janssen, holds patents that prevent generic competition, and the price includes significant costs for research, development, and marketing.

No, a generic version is not yet available. The patent protection for Invokana is not expected to expire until approximately 2031, which is the earliest a generic version would be widely introduced.

The cost with insurance varies widely depending on your specific plan. Your out-of-pocket expense could be a small copay, or a higher amount if you have a deductible. Some Medicare plans have low copays.

Patients who are uninsured or underinsured and meet certain financial and eligibility criteria may qualify to receive the medication at no cost through the Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Program.

Other medications in the same class of SGLT2 inhibitors, such as dapagliflozin (Farxiga) and empagliflozin (Jardiance), or older, more affordable diabetes drugs may be suitable. You should discuss all options with your healthcare provider to find the best alternative for your situation.

You can find coupons on websites like GoodRx, SingleCare, and Cost Plus Drugs. You present the coupon to your pharmacist, who can apply the discount to the cash price of the medication.

If you have commercial insurance, you can sign up for the J&J withMe Savings Program. The savings card can help cover your copay, potentially reducing your out-of-pocket cost to as little as $0, though annual maximums and other restrictions apply. It is not valid for government-funded insurance programs.

References

  1. 1
    Canagliflozin (Invokana): Uses & Side Effects
  2. 2
    How much is Invokana without insurance?
  3. 3
    Invokana 100mg Tablet
  4. 4
    Invokana Coupons 2025: Up to 80% Discount
  5. 5
    Does Medicare Cover Invokana?
  6. 6
    The 6 Best Ways to Save on Invokana
  7. 7
    Savings and Support
  8. 8
    Savings and Cost Support
  9. 9
    Paying Too Much For Invokana? Consider Brenzavvy.
  10. 10
    Jardiance alternatives for Type 2 diabetes
  11. 11
    What SGLT2 Inhibitors Are Available?
  12. 12
    Invokana patent expiration
  13. 13
    Why Is Invokana So Expensive?

Related Topics:

#diabetes treatment #prescription savings #SGLT2 Inhibitors #patient assistance #drug costs #medication prices #Canagliflozin #Invokana

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.