A trip to Canada [to buy cheaper insulin] celebrates the achievement of Dr. Banting and his colleagues who discovered insulin nearly a hundred years ago. But for most patients with diabetes, a trip to Walmart is a better way to save money.
Dr. Robert Misbin, retired FDA scientist, to SharylAttkisson.com
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The other difference, is the older insulin cannot be used in pumps – which many people are utilizing. Pumps keep sugar levels very steady. To use the older vials, you must prepare the needles, again difficult for older patients or patients with vision issues. They are equivalent, but may not be for everyone. It is a good option, if you are trained and your doctor monitors you very closely.
When I retired my company medical insurance ended. My pen-style insulin went from $40 to $1500! Walmart Novolin N is about $25. Thanks Sharyl for fearless, honest reporting.
In February 2019, senior associate dean in Duluth for the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy also spoke of lack of competition. “There’s really only three manufacturers of insulin,” he said. “They’ve really protected their turf.” In that same article from Minnesota Public Radio, it was demonstrated that U.S. citizens pay 7 to 10 times what other countries do–for the same product, made by the same companies.
Kudos to states like Colorado for implementing a $100/month co-pay cap. After a recent death from WalMart’s brand (which is not analog insulin), I’m hearing people getting distracted from the fact that we pay more for the same product made by the same companies here in the U.S., and there aren’t any socially responsible arguments to defend that. There’s no need to call a victim all sorts of names for complaining about $1200 bills for insulin that would cost under $200 anywhere else in the world.
I have been using Novolin 70/30 for about a year. I get it at Walmart for a few cents less than $25 for a 10ml vial. I use 3 vials a month. My RX insurance hit the “donut hole” about August then the price was $700 for Lantus and $900 for Humalog for a 3 month supply for the 5 remaining months. I still had a copay of $200 and $300 respectively for the 3 month supply.
Using grey text on a white background makes your message almost unreadable. How about black?
I agree.
I agree with Walky.
And Sharyl is not the only offender.
In this particular case, higher contrast is your friend.
The other difference, is the older insulin cannot be used in pumps – which many people are utilizing. Pumps keep sugar levels very steady. To use the older vials, you must prepare the needles, again difficult for older patients or patients with vision issues. They are equivalent, but may not be for everyone. It is a good option, if you are trained and your doctor monitors you very closely.
When I retired my company medical insurance ended. My pen-style insulin went from $40 to $1500! Walmart Novolin N is about $25. Thanks Sharyl for fearless, honest reporting.
It’s disgusting what the profiteers are allowed to get away with when it comes to pharmaceuticals.
Thanks for this article!
Passing it onto diabetics in family.
Wish more people were like Dr Banting.
Agree that this print seems faint, or washed out or thin.
In February 2019, senior associate dean in Duluth for the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy also spoke of lack of competition. “There’s really only three manufacturers of insulin,” he said. “They’ve really protected their turf.” In that same article from Minnesota Public Radio, it was demonstrated that U.S. citizens pay 7 to 10 times what other countries do–for the same product, made by the same companies.
https://blogs.mprnews.org/newscut/2019/02/a-health-crisis-350-insulin-in-the-u-s-thats-50-in-canada/
Kudos to states like Colorado for implementing a $100/month co-pay cap. After a recent death from WalMart’s brand (which is not analog insulin), I’m hearing people getting distracted from the fact that we pay more for the same product made by the same companies here in the U.S., and there aren’t any socially responsible arguments to defend that. There’s no need to call a victim all sorts of names for complaining about $1200 bills for insulin that would cost under $200 anywhere else in the world.
https://nypost.com/2019/08/06/diabetic-groom-to-be-dies-after-taking-cheaper-insulin-to-pay-for-wedding/amp/?__twitter_impression=true&fbclid=IwAR0wVBNWd0oWxBlmk-JHE83xx5e1VdpTY9XtVmIEERRRk-Q6k2Nz-A1gx6U
I have been using Novolin 70/30 for about a year. I get it at Walmart for a few cents less than $25 for a 10ml vial. I use 3 vials a month. My RX insurance hit the “donut hole” about August then the price was $700 for Lantus and $900 for Humalog for a 3 month supply for the 5 remaining months. I still had a copay of $200 and $300 respectively for the 3 month supply.