I take metformin 1000 twice daily. Can I increase my metformin or take it 3 times daily to make up for the lantus?
I no longer can afford my Lantus that I take at bedtime. Can I take an extra metformin dose?
Question posted by merrymerriemary on 21 May 2013
Last updated on 14 May 2020
8 Answers
markleventhal
14 May 2020
If you earn less than $43,000 a year you should be able to get your Lantus free through the manufacturer's assistance plan. Just check the manufacturer's website
Spoiledill
24 Oct 2017
There are people like myself who get extra Lantus & Humalog and who would be glad to sell it at a fraction of pharmacy cost. Would help me to buy much needed food.
jillinoisRN
20 Oct 2014
Walmart has a deal with Novolin NPH and regular insulins for $25/vial. I hear ya- I'm a disabled RN, and on Medicare- and can't afford to get to the donut hole (which is in June for me) with my other meds. I had my doctor send in a prescription to Walmart's mail order in Carrollton, TX- they overnight it for free in a box w/cooling packs. The phone number is 1-800-2REFILL; their address is 1025 W. Trinity Mills Road, Carrollton, TX 75006. It has been a lifesaver- literally.
I don't qualify for any help either (lucky person who gets their stuff for free !). Between premiums and out of pocket medication expenses, I shovel out $625 per MONTH in healthcare costs... on Medicare.
I'm going to an Advantage plan next year, since Humana's drug plan has been a nightmare (they consider long-time generics as brand if they don't like the prices- and say they cover them if they pay $2 of $75), and the supplement plan F is just too expensive (different company). Hopefully, I won't end up with leukemia again- oncologist says it's extremely unlikely. If I do, then it's on to Medicaid. :/
I've had to give up the metformin this week after being on it relatively successfully for 2 1/2 years... tears my guts up too badly, and the bloating is too painful- which is strange, since I started out doing OK on it. Metformin acts to suppress glucose manufacturing by the liver. Insulin (of any kind) is a direct replacement for what the pancreas either doesn't produce, or the body doesn't utilize. They can't be substituted for each other.
diabetic1
7 Jan 2015
jillinoisRN, Regards to your post about Walmart RX Mail Services in Carrollton, TX, and I looked on the website for Novo Nordisk Novolin N 100 U vial which displays a cost $73.95 per vial plus shipping $8. (Metformin tears up my gut as well, intense pain in the left side of my stomach so it is not an option for me, neither Victoza). I am at my wits end in knowing what to do about my cost of insulin. I currently take Humalog 10 vials and Lantus 7 vials (per 90 days). In 2 years I will qualify for Medicare prescription plan. It's difficult to choose a plan on the Medicare website because Medicare.gov doesn't display the insulin cost, just a yearly estimated cost of about $6000-$8000 yearly. All of the plans run about the same when you break down the monthly cost for the policy, and the way they Tier the medications, when looking at adding Medicare Part D plan to my Original Medicare.
But once when at my arthritis doctor's office they had posted a big sign alerting patients that their office will not accept Humana Advantage Plans at all. The sign advised patients get Original Medicare and add Supplemental Medigap Policy. All this is new to me and it is frightening because I'm facing high costs of insulin meds and supplies now. Walmart website shows one vial $74, costly for me because I use 10 vials in a 90 day period for my fast acting insulin. Lantus, long acting insulin, I have no idea what they charge nor do I know the cost on Medicare Part D but I was advised by an insurance broker I will reach the donut hole in 3 months for my insulin's alone. My question for you is what type of insurance covers your insulin for $25 ? Is that for one vial or a 90 day supply ? Which medicare supplement or medigap plan is best for a diabetic. I can't get a single answer from a pharmacist on a cost for the amount of insulin I need, because they have to run it through their computer depending on which plan you have but I don't want to be in the same position you are in with Humana Drug Plan. I'm not sure if you change to Humana or any other Advantage Plan if your doctor will accept you as a patient for doctor appointments ? My family doctor also does not accept Humana Advantage Plan nor any type of HMO plan for that matter. I thought with the new Health Care Act that doctors have to treat everyone. Even unionized companies are changing their rules adopting Obama Care co-insurance and deductibles. I've been researching this issue for so long and all it has done is left me confused. I've tried not eating, increased exercising and my blood sugars remain high or the exercise causes frequent low blood sugar attacks which wipe me out. I want off insulin and may have no choice when I can't afford to pay for it, because I too am not below the poverty level (living under a bridge yet to qualify for State assistance which I don't want to deal with). Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated. Thank you
Lebu
24 April 2015
I asked my Dr about the Walmart brand and she says it's not right for me, I'm currently taking lantus pens :(:(
DIANNA_1
13 Aug 2016
i agree with nightmare with humana i am on 24 meds a day 68 years old and three of them are diabetic , lantus insulin , humalog insulin and metformin , i get 400 a month social security and my co pay for just the lantus for 4 vials is $422.00 i guess im suppose to just die.
krazykat1123
7 Oct 2014
The website offers a coupon but it's only good for 3 refills, I believe. That's the problem I am having. I take 200 units a day of Lantus, and now that my coupon is no longer valid, it goes up to $120.00 a refill for 5 pens(with insurance). So that means I have to pay $360-480 a WEEK for my Lantus, plus my refills for my other insulin and prescriptions. Well, needless to say I haven't picked up my Lantus in several weeks and I'm definitely feeling the effects of it. How are people supposed to survive, get the meds they need and be able to afford things like FOOD. I am at my wits end, my endocrinologist is no help. I'm feeling helpless. I have a good job but the insurance isn't all that great. I'm married, my husband recently lost his job but they denied his unemployment over a technicality. What am I supposed to do? I can't go on much longer like this :(
kaismama
7 Oct 2014
The cost of medications and the fact that we can't get them is becoming known now. They just did a tv show about how this is happening. Insurance needs to pay for all diabetic supplies as far as I'm concerned. It does no good to have all these great meds if we can't afford them.
kaismama
7 Oct 2014
What about using the multiple dose vial rather then the pens, its much cheaper. Or changing to another companies kind close to it.
kaismama
20 Oct 2014
Try copay.org. They help with copays
CraigGH
26 April 2015
You should definitely stop using the pens, with your copay that high. They are much more expensive per insulin unit than the same insulin in a 10cc vial plus disposable syringes. If you live in a hot climate, take your insulin to work in a velcro pouch with a small (1 pint) freezable cooler pack. Put the freezer pack in the lunch room freezer while you're working and keep your insulin in the lunchroom refrigerator (DO NOT accidently put your insulin in the freezer). I've done this for years and never had a problem. Always have a few syringes and alcohol swabs in your purse or desk.
amsimone
19 Nov 2015
The web site and patient assistance programs are only available to those who do not have MEDICARE. And since the government requires you to have a medicare d plan or they fine you, those of us on medicare d with huge copays still cannot afford our insulin. On my plan Lantus multiple dose vials are the same copay as the solostar pen, so that is not a help. I am going to have to stop taking insulin all together.
endlessPred
21 May 2013
Hello Merry of the Third Power. Have you contacted your endocrinologist and told him about the problem? There may be a better solution. This is one of those appointments where you tell them you need your medication adjusted and have to see him soon. They ought to get you in soon.
I am curious what is happening for a copay since you seem to have prescription coverage per your rejection from the manufacturer. I have a friend who was mad because her copay went up. Turns out it went from $25 to $30. Mine was $75 through Medicare and secondary. Sometimes it is perspective. I would give up every little thing to get a life saving medication with my limited funds.
Call around to pharmacies and find out who has a better price. Walgreens has a card to reduce costs. So do other pharmacies. I have found Costco to be much less than other pharmacies. Sometimes a local small pharmacy has much better prices and go out of their way to help. Remember that if you can find a lower rate, go back to your regular pharmacy and see if they will match it. Mine did and saved us a long trip to the other and quite a bit of cash.
1000 units would be incredibly expensive. I can't imagine taking that much. My NPH is 16 units once a day. When prednisone goes up it is twice a day with night 4 units. I do work hard to watch my diet. Have you been to the endocrinologist recently? That remains your best solution. Were tests done for you such as ultrasound, MRI, CT scan of the pancreas and the pituitary?
So sorry you are going through this. There will be a solution for you. General physicians aren't going to be the help you need. Please stay in touch and tell us about any solutions. I wish for you to become free of the stress of money and enjoy the safety of medications your body must have. Karen
merrymerriemary
22 May 2013
I take 1000 metformin. Lantus I take 52 units. I get my meds thru mail order and it is $70 for a 3 month supply. Not a bad price but since my job cut my hours to 20 per week I can barely pay my rent and can not afford food, gas or to much any thing else. Thanks for your kind answer.
endlessPred
22 May 2013
Merry, I think you will get this worked out. I have been in your shoes when young. It is tough, yet I always made it through. Hope you can get another part time job to keep going. I cleaned houses for a while even though I had much better skills to earn more money. Economy had tanked and work was work. It is frustrating, I know. Life turned around for me. I wish the same for you.
Did you talk with your doctor? They may have samples to keep you going. You never know... Karen
butterflylynn
29 May 2013
I understand that you get 3 month supplies at a time usually. But I assume that you can also get this monthly is you have to? The reason I mention this is because Sanofi offers a coupon where you pay no more than $ 25 month. Maybe if you fill just a month you might be able to budget in to refill your 3 month supply within a months time.
As Kaisma said Definitely contact your Dr. as they always have samples in the office that they can give you a few to hold you out. Best of luck, Kathy
aurora3497
18 Aug 2014
I am running into the same situation with my mother and according to the website people who have medicare are not eligible for their prescription assistance program. Just curious of you were able to find some assistance so that I may be able to find my mother some?
butterflylynn
21 May 2013
Yes definitely call Sanofi Aventis at the phone #
Kaisama gave you 888-847-4877.
They base it on how much you make a year.
I am on disability & they provide my Lantus for free.
If you have income they will usually base your income & then let you know how much assistance they can give you. They are Very easy to work with.
And as the others have said increasing your Metformin will Not do the same thing.
Best of luck. Kathy
merrymerriemary
21 May 2013
Per your advice I called Lantus and they will not help in any way unless you are on medicare or you don't have any insurance coverage. Thanks for the advice any ways!
Wants to help
6 Sep 2016
Are you still needing lantus insulin
fmitchelltx
18 Oct 2016
I am on Social Security disability and have this as my sole income. I also have Medicare. I was in the Sanofi - Aventis Patient Assistance Program for several years. I had always gotten my insulin for free through the program. A couple of months ago, I received a letter from Sanofi - Aventis saying that if I wanted to remain in the program I would have to pay a $500 out of pocket deductible each year to be in the program. This copay can not include what Humana and I pay together. I must spend $500 out of my pocket per year to be in the patient assistance program. I have called Sanofi - Aventis and am told until I pay the $500 out of pocket they can't help me any longer. This is NOT patient assistance.
i also take Humalog and am in the Lilly patient assistance program. I continue to receive my Humalog insulin at no cost to me. Hopefully that will not change.
I have applied for extra help from Social Security and Medicare but I earn just a few dollars over the threshold to be eligible for any additional help.
I can go to my Endocrinologist and ask for samples but that is a $50 copay and about $50 minimum in gas as I live way out in the country, a long distance from her location. There are no other Endocrinologists any closer.
Does anyone have any ideas on how I can get the Lantus insulin at a price I can afford? I am allergic to Metformin and Glipizide so those are out.
Thank you!
markleventhal
14 May 2020
You got basd advice. This is from their website, :Who may be eligible for Patient Assistance Connection?
In order to be eligible for this portion of the Program, you must meet the following requirements:
• You must be a resident of the U.S. or the U.S. territories and be under the care of a licensed health care
provider authorized to prescribe, dispense and administer medicine in the U.S.
• You must have no insurance coverage or access to the prescribed product or treatment via your insurance.
• You must have an annual household income of ≤400% of the current Federal Poverty Level. If you may be eligible for Medicaid, you will be required to provide documentation of Medicaid denial before being assessed
for patient assistance eligibility.
• If you are enrolled in Medicare Part D, in addition to the criteria above, you must also spend at least 2% of your annual household income on prescription medications covered through your Part D plan in the current calendar year."
kaismama
21 May 2013
There is NO SUBSTITUTE for insulin. You can get help paying for it. The manufacturer has patient assistance. See your dr about it until you can get the the assistance thru. Call the manufacturer today, here is the number (1.888.847.4877) Here is the web site www.lantus.com/hcp/paying-for-lantus/patient-assistance-programs.aspx?WT.mc_id=PSLHYO109&WT.srch=1&iq_id=58313791-VQ14-58800854
There is help out there for people to get the meds they need, they just have to be pointed in that direction.
DzooBaby
21 May 2013
Metformin wont do what Lantus does. Call your endocrinologist or whatever doc is treating your diabetes and let them know that you are having trouble affording Lantus. Perhaps they can get you samples or they may know of a program where you can get the drug at reduced cost. Dont try to change you regimen yourself. You could wind up having disaster happen and end up in the hospital or even dead-not a good idea to play with your meds yourself.
DzooBaby
22 May 2013
My father has the same trouble. He has medicare but he has the "donut" hole and when he is in the donut hole, he has to pay full price for Lantus and it is unGodly expensive. He would love to only pay $70 but I know when you dont have the money, you dont have it even if it is 50 cents. My fathers Dr gives him samples when he falls in the hole so that he doesnt have to make a choice of trying to go without. Lantus is vital to your health. If you dont get your sugar under control you can wreck your body organs and you could die.
It is simply something you have to have the same as breathing! Since you have a copay (yours is the same as mine-$70 for a 90 day supply brand name drug through mail) it doesnt matter where you get it and what their price is, you will still pay the same unless it is less than $70 which you will not find! lol If your Dr cant help you with samples, try the copay relief program 1-866-512-3861 or www.copay.org, or you can try suddenly senior (you dont have to be a senior to use this service) www.suddenlysenior.com/patientassistnatprograms.html, or try Needy Meds www.needymeds.org, or try Partnership for Prescription Assistance 1-888-477-2669 or www.patientassistance.com. You might check to see if your state has a prescription discount program. Google prescription assistance/(your state) as many do.
Jenn-78
28 April 2015
You have to be careful with Metformin. It causes kidney failure. My husband was on Metformin for years. Now he is in renal failure. They took him off Metformin and put him on Insulin. Just a little FYI
dyaneea1
2 Aug 2015
I know someone who has lantus and novolog for sell for cheap
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