The Type 2 diabetes drug Januvia has become a source of controversy after the drug’s maker, Merck, funded a letter to doctors by CVS Caremark, the pharmacy benefits manager, urging the physicians to add the drug to specific patients’ treatment regimens.
Januvia costs as much as 10 times the price of older diabetes drugs such as metformin and glipizide. (Note: Januvia purchased from a Canadian pharmacy costs about half as much as from a U.S. pharmacy — though it is still significantly more expensive than metformin and glipizide.)
Beyond the apparent conflict of interest in CVS Caremark’s letter, the question most important to patients is whether Januvia’s superiority over older, cheaper diabetes drugs makes it worth the additional cost.
The answer is, it depends.
Amy at Diabetes Mine points out that Merck has been pushing the drug very hard, and that while it appears to be effective, there are also concerns about safety and side effects.
If you have Type 2 diabetes and are considering Januvia, or your doctor has already recommended it to you, make sure to discuss the pros and cons thoroughly — and don’t be afraid to remind your doctor of Januvia’s additional cost. Physicians often forget to factor cost into their decisions on which drugs to prescribe, so it’s important to speak up.
And if you do end up taking Januvia, be sure to ask for free samples whenever you visit your doctor.
10 responses so far ↓
1 Indrish Chandra // Dec 22, 2008 at 3:35 am
Dear Sir,
I am using Januvia for the last four weeks. Of late I am feeling that while passing urine the stream of urine is leaner. I do not know whether my kidneys will get affected in future. Presently alll report of kindney function are within limits.
2 Margaret V // Apr 7, 2009 at 2:54 pm
I was prescribed Januvia and only after a few months I felt great, like my old self again and was even able to get some weight off and keep it off! This year the only insurance we’re offered has an extremly high deductible and doesn’t have prescription coverage until after you meet the high deductible. Consequently, I can no longer afford to take Januvia.
3 Westley Brenton // Nov 4, 2009 at 4:57 pm
My current supplier’s 90 day supply out-of-pocket cost is $70.32 (50mg)
Taken once a day. They do not list a generic so I assume that none exists.
I can go to the internet and find the same for as low as $27.32 for a 90 day supply. Why does my supplier cost so much more since the only ones that can be offered is the Brand Name Drug????
4 norman stuber // Mar 24, 2010 at 8:39 pm
i had been taken mtemorfin and change insurance then had a different dr. when they called regarding my lab results i was informed that he changed my medication to to januvia. i have been taking it now for 6 weeks and have noticed no difference. does anyone know the advantage of this change as the cost is 20 times more.
5 Charles Bradsher // Mar 29, 2010 at 2:12 pm
My doctor put me on Junivia about 4 weeks ago. I also take glimepride. Before Junivia my blood sugar was running around 170. Since I started on Junivia my blood sugar is running around 127. No side effects. The only problem is the cost of the medicine.
Charles Bradsher
6 vincent // Mar 30, 2010 at 7:39 pm
where, on the internet, can Januvia be purchased for 27.32 for a 90 day supply?
7 Nina R. Santiago // Apr 16, 2010 at 4:05 pm
I dont know my website…should I?
Unless my Dr. is able to subscribe. I will not be able to buy Januvia at the price Walgreens charges..($50.00) for I month.
There has to be something out there that is lower priced..NIna R. Santiago
8 Ammie J // Jun 11, 2010 at 11:05 am
Nina,
Glimiperide is $4 per month at Walmart or $10 for a 3 months supply.
9 Oksana // Jun 17, 2010 at 8:05 pm
I don’t where you guys find these prices… I just filled my husband’s prescription for Januvia without insurance and the cost is $206.00 for one-month supply of 100mg! I shopped around, at Wallmart, walgreen and Costco, all the same price!
10 Yvonne // Aug 21, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Already a diabetic, my levels got worse during my pregnancy. my doctor added januvia to my metformin. I had readings of 100 to 110 throughout my pregnancy. Januvia saved my life and that of my baby. He was born a perfect 8 lbs 2 oz.
Leave a Comment