How much does Farxiga cost, and what lowers the price?

What Is Farxiga?

Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is a prescription medication used primarily to:

• Help manage type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar
• Reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in patients with certain heart conditions
• Support kidney health in people with chronic kidney disease

It belongs to a class of drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors, which work by helping the kidneys remove glucose through the urine.

Typical Farxiga Cost

The retail sticker price for a 30-day supply of Farxiga (10 mg once daily) generally ranges from $550 to $750 in the United States without insurance. Costs can vary widely based on:

• Pharmacy location (major city vs. rural area)
• Whether you choose a brand-name or generic form (dapagliflozin is available as a generic in some markets)
• Dosage strength (5 mg vs. 10 mg)

For example, some online pharmacies list:

• Farxiga 5 mg, 30 tablets: around $500
• Farxiga 10 mg, 30 tablets: around $600

Keep in mind these are cash prices. If you have insurance or qualify for assistance, your out-of-pocket cost may be much lower.

Factors That Affect Your Out-of-Pocket Price

1. Insurance Coverage

   • Private insurance plans often cover Farxiga under tier 3 or tier 4, meaning moderate to high copays.
   • Medicare Part D may place it in a specialty tier, leading to a 20% coinsurance after deductibles.
   • Medicaid coverage varies by state but often has minimal or no copay.

2. Pharmacy Choice

   • Big-chain pharmacies sometimes have different negotiated rates than local or independent drugstores.
   • Online/mail-order pharmacies can offer lower per-pill prices if you opt for a 90-day supply.

3. Dosage and Supply Size

   • Higher doses cost more per tablet but may be the only clinically appropriate choice.
   • Buying a 90-day supply can reduce the per-pill cost by 10%–20%.

4. Generic Availability

   • When generic dapagliflozin is available, prices can drop by 30%–70%.
   • Not every pharmacy stocks the generic immediately after FDA approval, so check availability.

Ways to Lower Farxiga Cost

1. Use Manufacturer Savings Programs

AstraZeneca, the maker of Farxiga, often offers a copay assistance card for eligible commercially insured patients, which can reduce your copay to as little as $0–$25 per month. Key points:

• Available to those with private insurance (not Medicare/Medicaid).
• Enrollment is online or via phone; you’ll receive a card to present at the pharmacy.

2. Explore Patient Assistance Programs

If you’re uninsured or underinsured, AstraZeneca’s Patient Assistance Program may help:

• May cover the full cost of Farxiga for qualifying low-income patients.
• Requires proof of income and a doctor’s prescription.

Contact the program directly or ask your healthcare team to help you apply.

3. Compare Pharmacies and Use Discount Cards

Websites and apps like GoodRx (no direct link here) can show current coupons:

• Print or download a discount card.
• Present it along with your prescription.
• Savings vary but often range from $50–$200 off the cash price.

4. Consider a 90-Day Supply

Purchasing a 90-day supply via mail order or a specialty pharmacy can:

• Lower your per-pill cost by about 10%–20%.
• Reduce co-pays if your plan’s tier structure favors larger supplies.

Confirm with your insurer that they cover a 90-day prescription before ordering.

5. Check for Generic Dapagliflozin

As generic dapagliflozin becomes more widely available:

• Ask your doctor if the generic form is right for you.
• Call multiple pharmacies to find the best price—some may stock it sooner than others.

Insurance Strategies

• Review Your Plan’s Formulary: Check which tier Farxiga or generic dapagliflozin falls into. Lower tiers usually mean lower copays.
• Ask for a Step-Therapy Exception: If your plan forces you to try another drug first, your doctor can request an exception citing clinical necessity.
• Appeal a Coverage Denial: If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. Your doctor’s letter of medical necessity can strengthen your case.

Practical Tips for Managing Costs

• Keep track of when your insurance deductible resets (often January 1). You may want to purchase a larger supply before the reset if you haven’t met your deductible.
• Talk to your pharmacist about “pharmacist replacement” programs, where they suggest therapeutically equivalent options that could be cheaper.
• Split pills only if your doctor approves a lower-dose tablet—never split extended-release or coated tablets.

When to Seek Medical Advice

It’s important to discuss any new or worsening symptoms—like dehydration, dizziness, or urinary tract infections—with a healthcare provider promptly. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are related to Farxiga or another condition, you might try a free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker to help guide your next steps.

Final Thoughts

Managing the farxiga cost doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By combining insurance benefits, manufacturer assistance, generic options, and savvy pharmacy shopping, many people reduce their out-of-pocket expenses significantly.

Always:

• Keep an open line of communication with your doctor or pharmacist about cost-saving measures.
• Report any significant side effects or concerns immediately.
• Speak to a doctor about anything that could be life-threatening or serious.

Your health and budget both matter—work with your healthcare team to find the best balance.