How does Walmart’s new private brand analog insulin impact diabetes care affordability. What are the key features of ReliOn NovoLog insulin. How much can patients save compared to branded insulin products. Why is this launch significant for diabetes management in the US.

Walmart Launches Groundbreaking Private Brand Analog Insulin

In a move set to transform diabetes care accessibility, Walmart has introduced the first-ever private brand analog insulin. This landmark launch promises to significantly reduce costs for millions of Americans managing diabetes, without compromising on quality.

The new insulin, available under Walmart’s ReliOn brand, includes:

• Analog insulin vials priced at $72.88
• FlexPen® devices priced at $85.88

These products offer customers substantial savings compared to branded analog insulin options:

• 58% to 75% off the cash price of branded products
• Up to $101 savings per branded vial
• Up to $251 savings per package of branded FlexPens®

ReliOn NovoLog: Rapid-Acting Insulin for Effective Diabetes Management

ReliOn NovoLog® (insulin aspart) injection is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, a renowned name in diabetes care. This rapid-acting insulin analog is designed to control high blood sugar in both adults and children with diabetes.

Key points about ReliOn NovoLog:

• Available in Walmart pharmacies as of June 2021
• Will be available in Sam’s Club pharmacies from mid-July 2021
• Requires a prescription for purchase
• Patients should consult their doctor for personalized diabetes management advice

Addressing the Financial Burden of Diabetes Care

The introduction of ReliOn NovoLog addresses a critical need in diabetes management. How significant is the financial impact of diabetes on patients? According to the American Diabetes Association, the estimated annual medical cost per person with diabetes is around $9,601.

Dr. Cheryl Pegus, executive vice president of Walmart Health & Wellness, emphasized the company’s commitment to affordable healthcare solutions: “We know many people with diabetes struggle to manage the financial burden of this condition, and we are focused on helping by providing affordable solutions. We also know this is a condition that disproportionately impacts underserved populations.”

Walmart: A One-Stop Destination for Affordable Diabetes Care

Walmart’s launch of ReliOn NovoLog is part of a broader strategy to provide comprehensive and affordable diabetes care resources. What other diabetes management products does Walmart offer?

• Blood glucose monitors
• Lancets
• Various diabetes management essentials in the ReliOn portfolio

This expanded suite of affordable diabetes products allows customers to choose management options that best suit their needs and budget. However, it’s crucial to note that every patient may respond differently to treatment, and healthcare provider recommendations should guide ultimate treatment decisions.

The Impact on Diabetes Care Accessibility in the United States

The introduction of ReliOn NovoLog is poised to have a significant impact on diabetes care accessibility in the United States. How might this new offering affect the broader landscape of diabetes management?

1. Increased affordability may lead to better adherence to insulin regimens
2. Potential reduction in diabetes-related complications due to improved treatment access
3. Possible decrease in overall healthcare costs associated with diabetes management
4. Greater accessibility for underserved populations disproportionately affected by diabetes

Tracey D. Brown, chief executive officer of the American Diabetes Association, welcomed this development: “We welcome all affordable solutions that make diabetes management more accessible to millions of Americans living with diabetes. We encourage everyone to ask their health care provider questions to better understand what the right and affordable treatment is for their unique medical needs.”

Walmart’s History of Healthcare Innovation

The launch of ReliOn NovoLog adds to Walmart’s track record of introducing innovative solutions to increase access to quality, affordable healthcare resources. A notable example is the company’s industry-leading $4 generic prescription program, launched over a decade ago.

This commitment to affordable healthcare aligns with Walmart’s broader mission to help people save money and live better. With approximately 220 million customers and members visiting its stores and clubs weekly, Walmart’s influence on healthcare accessibility is substantial.

Understanding NovoLog (insulin aspart) Injection

For those considering ReliOn NovoLog, it’s essential to understand its indications and usage. What exactly is NovoLog?

NovoLog is a man-made insulin used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes mellitus. It’s important to note that this medication requires a prescription and should be used under medical supervision.

Important Safety Information

While ReliOn NovoLog offers an affordable option for diabetes management, users must be aware of crucial safety information:

• Do not share your NovoLog FlexPen, FlexTouch, PenFill cartridge, or PenFill cartridge compatible insulin delivery device with others, even if the needle has been changed.
• Sharing insulin devices may risk transmission of serious viral infections.

As with any medication, patients should thoroughly discuss the benefits and potential risks of ReliOn NovoLog with their healthcare provider before starting treatment.

The Broader Implications of Walmart’s Insulin Launch

Walmart’s introduction of ReliOn NovoLog has implications that extend beyond immediate cost savings for patients. How might this move influence the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare policy?

1. Potential pressure on other insulin manufacturers to reduce prices
2. Increased focus on private brand medications as a solution to high drug costs
3. Renewed discussions about insulin pricing and accessibility at the policy level
4. Possible acceleration of efforts to develop more affordable diabetes management solutions

The launch of ReliOn NovoLog could serve as a catalyst for broader changes in how diabetes care is approached and priced in the United States, potentially leading to more affordable options for patients across the board.

Navigating Diabetes Management with ReliOn NovoLog

For patients considering switching to ReliOn NovoLog, it’s crucial to approach the transition thoughtfully. What steps should patients take when considering this new insulin option?

1. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine if ReliOn NovoLog is appropriate for their individual needs
2. Discuss potential changes to dosing and administration with their doctor
3. Learn about proper storage and handling of the new insulin products
4. Understand how to monitor blood sugar levels effectively while using ReliOn NovoLog
5. Be aware of potential side effects and know when to seek medical attention

While the cost savings of ReliOn NovoLog are significant, patients should prioritize their health and safety when making decisions about their diabetes management regimen.

The Role of Retailers in Healthcare Innovation

Walmart’s launch of ReliOn NovoLog highlights the growing role of retailers in healthcare innovation. How are retailers like Walmart shaping the future of healthcare delivery?

• Leveraging their extensive distribution networks to improve medication accessibility
• Utilizing their buying power to negotiate lower prices for generic and private brand medications
• Investing in health clinics and telemedicine services to provide more comprehensive care
• Developing digital health tools and apps to support patient self-management

As retailers continue to expand their presence in the healthcare space, we may see more innovations aimed at improving affordability and accessibility of essential medical products and services.

Supporting Holistic Diabetes Management

While affordable insulin is a crucial component of diabetes care, effective management requires a holistic approach. How can patients complement their use of ReliOn NovoLog with other diabetes management strategies?

1. Maintain a balanced diet rich in whole foods and low in processed sugars
2. Engage in regular physical activity as recommended by healthcare providers
3. Monitor blood glucose levels consistently and keep detailed records
4. Attend regular check-ups with healthcare providers to adjust treatment plans as needed
5. Learn about diabetes self-management education programs to enhance knowledge and skills
6. Consider joining support groups or online communities for people with diabetes

By combining affordable insulin options like ReliOn NovoLog with comprehensive diabetes management strategies, patients can work towards better health outcomes and improved quality of life.

The Future of Diabetes Care: Affordability and Innovation

Walmart’s launch of ReliOn NovoLog represents a significant step towards more affordable diabetes care, but it’s likely just the beginning of a larger trend. What developments might we see in the future of diabetes management?

• Further innovations in insulin formulations to improve efficacy and ease of use
• Development of more affordable continuous glucose monitoring systems
• Advancements in artificial pancreas technology to automate insulin delivery
• Expansion of telemedicine services for remote diabetes management
• Increased focus on preventive care and early intervention strategies

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more initiatives aimed at making diabetes care not only more affordable but also more effective and patient-friendly.

Empowering Patients Through Education and Access

The introduction of affordable insulin options like ReliOn NovoLog is an important step, but patient education and empowerment are equally crucial. How can healthcare providers and retailers work together to support patients in making informed decisions about their diabetes care?

1. Provide clear, accessible information about different insulin options and their pros and cons
2. Offer diabetes management classes and workshops in community settings
3. Develop user-friendly digital tools to help patients track their diabetes management progress
4. Create partnerships between pharmacies and healthcare providers to ensure consistent care
5. Advocate for policies that support comprehensive diabetes education and management programs

By combining affordable treatment options with robust education and support systems, we can work towards a future where effective diabetes management is within reach for all patients, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Walmart Revolutionizes Insulin Access & Affordability for Patients With Diabetes With the Launch of the First and Only Private Brand Analog Insulin

Walmart’s exclusive ReliOn™ NovoLog® vials and FlexPens® will save customers 58% to 75% off the cash price of branded insulin products.

BENTONVILLE, Ark., June 29, 2021 — Walmart announced the launch of the first-ever private brand analog insulin, which will revolutionize the access and affordability to diabetes care by offering customers a significant price savings without compromising quality. Available exclusively through Walmart’s private ReliOn brand, the new offering includes analog insulin vials ($72.88) and FlexPen® ($85.88). These products will save customers¹ between 58% to 75% off the cash price of branded analog insulin products, which translates to a savings of up to $101 per branded vial or $251 per package of branded FlexPens®.

The new private label ReliOn™ NovoLog® Insulin (insulin aspart) injection, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, is available in Walmart pharmacies this week, and Sam’s Club pharmacies in mid-July across the United States. ReliOn™ NovoLog® is a rapid-acting insulin analog used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes. Customers will need a prescription in order to purchase the products and should always consult with their doctor regarding their diabetes management.

“We know many people with diabetes struggle to manage the financial burden of this condition, and we are focused on helping by providing affordable solutions. We also know this is a condition that disproportionately impacts underserved populations. With ReliOn NovoLog® insulin, we’re adding a high-quality medication for diabetes to the already affordable ReliOn line of products and continuing our commitment to improve access and lowering cost of care,” said Dr. Cheryl Pegus, executive vice president, Walmart Health & Wellness.

Walmart is a destination for affordable diabetes resources, including blood glucose monitors, lancets and other diabetes management essentials in the ReliOn portfolio. Notably, the retailer’s suite of affordable diabetes products offers customers choices when it comes to their diabetes management; however, every patient is unique and may respond differently to treatment, so the ultimate treatment decision should be based on their health care provider’s recommendation.

“Diabetes often comes with high medical costs, estimated around $9,601 per person per year. We welcome all affordable solutions that make diabetes management more accessible to millions of Americans living with diabetes. We encourage everyone to ask their health care provider questions to better understand what the right and affordable treatment is for their unique medical needs,” said Tracey D. Brown, chief executive officer of the American Diabetes Association.

The ReliOn NovoLog® analog insulin offering adds to Walmart’s history of introducing innovative solutions that increase access to quality, affordable health care resources, including the industry-leading $4 generic prescription program launched more than a decade ago. For additional information about Walmart’s affordable diabetes resources, visit Walmart.com/diabetes.

^{1 The out-of-pocket costs patient pay for insulin depends on a variety of factors. These savings have been calculated based on patients purchasing these insulins without prescription drug insurance.}

About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 220 million customers and members visit approximately 10,500 stores and clubs under 48 banners in 24 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2021 revenue of $559 billion, Walmart employs 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at twitter. com/walmart.

Indications and Usage

What is NovoLog® (insulin aspart) injection?

• NovoLog® is a man-made insulin used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes mellitus. 

Important Safety Information

Do not share your NovoLog® FlexPen®, NovoLog® FlexTouch®, PenFill® cartridge or PenFill® cartridge compatible insulin delivery device with other people, even if the needle has been changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.

Who should not take NovoLog®?

Do not take NovoLog® if:

• your blood sugar is too low (hypoglycemia) or you are allergic to NovoLog® or any of its ingredients.  

Before taking NovoLog®, tell your health care provider about all your medical conditions including, if you are:

• pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. 
• taking new prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including supplements.  

Talk to your health care provider about how to manage low blood sugar.

How should I take NovoLog®?

What should I avoid while taking NovoLog®?

• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery, until you know how NovoLog® affects you. 
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that contain alcohol. 

What are the possible side effects of NovoLog®?

Serious side effects can lead to death, including:

Low blood sugar. Some signs and symptoms include:

• anxiety, irritability, mood changes, dizziness, sweating, confusion, and headache.  

Your insulin dose may need to change because of:

• weight gain or loss, increased stress, illness, or change in diet or level of physical activity.

Other common side effects may include:

• low potassium in your blood, injection site reactions, itching, rash, serious whole body allergic reactions, skin thickening or pits at the injection site, weight gain, and swelling of your hands and feet.  

Get emergency medical help if you have:

• trouble breathing, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, sweating, extreme drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion. 

Please see Prescribing Information for NovoLog at https://www.novo-pi.com/novolog.pdf

^{ReliOn NovoLog® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S. Novo Nordisk is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S. © 2021 Novo Nordisk All rights reserved. June 2021}

Everything You Need to Know About Walmart Insulin

The cost of insulin is a serious problem for many people who live with insulin-dependent diabetes in the United States. 

That’s why some people turn to Walmart’s ReliOn Insulin and other over-the-counter insulins.

In this article, we’ll discuss what kinds of insulin are available from Walmart’s “ReliOn” brand, what they cost, how they work, and if they are a good option for you.

Update: We have added a list of announcements and new products to the end of this article. Please read the full article before skipping to the end as it’s important to understand the different types of insulin available from Walmart before choosing one.

Table of Contents

Walmart’s ReliOn Insulin

The over-the-counter insulin from Walmart that costs about $25 per vial is limited to two types of insulin:

• Regular (insulin R)
• NPH (insulin N)

You can also get a premixed combination of NPH and Regular called 70-30. 

Both of these insulins are what’s called “synthetic human insulin”. It’s different from newer insulins that are called insulin analogs. 

Both require a very rigid eating schedule. In the “old days” of type 1 diabetes management, a patient taking Regular and NPH insulin would have to eat a very specific number of carbohydrates every 2 to 3 hours.
If you don’t adhere to a consistent eating schedule and carbohydrate quantity, you will experience recurring severe low blood sugars.  
For example, as a child with type 1 diabetes in the 90s, I followed a regimen like this:
8 a.m.: 45 grams of carbohydrate
10:30 a.m.: 15 grams of carbohydrate
12 p.m.: 60 grams of carbohydrate 
3 p.m.:15 grams of carbohydrate 
6 p.m.: 60 grams of carbohydrate 
8:30 p.m.: 15 grams of carbohydrate
Your life is ruled by the clock when you’re taking these types of insulin compared to the flexibility and freedom that comes with today’s insulin options.
Patients who switch to these insulins without guidance from a healthcare professional may be unaware that these insulins do not work in the body like the newer insulin they were likely taking before. This can lead to severe blood sugar fluctuations and be potentially fatal. 
Let’s take a closer look at Regular and NPH insulin.
 
Regular insulin 
Regular insulin is also referred to as “short-acting” insulin and is taken several times per day.
 It used to be the only option for managing your blood sugar around meals, but compared to today’s “rapid” and “fast” acting insulins, Regular insulin is very slow-working because it stays in your system for a long time, up to 8 hours, and peaks nearly 4 hours after injecting it.
If you don’t eat every 2 to 3 hours while taking multiple daily doses of Regular insulin, you will experience multiple low blood sugars.
More modern insulin is active in your bloodstream within 15 minutes and out of your bloodstream within 4 hours. This means you don’t have to worry about dropping low or feeding that insulin dose after 2 to 3 hours of taking it. 
In hospitals, patients will find that when receiving insulin via IV, short-acting insulin is still commonly used based on traditional “sliding scale” insulin dosing protocols.
 
NPH insulin 
NPH insulin is also referred to as “intermediate-acting” insulin. It used to be the only “background” insulin option, but much like Regular insulin, it pales in comparison to today’s other background options.
NPH only stays in your system for anywhere from 10 to 16 hours and has to be taken twice per day in order to cover your 24-hour background insulin needs. 
It also takes several hours to become active in your bloodstream, and it peaks at approximately 4 to 6 hours after taking it. Today’s long-acting insulin options — Basalgar, Lantus, Levemir, Tresiba, Toujeo — have generally no peak at all.
The peak in NPH contributes to the rigid eating schedule a person must follow if they’re using these older insulins to manage their blood sugars.
 
Do you need a prescription?
In short, no, you do not need a prescription to buy Walmart’s Regular or NPH insulin. However, you won’t find it sitting on the counter next to the Tylenol either. 
You’ll have to go to a Walmart store and ask a pharmacist for a vial in order to purchase it.
While it’s considered an “over-the-counter” medication now, it’s still managed very carefully by the pharmacy because it needs to be refrigerated and it’s still a high-value medication despite being only $25 per vial.
 
Is Walmark insulin a good option for you?
Considering that today’s most modern insulin options cost at least $300 per vial, the affordability of Walmart’s insulin is appealing. Unfortunately, the rigid schedule and limitations of these insulins truly make them a “last resort” option.
They are especially challenging for younger children who have unpredictable eating habits and an inevitably lesser understanding of how important it is to eat a specific amount of food at a specific time of day.
These insulins will help you stay alive if you truly cannot afford more modern insulin. If they are the only type of insulin you have access to, then yes, it is a good option for you.
If you can get more modern insulin through your health insurance or one of the many financial assistance programs that exist today, you’d be better off going that route.
Sure, it’s nice that these older insulins are easily accessible but they are not the solution for a long, healthy, full life for a person with diabetes. They are the last resort.  
 
Latest updates
July 6, 2021 – Walmart today announced that it will begin selling its own private brand, rapid-acting, analog insulin called ReliOn NovoLog. The new insulin is now available in Walmart pharmacies and is expected to also be available in Sam’s Club stores in mid-July. You need a prescription to purchase this insulin.
It will be available in two different forms: either $73 per vial (10 mL each, or 1,000 units) or $86 for a package of five prefilled insulin pens (FlexPens, each with 3 mL, or 300 units).
Walmart’s private label insulin will be manufactured by Novo Nordisk and is similar to Novo Nordisk’s NovoLog brand.
 Walmart offers a cheap alternative to insulin 
  07/29/2021 at 15:21 
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 In early July, Walmart began offering diabetic patients its own version of fast-acting insulin, priced 75% off current prices for the life-saving drug.
 This “first private insulin analogue” will be sold in supermarket pharmacies and from mid-July in Sam’s Club pharmacies. “Our drug will dramatically increase patients’ access to diabetes care, delivering significant savings without sacrificing quality,” the network said in a statement. “Patients who switch to our brand of insulin will save 58% to 78% on the drug.”
 Dr. Sherri Pegus, executive vice president of the network’s health and wellness division, said Walmart is working directly with Novo Nordisk, maker of NovoLog’s insulin product, to reduce the cost of its ReliOn version of insulin. A bottle of this insulin analogue will cost $72.88, and a filled insulin syringe will cost $85.88. A similar bottle of insulin from other brands can cost more than $300.
 Insulin prices nearly doubled between 2012 and 2016. According to Walmart, about 14% of its shoppers have diabetes, slightly more than the national average of 11%.
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 Published in the newspaper “Moskovsky Komsomolets” No. 0 dated November 30 -0001
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 A guy died after switching to cheap insulin and cutting his dose to save up for a wedding 
 Josh Wilkerson, 27, of Leesburg, Virginia, was one of the 1. 25 million Americans with hereditary type 1 diabetes. Until his 26th birthday, he was able to buy high-quality insulin thanks to insurance, but after losing it last year, Josh began looking for ways to cut costs.
 The solution seemed obvious: replace his regular insulin, which would have cost him a hefty $1,200 a month, with over-the-counter insulin, which could be bought at a nearby Walmart for as little as $25. There was still no money for a more expensive option: Josh was earning $16.50 an hour at a dog shelter, and his girlfriend Rose – also suffering from type 1 diabetes – worked as a mail delivery boy. The couple barely made ends meet and had no idea where to get $2,400 a month for medicines – especially if they want to save up for the wedding of their dreams.
 Rose and Josh ended up switching to the so-called “human insulin”  –  ReliOn, which, despite the low price, had one significant drawback: it took longer to start working – from 30 minutes to four hours, according to compared to the 15 minutes required by other drugs.
 According to Alison Bailey of T1 International, human insulin, such as ReliOn, is more suitable for people with type 2 diabetes. For patients with type 1 diabetes, its use is associated with a certain risk. As a rule, their body is not able to produce natural insulin on its own – which is why patients are more vulnerable to changes in blood sugar levels and need constant medical supervision.
  “We said to ourselves, hey, it’s only $25. –  remembers Rose  – We’ll try to make do with what we have. <...> But the fact that he needed so much time to act, scared me a little. 
 The couple started taking the new insulin in January 2018, and Josh even tried cutting his dose to save even more. His mother, Erin, did not find herself because of this place: Josh’s grandfather died in 1989 from complications associated with diabetes, and the woman did not want her son to repeat the fate of a relative.
  “Don’t worry Mom,” , he wrote in response to an article Erin sent about a man who died after cutting his insulin dose, and assured her that everything was fine.
 In fact, everything was far from okay. If Rose was able to get along with ReliOn, then Josh’s condition began to deteriorate noticeably. The guy began to suffer from mood swings caused by high blood sugar and regular stomach pains.
 He complained to Rose about the pain during their last conversation. Wilkerson, who worked the night shift at the shelter, mentioned during a FaceTime conversation that he was not feeling well – but assured the bride that everything was not so bad, promised to take a dose of insulin and wished good night.
 It’s been 12 hours since the call, but Josh hasn’t contacted again. Unable to get through to him, Rose decided to go to the shelter personally and check if everything was in order – and found the groom unconscious on the floor.
  “I remember I kept hitting him in the face and saying, “Wake up, honey, you have to wake up.”  says Rose.
 Josh was in a diabetic coma. When he was taken to the hospital, the doctors said that the guy probably had several seizures during the night.