By Beth Coopman, pharmacist at Network Health
5/26/2026
If you take Jardiance or Farxiga, you’ve probably noticed something frustrating… Even with Medicare changes in 2026, these medications can still be expensive, especially early in the year when deductibles apply.
For people living with type 2 diabetes, heart failure or chronic kidney disease, SGLT2 inhibitors like these have become cornerstone therapies. Starting in 2026, Jardiance, Farxiga and Dapagliflozin (generic Farxiga) were placed on the Medicare price negotiation list, stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act. Prices dropped considerably for those on Jardiance, Farxiga and Dapagliflozin in 2026, but some members still struggle with the cost during the deductible phase and the coinsurance costs that follow.
Recently, however, there has been meaningful movement on drug costs that may offer relief for the SGLT2 class of medications. In April 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first true generic version of Farxiga (dapagliflozin), marking a major turning point in affordability for one of the most widely prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors. These approvals allow multiple manufacturers to compete, a change that historically leads to substantial price reductions over time.
Even after a generic is approved, lower prices don’t happen all at once. Competition is what drives long-term savings. Early retail and coupon‑based pricing already suggest that dapagliflozin generics are less expensive than brand‑name Farxiga and meaningfully cheaper than many patients’ current out‑of‑pocket costs for Jardiance.
While prices still vary widely by pharmacy, location and insurance status, here are the trends we’re seeing.
This is the same pattern we’ve seen with many other diabetes medications after generics became available.
Jardiance (empagliflozin) has no FDA‑approved generic in the U.S. as of 2026. As a result…
By contrast, Farxiga’s availability as a generic introduces a lower‑cost alternative within the same drug class, one that offers similar benefits for blood sugar control, heart failure and kidney disease for many people.
If cost is a concern, it may be worth asking your provider if switching to dapagliflozin is an option for you.
|
Medication |
Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug (CPD) Mail Order cost per 90 days |
CPD cost with insurance per 90 days (23% coinsurance estimate) |
Estimate from preferred pharmacies cost per 90 days |
Preferred pharmacy cost with insurance per 90 days (23% coinsurance estimate) |
|
Dapagliflozin |
$15 |
$4 |
$150 |
$35 |
|
Brand Farxiga |
Not available |
Not available |
$585 |
$135 |
|
Jardiance |
Not available |
Not available |
$645 |
$149 |
*Prices may vary depending on the pharmacy, cost estimate with insurance varies depending on your plan.
We know prescription costs can feel overwhelming, especially when managing a chronic condition. The good news is that lower-cost options may be available within the same type of medication. Understanding what you’re taking and what alternatives exist puts you in a better position to talk with your provider and make that fit your health and your budget.
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