Walmart’s Latest Move in Pharmacy Wars: Cheaper Private Label Insulin

Walmart has launched a private label analog insulin through its ReliOn brand, available in both analog insulin vials and FlexPens. The new medication is priced to help customers save 58% to 75% off the cash price of branded analog insulin products.

The NovoLog Insulin injection, which is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, will become available in Walmart pharmacies the week of June 28, and in Sam’s Club pharmacies in mid-July. The insulin joins Walmart’s other diabetes resources, including blood glucose monitors, lancets and other management essentials.

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

The private label insulin will build on the recent launch of Walmart+ Rx for less, which offers Walmart+ members access to select medications at no cost and discounts of up to 85% on thousands of additional prescription items. Offering discounted access to common medications is the retailer’s latest move to expand its presence in the healthcare market.

However, Walmart is facing fierce competition in this area: Amazon has enhanced its own efforts with six-month prescriptions for Prime members that start at a cost of $6 for common ailments. Amazon Pharmacy also offers discounts as high as 80% off generics and 40% off brand-name medications