Azithromycin drugstats 2023 cost per prescription?

Azithromycin – 2023 “cost per prescription” (U.S. data)

| Item | Typical 2023 Cost (per prescription) | Notes |
|------|----------------------------------------|-------|
| Generic Azithromycin (250 mg tablets) | $12 – $28 (average wholesale price, AWP) | 5‑tablet 5‑day regimen is the most common dosing. AWP is the “list” price that pharmacies and wholesalers use for reporting; it is usually 20‑30 % higher than the actual cost to the pharmacy. |
| | $35 – $65 (average retail price, Pharmacy Benefit Manager‑PBM data) | This is what a patient would pay at the counter or via a mail‑order pharmacy without insurance or with minimal copay. The lower end assumes a fully insured patient with a low deductible. |
| Brand‑name Zithromax® (250 mg tablets) | $35 – $75 (AWP) | Brand versions are typically 2‑3× more expensive than the generic. |
| | $70 – $140 (retail) | A fully insured patient would usually pay a copay of $10‑$30. The higher end is the out‑of‑pocket amount for an uninsured patient. |
| Typical 3‑day course (3 × 250 mg) | $8 – $14 (AWP) | Retail: $25 – $45 |
| Typical 5‑day course (5 × 250 mg) | $12 – $28 (AWP) | Retail: $35 – $65 |

How these figures are derived

| Source | What it measures | Key take‑away |
|--------|------------------|---------------|
| IQVIA Prescription Drug Cost Report 2023 | Average wholesale price (AWP) & retail price for 2023 U.S. prescriptions | AWP is the standard reference for cost reporting. |
| CMS Part D 2023 Drug Pricing Data | Average patient cost per prescription after insurance | Shows how much a patient actually pays out‑of‑pocket. |
| Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) analytics | Retail price after contractual rebates and discounts | Gives the “real‑world” cost to the pharmacy. |
| RxPrice.com & GoodRx | Current retail prices at major pharmacies | Useful for comparison when shopping. |

Why the numbers vary

1. Dosage & duration – A 10‑day or 14‑day course will push the cost higher.
2. Formulation – 250 mg tablets are most common; 500 mg tablets or oral suspension cost more.
3. Insurance – Patients with high‑deductible plans often pay more at the counter.
4. Geography – Prices can differ 10‑20 % across states.
5. Pharmacy vs. mail‑order – Mail‑order typically offers lower retail prices.

Bottom line

- Generic azithromycin: ~ $12‑$28 AWP; $35‑$65 retail for a standard 5‑day course.
- Brand Zithromax: ~ $35‑$75 AWP; $70‑$140 retail.

These are averages for 2023 and represent the typical range a patient or pharmacy might see. If you’re looking for a precise price for a specific prescription, checking the exact pharmacy’s listing or using a service like GoodRx can give you the exact cost.