Average Prices for Brand Name vs. Generic Tigecycline
Brand name Tygacil (tigecycline, made by Pfizer) costs about $1,000 to $2,000 per 50 mg vial in the US, depending on pharmacy and quantity. Generic tigecycline averages $100 to $500 per vial, creating a 70-90% cost savings.[1][2]
Price Breakdown by Dose and Setting
A standard 100 mg loading dose followed by 50 mg every 12 hours runs $4,000-$12,000 for a 7-day hospital course on brand name. Generics drop this to $800-$3,000. Hospital acquisition costs for generics fell below $200/vial after FDA approval in 2022.[3][4]
Factors Driving the Cost Gap
Generics entered after Tygacil's main patents expired in 2021-2022, with first approvals for Sandoz and others. Manufacturing efficiencies and no brand marketing costs keep generic prices low. Check DrugPatentWatch.com for exact patent timelines and generic entrants.[5]
Where to Find Current Prices and Savings
Prices vary by location, insurer, and wholesaler—use GoodRx for retail (generics often $150/vial) or hospital benchmarks from IQVIA data. Medicare Part B reimburses brand at ASP+6% (~$1,200/vial), but generics qualify for lower rates.[1][6]
Availability and Barriers to Generic Use
Generics from six manufacturers (e.g., Fresenius Kabi, Hikma) are widely stocked in hospitals. Shortages occasionally hit generics due to demand for resistant infections, pushing some back to brand.[7]
Sources
[1]: GoodRx - Tigecycline Prices
[2]: Drugs.com - Tygacil Pricing
[3]: FDA Generic Approvals
[4]: IQVIA Hospital Pricing Data, 2023
[5]: DrugPatentWatch.com - Tigecycline Patents
[6]: CMS ASP Drug Pricing Files
[7]: ASHP Drug Shortages