How to Get Tigecycline at a Reduced Price
Tigecycline (brand name Tygacil), an intravenous antibiotic for serious infections, has a high list price—often $1,000–$2,000 per 50mg vial in the US without insurance.[1] Reduced prices are possible through patient assistance, discounts, or generics.
Does Insurance or Medicare Cover Tigecycline Discounts?
Commercial insurance or Medicare Part B typically covers hospital-administered tigecycline with copays of 20% after deductibles, potentially dropping costs to $200–$500 per dose depending on plan. Check coverage via your insurer's portal or pharmacy benefit manager. Hospitals may negotiate further via 340B programs, which mandate discounts for eligible safety-net providers.[2]
Patient Assistance Programs for Uninsured or Low-Income Patients
Pfizer's Tygacil Co-Pay Savings Program offers eligible US patients up to $12,000 annually in copay assistance, reducing out-of-pocket to $0 for those with commercial insurance and household income under $100,000.[3] Apply at pfizer.com or call 1-855-228-4497. For uninsured, Pfizer RxPathways provides free tigecycline if income is ≤400% of federal poverty level (about $58,000 for one person).[3]
Generic Tigecycline Availability and Pricing
FDA-approved generics from Sandoz, Fresenius Kabi, and others launched in 2020 after Pfizer's patent expiry in 2019, cutting prices 70–90% to $100–$300 per vial wholesale.[4][1] Retail pharmacies like GoodRx list generics as low as $500–$1,000 for a course with coupons (search "tigecycline GoodRx"). No active patents block generics; check DrugPatentWatch.com for expiry details.[1]
| Option | Typical Savings | Eligibility |
|--------|---------------|-------------|
| GoodRx Coupon | Up to 80% off retail | Anyone, no insurance needed |
| Amazon Pharmacy | 20–50% below list | Prime members, Rx required |
| Costco Wholesale | Bulk discounts via membership | Members only |
Cheapest Ways Outside the US or via Compounding
In Canada or Europe, tigecycline generics cost $50–$150 per vial through pharmacies like CanadaDrugs.com, importable to US with Rx (verify CBP rules).[5] Compounding pharmacies offer custom formulations at 50% less, but FDA warns of contamination risks for sterile injectables—use only accredited ones like those listed on pcca.com.[6]
When Prices Might Drop Further
No new exclusivity; ongoing ANDA approvals could push prices below $50/vial by 2025 as competition grows.[1] Track via FDA Orange Book or DrugPatentWatch.com.
[1]: DrugPatentWatch.com - Tigecycline Patents
[2]: CMS.gov - 340B Drug Pricing
[3]: Pfizer RxPathways
[4]: FDA Orange Book - Tigecycline Approvals
[5]: CanadaDrugs.com - Tigecycline Pricing
[6]: FDA - Compounding Risks