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Key takeaways
Cephalexin is a generic antibiotic prescribed for various bacterial infections. It’s ineffective against viral infections and is usually taken every six to twelve hours for a few days.
Without insurance, the average cost of cephalexin is about $31 for 28, 500 mg capsules, but prices can vary based on dosage, treatment duration, and pharmacy.
Cephalexin is generally covered by commercial health insurance, Medicare Part D, Medicaid, Tricare, and the VA, potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs significantly.
If you don’t have insurance, you can save on cephalexin by using a SingleCare discount coupon, free medication programs, shopping for the lowest price, fixed-price generics programs, and filling prescriptions at 340B clinics or hospitals.
Is cephalexin covered by insurance? | How much does cephalexin cost without insurance? | How to get cephalexin without insurance
Cephalexin is a generic prescription antibiotic used to treat several types of bacterial infections including strep throat, ear infections, respiratory infections, skin infections, bone infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Like other antibiotics, cephalexin is not an effective treatment against viral infections such as colds or flu. Taken orally as a tablet, capsule, or oral suspension, each cephalexin dose is taken every six to 12 hours. The dose and duration of treatment will depend on the type and severity of the infection. No matter the dose provided, expect to take cephalexin for only a few days to clear the infection.
Like many common antibiotics, cephalexin is a relatively inexpensive generic drug with no brand-name version, although it was once sold under the brand name Keflex. Even though many people will find cephalexin treatment affordable, there are ways to significantly save money on this prescription even without insurance.
RELATED: Cephalexin side effects
Is cephalexin covered by insurance?
As an essential and commonly prescribed antibiotic, cephalexin is usually covered by commercial health insurance, Medicare Part D, Medicaid, Tricare, and the VA for FDA-approved indications.
How much does cephalexin cost without insurance?
Without health insurance coverage, expect to pay an average cash price of $31 for 28, 500 mg capsules, or about $1 per capsule. How long this prescription lasts depends on the dosing schedule, but it’s enough for seven days of treatment if taken every six hours. In the end, what cephalexin costs will depend on the dose, dose schedule, duration of treatment, and the form prescribed. Health insurance can reduce that cost, but the actual out-of-pocket cost will depend on the insurance plan’s formulary, copay cost, deductible, coinsurance, and, for Medicare Part D drug coverage, the current coverage phase. Cephalexin is usually classified as a Tier 1 drug, and insurance companies group it with drugs that have the lowest copay cost.
Cephalexin (like other antibiotics) is a necessary drug, so if it’s unaffordable, it’s important that at least some type of prescription antibiotic be used instead. Cephalexin belongs to a class of drugs called cephalosporins. These antibiotics kill bacteria by blocking their ability to make and repair their protective cell walls. Other cephalosporin antibiotics such as generic ceftriaxone or cefadroxil can also be used. However, other cephalosporins cost more than cephalexin.
Still, other common and inexpensive generic antibiotics work against many of the same bacterial infections as cephalexin. These include amoxicillin, doxycycline, penicillin, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, and others, but their suitability will depend on the infection. All are slightly more expensive than cephalexin except for amoxicillin. Some people, however, may not be able to take amoxicillin because of allergic reactions to penicillin drugs. Remember: healthcare professionals prescribe what they think is the most effective antibiotic for the bacterial infection, so get medical advice before deciding to switch to a different antibiotic to save money.
Although over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements, and even natural remedies might help relieve some of the symptoms of a bacterial infection, they are not as effective as prescription antibiotics at completely clearing the infection.
Compare cephalexin prices to related drugs |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Cephalexin | $31 per 28, 500 mg capsules of generic cephalexin | $5 per 28, 500 mg capsules of generic cephalexin | See updated prices |
| Amoxicillin | $18 per 21, 500 mg capsules of generic amoxicillin | $1 per 21, 500 mg capsules of generic amoxicillin | See updated prices |
| Penicillin V potassium | $36 per 28, 500 mg tablets of generic penicillin | $4 per 28, 500 mg tablets of generic penicillin | See updated prices |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. Click the link under “Savings options” to see updated drug prices.
How to get cephalexin without insurance
Cephalexin is a commonly-prescribed, relatively inexpensive prescription medication. Because it’s only used for a few days, cephalexin is not a financial burden like other prescription drugs. Still, for both insured and uninsured patients, cutting the price of a cephalexin prescription is not only possible, but also a smart thing to do. The first place to look for a reliable prescription discount is SingleCare.
1. Use a free SingleCare savings card
A discount card from SingleCare can be used to get a typical cephalexin prescription for only $5, a savings of over $25 off the average retail price. Actual discount prices vary by pharmacy. Visit SingleCare’s how it works page to find the most common frequently asked questions (FAQs).
2. Get free cephalexin
Some pharmacy chains give out common and necessary antibiotics like cephalexin to those without insurance coverage. Even without insurance benefits, they may not be free for everyone. There could be enrollment, age, and income requirements to qualify.
3. Shop for the lowest price
Drug prices vary across pharmacies. To find a pharmacy near you with the best price, search for your prescription on SingleCare’s website or app. You will save time and money by comparing prices with SingleCare before you even leave the house.
4. Find a fixed-price generics program
Another place to start price shopping is chain pharmacies that offer low, fixed prices for common generic drugs, sometimes called “$4 generic medications.” Common antibiotics like cephalexin are typically included. You will pay the same fixed price no matter what dose is prescribed.
RELATED: The Walmart $4 list
5. Fill a cephalexin prescription at a 340B clinic or hospital
For people with a low income, 340B clinics and hospitals can sell common generic drugs like cephalexin for only a few dollars or give it out for free depending on the person’s income. Ask a healthcare professional or local health officials for a list of local 340B providers near you.