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Key takeaways
Metronidazole is an affordable generic antibiotic used to treat bacterial and parasitic infections, with cost varying by form and insurance coverage.
Without insurance, oral metronidazole averages $31, while topical versions can be significantly more expensive, averaging $162.
Insurance, including Medicare Part D and Medicaid, often covers metronidazole, potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs to lower tiers for generic versions.
Savings on metronidazole without insurance can be achieved through SingleCare coupons, 340B providers, local health services, and comparison shopping.
Is metronidazole covered by insurance| How much does metronidazole cost without insurance? | How to get metronidazole without insurance
Metronidazole (brand-name Vandazole) is a low-cost generic prescription antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial and parasitic infections. It is not suitable for viral or yeast infections. Metronidazole belongs to a class of drugs called nitroimidazoles, which kill both bacteria and single-celled parasites. Depending on the infection being treated, metronidazole will be taken orally as a tablet or capsule, injected as a solution, or administered topically as a cream, lotion, foam, or gel. Although metronidazole is usually prescribed as a generic, healthcare professionals can prescribe a variety of brand-name versions including Nuvessa (metronidazole vaginal gel), Metrogel, Metrocream, Metrolotion, and Metrogel-Vaginal. Dosages will vary based on the type and severity of infection, but the duration of treatment will typically last only a few days or weeks.
RELATED: Metronidazole side effects
Is metronidazole covered by insurance?
Metronidazole is usually covered by commercial health insurance, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid. Brand-name metronidazole may not be covered by some health insurance plans.
How much does metronidazole cost without insurance?
As an oral antibiotic, metronidazole is a low-cost generic drug. A typical prescription of metronidazole tablets without insurance has an average cash price of $31. However, as a topical medication, metronidazole can be expensive, with an average cost of $162 for a tube of metronidazole. Metronidazole injections are not purchased by consumers at pharmacies, so the cost of injections will vary based on the clinic or hospital.
Health insurance can significantly lower the cost of metronidazole treatment. Many insurance plans classify generic metronidazole as a Tier 1 drug. However, out-of-pocket costs will depend on the insurance plan’s formulary, copay cost, and deductible.
Compare metronidazole prices to related drugs |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance for brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Metronidazole | $31 per 14, 500 mg tablets | $2 per 14, 500 mg tablets for generic metronidazole | See updated prices |
| Flagyl (metronidazole tablets) | $229 per 14, 375 mg tablets | $25 per 14, 375 mg tablets for brand-name Flagyl | See updated prices |
| Vandazole (metronidazole gel) |
$163 for 1 tube, 70 grams of 0.7% metronidazole | $24 for 1 tube, 70 grams of 0.7% metronidazole for brand-name Vandazole | See updated prices |
| Erygel (topical erythromycin) |
$212 for 1, 3.5 grams of 5 mg/gram tube | $10 for 1, 3.5 grams of 5 mg/gram tube for brand-name Erygel | See updated prices |
| Clindacin-P (clindamycin phosphate) |
$798 for 1, 60 swabs | $7 for 1, 60 swabs of generic Clindacin-P | See updated prices |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs. The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see updated drug prices.
How to get metronidazole without insurance
Metronidazole is commonly prescribed for several common bacterial infections. Fortunately, it is a moderate- to low-priced drug that is typically prescribed for only a few days. Still, people without insurance coverage may find it difficult to pay for even short-term metronidazole treatment. Metronidazole may have manufacturer-patient assistance programs, rebates, or manufacturer coupons, but these will depend on the prescription and eligibility requirements. There are other ways to save on a metronidazole prescription.
1. Get immediate prescription discounts with a SingleCare savings card
Metronidazole can cost as little as $2 with a free coupon for metronidazole from SingleCare. A SingleCare discount card can be printed, downloaded, and used at a pharmacy in only a few minutes.
2. Get low-cost metronidazole at a 340B provider
340B providers are hospitals, clinics, and community health centers that are allowed to sell generic drugs like metronidazole at very low prices. There may be eligibility requirements, but you can get a list of local 340B providers from the prescribing healthcare provider.
3. Get help from local health officials
In addition to 340B providers, there are several community resources such as public health clinics, walk-in clinics, and other resources that can provide antibiotics at low prices. The place to start is city or county health officials.
4. Shop for the best price
Even for low-priced medicines like metronidazole, finding the best price could save money on tablets and even more for topical metronidazole. The best place to start price shopping is SingleCare’s pharmacy finder page.