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How much is Tobradex without insurance?

Tobradex costs $361. Here's how to save on Tobradex without insurance.
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By | Sep. 11, 2024
Rx eye drops: How much is Tobradex without insurance?

Key takeaways

  • Tobradex is a prescription eye medication available as an ophthalmic suspension and an ointment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its use for bacterial infections in and around the eye.

  • Tobradex ophthalmic ointment is only available as a brand-name medication and can cost as much as $361 for a single course without health insurance.

  • Alternative options exist if side effects, allergic reactions, or continued eye irritation prevent you from using Tobradex. Speak with a medical professional to determine if the generic ophthalmic suspension is appropriate.

  • Additionally, using a SingleCare discount card to bring down the cost of Tobradex ophthalmic ointment without insurance is an option, saving approximately $200.

In this article:

Tobradex is a combination ophthalmic prescription drug of an aminoglycoside antibiotic and corticosteroid—tobramycin and dexamethasone. It is an eye medication available as both a suspension and an ointment. Its use is primarily for bacterial eye infections, known as bacterial keratitis or bacterial conjunctivitis, depending on the part of the eye affected by infection. Tobradex should not be used for fungal or viral infections like pink eye. Ophthalmic Tobradex formulations have also been used off-label for ear infections, like acute otitis externa. Tobradex eye drops are available as generic prescription medications, while the ointment is only available as a branded prescription. Without insurance, a 3.5 mg tube of Tobradex ointment can cost $361. Although over-the-counter and prescription alternatives are available, there are ways to reduce the out-of-pocket cost of Tobradex. 

What is the brand name/generic for Tobradex?

Generic Tobradex ophthalmic solution is available, but the eye ointment is only a branded prescription drug. The generic ophthalmic suspension (tobramycin-dexamethasone) may offer a reduced cost to the ophthalmic ointment, which costs $361 per single 3.5 mg tube. The Tobradex solution is administered with a dropper, one to two drops into the affected eye(s) every four hours for mild to moderate infections. At the same time, the ointment is applied as a ½-inch ribbon into the affected eye(s) 2 or 3 times daily for mild to moderate infections. The drug composition and concentration of both medications are the same: 0.3% tobramycin and 0.1% dexamethasone. The difference is that Tobradex ST ophthalmic suspension contains a lower concentration of antibiotic but the same concentration of steroid, 0.05% tobramycin and 0.1% dexamethasone. 

Is Tobradex covered by insurance?

Insurance and Medicare typically cover Tobradex, but coverage and copays vary by plan. Tobradex ointment, as a branded prescription, may have a higher copay than generic prescription alternatives. If cost is a barrier, seek medical advice from a healthcare provider. They can help find ways to reduce out-of-pocket expenses, including discount programs sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, such as savings cards or alternative prescriptions. Since Tobradex is prescribed for an acute infectious process, delays can have serious consequences if medical attention is not sought immediately.

How much does Tobradex cost without insurance?

Without health insurance, Tobradex ophthalmic ointment can cost $361 for a single 3.5 gm tube of 0.3% tobramycin-0.1% dexamethasone. A tube of Tobradex ophthalmic ointment should last for a prescribed course of treatment for an eye infection, which generally does not exceed a 2-week course. The total day supply available from a single prescription fill may exceed the duration prescribed. The ointment is usually preferred to the suspension in some patients, particularly infants and younger children, as the medication will stick to the eye and provide more contact time to the site of infection. For others, the ophthalmic suspension is a reasonable alternative, available at an average cost of $161 for the generic version of a 5 mL bottle of 0.3% tobramycin-0.1% dexamethasone without insurance. The generic version of Maxitrol ophthalmic suspension, which combines the aminoglycoside antibiotic neomycin, the antibiotic polymyxin, and steroid dexamethasone, is an alternative available at a lower cost at an average of $53 per 5 mL bottle without insurance. 
Drug name Price without insurance of brand-name drug  SingleCare price Savings options
Tobradex ophthalmic ointment   $361 per 1, 3.5 mg tube of 0.3-0.1% ointment $243 per 1, 3.5 mg tube of 0.3-0.1% ointment of brand-name Tobradex See latest prices
Tobramycin-dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension  $161 per 1, 5 mL bottle of 0.3-0.1% eye drops $30 per 1, 5 mL bottle of 0.3-0.1% eye drops of generic tobramycin-dexamethasone  See latest prices
Tobradex ST (tobramycin-dexamethasone) ophthalmic suspension  $325 per 1, 5 mL bottle of 0.3-0.05% eye drops $241 per 1, 5 mL bottle of 0.3-0.05% eye drops See latest prices 
Maxitrol (neomycin-polymyxin-dexamethasone)  $140 per 1, 5 mL bottle of eye drops $11 per 1, 5 mL bottle of eye drops See latest prices 
Neomycin-polymyxin-dexamethasone   $53 per 1, 5 mL bottle of eye drops $11 per 1, 5 mL bottle of eye drops See latest prices 
Zylet (loteprednol etabonate)  $449 per 1, 5mL bottle of 0.5-0.3% eye drops $332 per 1, 5mL bottle of 0.5-0.3% eye drops See latest prices 
Azasite (azithromycin)  $289 per 1, 2.5 mL bottle of 1% eye drops $234 per 1, 2.5 mL bottle of 1% eye drops See latest 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 (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs, if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see the latest drug prices.

How to get Tobradex without insurance

Paying for expensive brand-name medications like Tobradex ophthalmic ointment without insurance can be challenging, but it is important to use when prescribed. Fortunately, you can avoid paying the full price of your Tobradex ophthalmic ointment prescription. Manufacturer coupons and patient assistance programs may be available, but these can be challenging to obtain quickly for an infection, and not everyone is eligible. Here are some attainable and dependable ways to save on out-of-pocket costs of Tobradex ophthalmic ointment. 

  • Use a SingleCare discount card to bring down the cost of Tobradex ophthalmic ointment without insurance from an average of $361 per course to $161, for a total savings of $200 per course. 
  • For the best cash price, shop at local pharmacies. The retail cash price varies around the $250 price point, so it is best to research a pharmacy offering the lowest price. 
  • Look into eligibility for insurance plans, which may offer Tobradex preferred on their formularies. Copays may provide lower costs than paying out-of-pocket.

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