Table of Contents
I. Why is Rifaximin So Expensive?
II. Xifaxan Price Without Insurance
III. Xifaxan Price With Insurance
IV. How Much Does Rifaximin Cost?
V. Xifaxan Cheapest Price: Tips and Strategies
ii. Ordering Through an Online Canadian Pharmacy
Navigating the costs of healthcare can be a challenge, particularly when it comes to prescription medications. Xifaxan is known for being an expensive antibiotic and its monthly cost can quickly put a dent in your wallet. Having more budget-friendly options is crucial for families struggling to manage various prescriptions or meet the cost of this medication.
The good news is you have options to help make Xifaxan more affordable. In this article, we will explore different ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs for Xifaxan.
Why is Rifaximin So Expensive?
The high cost of prescription drugs in the United States can often be traced back to patent protection laws. These laws grant pharmaceutical companies long periods of exclusivity for their medications, allowing them to maintain a monopoly over the market without any competition. [1] This lack of competition enables drug makers to charge exorbitant prices, leading to the inflated costs that many Americans face today.
This situation is clearly reflected in the case of Xifaxan. Despite receiving FDA approval in 2004, [2] Xifaxan's patent remains in effect until 2029. [3] This prevents any generic versions of the drug from becoming available in the U.S. market. Without competition from generics, there are no downward pressures on Xifaxan's price tag.
However, there is a silver lining for Americans seeking more affordable alternatives to Xifaxan. Reputable online Canadian pharmacies like Canadian Med Center provide Americans access to generic rifaximin and Zaxine.
Zaxine is essentially the Canadian counterpart of Xifaxan, as it contains the same active ingredient, rifaximin. Moreover, both Xifaxan and Zaxine are marketed by the same pharmaceutical company, Salix Pharmaceuticals, in the United States and Canada, respectively. [4]
Xifaxan Price Without Insurance
The cost of Xifaxan can be a major financial burden for those who rely on it. In the U.S., paying for it out-of-pocket quickly adds up to thousands of dollars every month. This is an immense amount for the average American to handle on their own.
The good news is that there are ways to significantly reduce the price of Xifaxan without insurance. To help you understand your options, we have provided a table below that compares the choices available when paying for Xifaxan out of pocket.
+ Based on Walgreens #12913
As the table shows, the annual Xifaxan 550 mg price in Canada is much more affordable than in the U.S. You can lower the cost even further by ordering generic rifaximin from an online Canadian pharmacy like Canadian Med Center. This can save you thousands per month if you pay out-of-pocket for Xifaxan.
Xifaxan Price With Insurance
Medicare coverage can help significantly reduce the annual Xifaxan price. However, the initial few months of treatment may require some financial planning due to the medication's high upfront cost.
As shown in the table below, the annual expenditure for Xifaxan with Medicare is substantially lower than paying out-of-pocket. Unfortunately, the cost for just the first three months of treatment is around $3,000, which may strain some monthly budgets.
+ Based on the Wellcare Value Script (PDP) plan (Plan ID: S4802-163-0)
By using Medicare, the annual cost of Xifaxan becomes significantly more affordable than paying out-of-pocket. This cost-saving measure can make a real difference in your overall healthcare expenses. However, preparing for the higher cost during the first few months is important, as it may require careful budgeting.
How Much Does Rifaximin Cost?
Rifaximin is the generic version of Xifaxan. Generic medications contain the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts and are equally effective. The main difference is that generics cost significantly less than brand-name drugs. [5]
To give you an idea of the cost difference, let's compare the prices of brand-name Xifaxan and generic rifaximin from various sources.
* Walgreens #12913
+ Based on the Wellcare Value Script (PDP) plan (Plan ID: S4802-163-0)
The table above shows that generic rifaximin is significantly less expensive than Xifaxan, even when using Medicare. Unfortunately, generic rifaximin is currently unavailable in the U.S. due to patent protection laws. [1] The manufacturer of Xifaxan, Salix Pharmaceuticals, holds an exclusive patent on Xifaxan until 2029. [3] This means generic rifaximin cannot be sold in the U.S. until the patent expires.
The good news is that Americans can still access affordable generic rifaximin from online Canadian pharmacies like Canadian Med Center. While waiting for generic rifaximin to become available in the U.S., buying from online Canadian pharmacies is a viable option for those concerned about high medication costs.
Xifaxan Cheapest Price: Tips and Strategies
Xifaxan is a highly effective antibiotic, but there's no denying it can be quite expensive. However, there are several ways to save costs and make Xifaxan more wallet-friendly. In this section, we will explore the various options available to help you manage the financial burden of Xifaxan without compromising your health.
Patient Assistance Program
The Bausch Health Patient Assistance Program is a patient assistance program that aims to help eligible patients pay for their medications. [6] Fortunately, Xifaxan 550 mg is one of the medications eligible for this program. [7] To qualify for assistance, you must meet all eligibility criteria.
Some of the eligibility criteria are:
- You must be a legal resident of the U.S.
- You must have a valid prescription from a licensed U.S. healthcare professional
- You do not have insurance coverage for Xarelto
- You are being treated as an outpatient
- You meet the total household income requirements [8]
If you meet all these criteria and are approved for the program, you can receive Xifaxan 550 mg at no cost for up to one year. Just remember, you will have to reapply the following year and continue to meet the eligibility requirements if you need further assistance. [6]
Ordering Through an Online Canadian Pharmacy
If you're looking to manage your medical expenses without sacrificing quality, purchasing Xifaxan or rifaximin from a reputable online Canadian pharmacy like Canadian Med Center is a viable option for you. Not only are the medications available at a lower cost, but the Canadian pharmaceutical industry is just as stringently regulated as its counterpart in the U.S.
We have included an image below showing rifaximin and Xifaxan 550 mg price at Canadian Med Center.
Conclusion
Purchasing prescription medications online from an online Canadian pharmacy can offer substantial savings on costly drugs like Xifaxan. Numerous factors influence the high Xifaxan price in the U.S., but the bottom line is that more affordable alternatives exist.
After obtaining a Xifaxan prescription from your doctor, consider an online Canadian pharmacy to save on prescription costs. If you already have a prescription, visit the Xifaxan medication page for up-to-date pricing.
The information provided is for informational purposes only. We do not offer medical advice. Please consult with your physician or qualified healthcare professional for guidance on drugs, medical conditions, or treatments. Our content is not a replacement for professional medical recommendations.