Erythromycin is a generic drug prescribed for certain bacterial infections. The cost of erythromycin with and without insurance can depend on several factors, such as whether there’s financial assistance and the form of the drug being used.
As with all medications, the cost of erythromycin can vary. Factors that may affect the price for erythromycin you’ll pay include:
- your treatment plan
- your insurance coverage
- the pharmacy you use
- the cost of the visit to your healthcare professional to receive doses of erythromycin
- whether erythromycin has a savings program (see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section)
Some forms of erythromycin may be administered by a healthcare professional. You’ll also need to consider the cost of the visit to receive doses of erythromycin.
To find out what the cost of erythromycin will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. The erythromycin coupons and savings section of this article also includes information about how much you can save by using an Optum Perks coupon.
To save money on your erythromycin prescription, explore these Optum Perks coupons.
Erythromycin is a generic drug, which means it’s an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. A generic drug is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.
Erythromycin is available as a few brand-name drugs. Its brand-name versions are shown in the following table:
| Form | Generic available | Brand available | Brand name |
|---|---|---|---|
| topical gel | ✓ | ✓ | Erygel |
| eye ointment | ✓ | ||
| topical solution | ✓ | ||
| topical swab | ✓ | ||
| oral tablet | ✓ | ||
| oral tablet (erythromycin ethylsuccinate) | ✓ | ✓ | E.E.S. 400 |
| delayed-release (DR) oral tablet | ✓ | ✓ | Ery-tab |
| oral granule | ✓ | ✓ | E.E.S., Eryped |
| DR oral capsule | ✓ | ||
| injection | ✓ | ✓ | Erythrocin |
If your doctor has prescribed erythromycin and you’re interested in using a brand-name drug instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check with your insurance provider, as it may only cover one or the other.
To find out how the cost of this brand-name drug compares with the cost of erythromycin, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
If you take erythromycin long term, you may be able to lower its cost in the following ways.
Getting a 3-month supply
You may be able to get a 90-day supply of erythromycin. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
Using a mail-order pharmacy
Erythromycin may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this type of service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to receive your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug via mail order.
If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.
If you need financial support to pay for erythromycin, consider looking into websites that offer cost resources and information. Two such organizations are:
These sites can provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug cost and erythromycin.
What is the cost of erythromycin without insurance?
The price you’ll pay for erythromycin if you don’t have insurance can vary based on several factors. But typically, the cost is higher for those without insurance.
There are other factors that could affect what you pay for this drug. These include:
- the quantity you’re prescribed (such as a 90-day or 30-day supply)
- whether you apply and qualify for any available savings programs
- your dosage
- the pharmacy you use
- the form of the drug you’re prescribed
To learn the exact cost you’d pay for this medication without insurance, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You may also want to contact several pharmacies to compare their prices for erythromycin.
Check out Optum Perks* for price estimates for several medications. (Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance benefits or copays.)
* Optum Perks is a sister site of Medical News Today.
Is erythromycin covered by Medicare?
It may be. You can call your Medicare plan provider to learn whether your particular plan covers the cost of this drug. There are many types of Medicare plans, so your coverage and what you pay for prescriptions will be based on your particular plan’s benefits.
The total price you pay for erythromycin may also depend on the cost to receive doses at your doctor’s office or clinic. You may also need to obtain prior authorization before your plan will cover the cost of this medication.
Your doctor may also be able to provide information about your cost for erythromycin if you have Medicare.
You may want to consider the following information if you have insurance and receive Erythromycin.
Prior authorization: If you have insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers erythromycin. This means the company and your doctor will discuss erythromycin in regard to your treatment. The insurance company will then determine whether the medication is covered. If a drug requires prior authorization but you start treatment without the prior approval, you could pay the full cost of the medication. You can ask your insurance company whether erythromycin requires prior authorization.
Type of insurance coverage: Erythromycin is given by your doctor or another healthcare professional. If you have insurance, the price of your erythromycin doses may be billed through your medical coverage instead of the prescription drug portion of your insurance plan. This depends on your specific insurance plan and where you receive your erythromycin doses, such as at your doctor’s office, an infusion clinic, or a hospital. If you have questions about this process, contact your doctor or your insurance provider.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
