In some cases, if left untreated, bacterial infections can become severe and potentially life-threatening. In these situations, antibiotics can be crucial in helping the body fight off the infection and preventing further complications.
The cost of antibiotics without health insurance can vary depending on the type of antibiotic and the pharmacy you go to. Depending on the severity of your condition, a course of antibiotics could cost you hundreds of dollars per prescription.
Without health insurance, you may also need to pay for a doctor’s visit to obtain an antibiotic prescription, which can add to the overall cost.
This article looks at the cost of Amoxicillin, a commonly prescribed antibiotic.
What Is Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is an effective antibiotic that belongs to the penicillin group of antibiotics.
Doctors prescribe Amoxicillin for respiratory tract infections, ear infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and other bacterial infections. The drug works by stopping the growth of bacteria and preventing them from multiplying.
While Amoxicillin is generally safe, it is unsuitable for people with a previous allergic reaction to penicillin.
Amoxicillin is available in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, and oral suspension. The usual dose for adults is 250 mg or 500mg, taken three times a day.
A lower dose of 125mg is available in liquid form for children.
The antibiotic is typically taken orally, with or without food, as directed by a healthcare provider.
Amoxicillin is a commonly used antibiotic due to its effectiveness and relatively low risk of side effects. Side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea, occur in around 10% of people. Serious side effects are rare.
What Does Amoxicillin Cost Without Insurance?
The cost of Amoxicillin without insurance can vary depending on the dose, quantity, and pharmacy you purchase it.
Below is an outline of the average retail cost of 250mg and 500mg of Amoxicillin at major pharmacies without insurance.
| Walmart | Target | Costco | Rite Aid | Walgreens | Safeway | |
| Amoxicillin 250mg14 tablets | $ 10 | $ 8 | $ 12 | $ 10 | $ 10 | $ 12 |
| Amoxicillin 250mg21 tablets | $ 15 | $ 12 | $ 13 | $26 | $14 | $ 13 |
| Amoxicillin 500mg14 capsules | $13 | $ 9 | $12 | $18 | $ 11 | $ 15 |
| Amoxicillin 500mg21 capsules | $ 15 | $ 12 | $ 13 | $26 | $ 14 | $ 18 |
Tips For Saving Money On Amoxicillin
- Shop around: Prices for prescription drugs can vary widely depending on the pharmacy you go to. Consider calling different pharmacies in your area to compare prices. You can also check online prices for prescription drugs. Some online pharmacies may offer lower prices but use reputable licensed sites that require a prescription.
- Check for assistance programs: Many pharmaceutical companies have patient assistance programs that can provide free or low-cost medications to those who qualify based on their income.
- Use drug discount cards or coupons: Drug discount cards and coupons are available through various websites, such as NeedyMeds and RxSaver. These cards and coupons can provide significant discounts on prescription medications. Present the card or coupon at the pharmacy when you pick up your medication to receive the discount.
Below we compare retail and coupon prices at some major pharmacies.
| Pharmacy | Amoxicillin (21) 500mg Retail Price | Amoxicillin (21) 500mg coupon price |
| Safeway | $ 15.00 | $ 6.39 |
| Walgreens | $ 14.00 | $ 8.10 |
| CVS | $ 12.00 | $ 8.99 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Amoxicillin
Do I Need A Prescription For Antibiotics?
Antibiotics are considered prescription drugs, meaning you need a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional to obtain them.
A healthcare professional can help determine the appropriate antibiotic based on the specific type of infection and the patient’s medical history and needs.
Can I Take My Birth Control Pills With Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that can interfere with the effectiveness of hormonal birth control, such as pills, patches, or rings. It can reduce the amount of active hormones in your body, increasing pregnancy risk.
If you take birth control pills and must take Amoxicillin for an infection, your healthcare provider may recommend additional methods of contraception, such as condoms or a backup method of birth control, during and after the course of antibiotics.
Can I Take Amoxicillin For A Cold?
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. They are not effective against viral infections such as the common cold. A cold is a viral infection that does not typically require antibiotic treatment. Most colds will resolve on their own within a week or two.
Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making it difficult to treat infections in the future.
Suppose you are experiencing cold symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, or cough. In that case, focusing on supportive measures such as rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications for symptom relief is best.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, it is crucial to see a healthcare provider to determine if a bacterial infection is present or if there is a need for further evaluation or treatment.
Conclusion
No matter how fit and healthy you are, it is almost impossible to avoid contracting a bacterial illness or infection at some point in your life.
That’s why it’s best to have health insurance to help you manage the costs when you do get sick. Health insurance protects against unexpected medical expenses, which can be significant and even financially devastating for those without insurance.
Many people forgo health insurance because they are concerned about the cost. But even people with little or no income can qualify for health insurance.
At Enhance Health, we know that having health insurance will give you peace of mind when managing your health. If you want to find out what affordable healthcare options are available, contact one of our licensed insurance representatives today.
