Question 1

How can I lower the cost of my ciprofloxacin

Accepted Answer

You can lower cost of your ciprofloxacin using one of the 4 following drug savings programs: Rx Advantage Card for ciprofloxacin, Canadian Prescription Savings for ciprofloxacin, ciprofloxacin Drug Coupons, ciprofloxacin Patient Assistance Programs

Question 2

What dosages is ciprofloxacin available in?

Accepted Answer

ciprofloxacin is available as a 250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg oral tablet and a 5% oral suspension.

Question 3

What is ciprofloxacin used for?

Accepted Answer

ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that is used to treat:

Adults only

Skin infections
Bone and joint infections
Sinus infections
Lower respiratory tract infections
Stomach infections
Infectious diarrhea
Typhoid fever
Gonorrhea in the genitals
Long-term prostate infections

Adults and children

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Anthrax exposure through inhalation
Plague

Question 4

How does ciprofloxacin work?

Accepted Answer

ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone (or “quinolone”) antibiotic. It works by blocking certain enzymes (proteins) that bacteria use to grow and repair their genetic material (DNA) in order to survive. By blocking this process, the antibiotic kills bacteria.

Question 5

How do I take ciprofloxacin?

Accepted Answer

The dose and duration of treatment can depend on the type of infection you have and how serious it is. Most times, treatment lasts 7 to 14 days, while other treatment courses can last for a few months. Your dose might differ if you have kidney or liver problems. It is typically taken by mouth every 12 hours.

Question 6

Is it safe for me to take ciprofloxacin?

Accepted Answer

ciprofloxacin is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication in the following.

Severe allergy to a quinolone antibiotic
You are taking tizanidine (Zanaflex)
History of tendon, muscle, joint, central nervous system, epilepsy or psychotic disorders
Concomitant use of fluoroquinolones with ACE inhibitors/angiotensin-receptor blockers in
patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance ≤ 30 mL/min) and in the
elderly

Question 7

ciprofloxacin Common Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of ciprofloxacin:  Nausea Diarrhea Vomiting Rash Abnormal liver blood test results

Question 8

ciprofloxacin Serious Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Serious side effects are rare with ciprofloxacin. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.  Achilles pain, pain or swelling at joint or muscle Seizures Changes in thoughts or behavior Nerve damage: numbness, tingling, “pins-and-needles” feeling, burning, changes in sensations related to light touch or temperature Major blood vessel damage: sudden, severe chest, back, or stomach pain; shortness of breath; pain in arms or legs Infectious (C. difficile-related) diarrhea: foul-smelling diarrhea, fever, frequent bowel movements Abnormal heart rhythm: chest pounding, chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling faint or lightheaded Kidney problems: urinating less often than usual; swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands Liver problems: stomach bloating, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, dark urine Serious allergic and skin reactions: hives, blisters, skin reddening or peeling, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing

Question 9

Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on ciprofloxacin

Accepted Answer

The following medications may interact with ciprofloxacin:  Theophylline – Serious and fatal reactions. Avoid concomitant use Warfarin – Anticoagulant effect enhanced. Monitor prothrombin time, INR, and bleeding Antidiabetic agents – Hypoglycemia including fatal outcomes have been reported. Monitor blood glucose. Phenytoin – Monitor phenytoin level Methotrexate – Monitor for methotrexate toxicity Cyclosporine – May increase serum creatinine. Monitor serum creatinine

Question 10

Who makes ciprofloxacin?

Accepted Answer

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

Question 11

Is ciprofloxacin safe in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

The safety of ciprofloxacin in pregnant women has not been established. ciprofloxacin must not be prescribed to pregnant women. Animal studies have demonstrated that ciprofloxacin may
damage the articular cartilage in the fetus.

Question 12

What is the brand name for ciprofloxacin?

Accepted Answer

CIPROBAYCILOXANCIPRO

Question 13

How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my ciprofloxacin prescription?

Accepted Answer

After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your ciprofloxacin prescription

Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.

Question 14

How do the NowPatient ciprofloxacin savings programs work?

Accepted Answer

After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.

Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.

Question 15

Are the NowPatient ciprofloxacin savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.

	Rx Advantage Card* for ciprofloxacin	Canadian Prescription Savings* for ciprofloxacin	ciprofloxacin Drug Coupon*	ciprofloxacin Patient Assistance Program*
Insured (federal, state or government)	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Insured (Commercial or Private)	Available	Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Uninsured	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company

*This is not insurance.

Question 16

Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of ciprofloxacin?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below

	Rx Advantage Card* for ciprofloxacin	Canadian Prescription Savings* for ciprofloxacin	ciprofloxacin Drug Coupon*	ciprofloxacin Patient Assistance Program*
Brand	Yes	Yes	Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company	Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Generic	Yes	Yes	No	No

*This is not insurance.

Question 17

If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the ciprofloxacin savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?

Accepted Answer

If you are insured with Medicare and the ciprofloxacin drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.

If you are denied Medicaid for ciprofloxacin, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Question 18

I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the ciprofloxacin prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, ciprofloxacin is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed ciprofloxacin for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.

Question 19

I am commercially or privately insured and none of the ciprofloxacin prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.

If you cannot afford your copay contribution, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.

The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.

Question 20

If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the ciprofloxacin prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay contributions?

Accepted Answer

If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:

1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for ciprofloxacin

If you are having trouble paying for your ciprofloxacin medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for ciprofloxacin you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:

Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
ciprofloxacin is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers ciprofloxacin
If ciprofloxacin is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications

You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.

2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for ciprofloxacin

If you are having trouble paying for your ciprofloxacin medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for ciprofloxacin you will need to meet the following criteria:

You live in and are being treated in the United States
You are insured and your plan covers ciprofloxacin
If ciprofloxacin is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications

You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.

3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for ciprofloxacin

Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your ciprofloxacin treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for ciprofloxacin you will need to meet the following criteria:

You must be currently insured and have coverage for ciprofloxacin
You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.

You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.