Tigecycline (Tygacil) — Compare Prices at US & Canada Pharmacies
Compare real Tigecycline prices at US and Canadian pharmacies, see official FDA uses and warnings, and find generic alternatives.
What is the typical out-of-pocket cost for Tigecycline without health insurance?
Without insurance coverage, tigecycline can cost approximately $504.00 at retail pharmacy prices. However, several cost-reduction strategies exist. Many pharmacies offer discount programs, and comparing prices across different pharmacy locations in your area may reveal lower rates. Patients are encouraged to ask their healthcare provider about patient assistance programs or to inquire with their pharmacy about available pricing options.
How much does Tigecycline typically cost for patients with insurance?
Tigecycline costs vary significantly depending on your specific insurance plan, deductible status, and copay structure. To determine your actual out-of-pocket expense, contact your insurance provider directly with your prescription details. You can also request that your pharmacy run a price estimate based on your insurance coverage. Additionally, using available pharmacy discount cards or coupons may provide savings even when you have insurance coverage.
Is tigecycline covered by Medicare, and what would it cost?
Tigecycline is not covered by Medicare plans, meaning beneficiaries would pay the full cash price for this medication. The average cost for a dose (4, 50mg solution reconstituteds) is approximately $504.00. Medicare patients seeking to reduce costs should explore alternative options such as pharmacy discount programs, patient assistance programs offered by manufacturers, or discussing with their doctor whether other covered alternatives might be suitable for their condition.
What brand-name drug is equivalent to generic tigecycline?
Tygacil is the brand-name version of tigecycline. The generic form is manufactured by Transo-Pharm USA LLC and Rochem International Inc., among other manufacturers.
Tigecycline prices at US pharmacies
Tigecycline — solution reconstituted, 50mg, qty 4
| Pharmacy | Retail price | With discount card |
|---|---|---|
| CVS Pharmacy Lowest | $68.90 | $65.90 |
| Publix | $108.58 | $105.58 |
| Kroger Pharmacy | $147.90 | $144.90 |
| Harris Teeter Pharmacy | $147.90 | $144.90 |
| Walmart Neighborhood Market | $160.60 | $157.60 |
| Walmart Pharmacy | $160.60 | $157.60 |
| Walgreens | $206.43 | $203.43 |
Tygacil (Tigecycline) — solution reconstituted, 50mg, qty 4
| Pharmacy | Retail price | With discount card |
|---|---|---|
| CVS Pharmacy Lowest | $68.90 | $65.90 |
| Publix | $108.58 | $105.58 |
| Kroger Pharmacy | $147.90 | $144.90 |
| Harris Teeter Pharmacy | $147.90 | $144.90 |
| Walmart Neighborhood Market | $160.60 | $157.60 |
| Walmart Pharmacy | $160.60 | $157.60 |
| Walgreens | $206.43 | $203.43 |
Tigecycline prices at Canadian pharmacies
No Canadian pharmacy pricing was found for Tigecycline in our latest data pull.
Canada prices are converted to USD at time of collection and shown per tablet where available. Ordering from Canadian pharmacies is legal for personal use in most cases but subject to FDA/CBSA rules — see US vs Canada, explained.
What is Tigecycline used for?
Tigecycline (brand Tygacil) is a glycylcycline — a chemically modified tetracycline engineered specifically to overcome the resistance mechanisms that let many bacteria escape doxycycline and minocycline. That structural tweak gives it an unusually broad spectrum, covering many multidrug-resistant organisms including MRSA, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, and many extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Gram-negatives, which is why it's approved for complicated skin infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections, and community-acquired pneumonia when other options aren't suitable.
Tigecycline carries a boxed warning that shapes how conservatively it's used: a meta-analysis of clinical trials found a small but statistically real increase in all-cause mortality in patients treated with tigecycline compared with other antibiotics, a difference whose cause hasn't been fully explained. Because of this finding, the FDA label states tigecycline should be reserved for situations where alternative treatments aren't suitable rather than used as a routine broad-spectrum choice, and it's specifically not indicated for hospital-acquired or ventilator-associated pneumonia or diabetic foot infections, since trial data in those settings didn't support its use. This mortality signal, combined with its very broad spectrum, is why WHO's AWaRe framework places tigecycline in the Reserve category — a genuine last-line option rather than an early empiric choice.
Two drug interactions matter clinically: tigecycline can affect warfarin's anticoagulant effect, so prothrombin time or another suitable coagulation test is monitored during concurrent use, and it can raise blood levels of calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus and cyclosporine, requiring level monitoring in transplant patients to avoid toxicity. As with other tetracyclines, it can cause permanent tooth discoloration if used in the second or third trimester of pregnancy or in young children.
How Tigecycline works
Blocks bacterial protein synthesis
Tigecycline binds to the bacterial ribosome and prevents protein production, the core tetracycline-class mechanism.
Evades common resistance mechanisms
Its chemical modification lets it escape the efflux pumps and ribosomal protection mechanisms that make many bacteria resistant to standard tetracyclines.
Stops the infection from spreading
With protein synthesis blocked, the bacteria stop multiplying and the immune system clears the existing infection — effective against a very broad range of resistant organisms.
Typical dosage forms & strengths
| Use | Typical adult dose | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Complicated skin, intra-abdominal infection, or pneumonia (adults) | 100 mg IV initial dose, then 50 mg IV every 12 hours | IV infusion (reconstituted) |
General reference dosing from the FDA label — not personalized advice. Your prescribed dose may differ based on your infection, kidney function, age, and weight. Always follow your prescriber's instructions.
Warnings & interactions
This is a summary of the official FDA label text, not personalized medical advice. It does not list every possible interaction or side effect. Always tell your prescriber and pharmacist about every medicine and supplement you take.
Common, usually mild
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache or dizziness
- Injection site pain or swelling
Serious — seek care promptly
- Signs of liver injury (jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain)
- Signs of kidney injury
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis
- Severe or persistent diarrhea (possible C. difficile infection)
Boxed warning
WARNING: ALL-CAUSE MORTALITY An increase in all-cause mortality has been observed in a meta-analysis of Phase 3 and 4 clinical trials in tigecycline-treated patients versus comparator. The cause of this mortality risk difference of 0.6% (95% CI 0.1, 1.2) has not been established. Tigecycline for injection should be reserved for use in situations when alternative treatments are not suitable [see Indications and Usage ( 1.4 ), Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. WARNING: ALL-CAUSE MORTALITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Tigecycline for injection is contraindicated for use in patients who have known hypersensitivity to tigecycline or to any of the excipients. Reactions have included anaphylactic reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 ) ] . Known hypersensitivity to tigecycline. ( 4 )
Notable drug interactions
| Drug / substance | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Warfarin | Can affect anticoagulant response; monitor prothrombin time or other coagulation test |
| Calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, cyclosporine) | Tigecycline can raise blood levels, risking toxicity; monitor drug levels |
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Tigecycline for injection, like other tetracycline class antibacterial drugs, may cause permanent discoloration of deciduous teeth and reversible inhibition of bone growth when administered during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 , 5.8), Data, and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )] .
Tigecycline, by the numbers
Additional public data points beyond retail pricing — useful context, not a price quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Tigecycline cost without insurance?
Is there a generic version of Tigecycline?
What drug class is Tigecycline in?
Learn more about Tigecycline
In-depth answers to common Tigecycline questions, fact-checked against the sources cited in each.
What is tigecycline and how does it work?
Tigecycline is an FDA-approved antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections that have failed to respond to standard antibiotic therapy. As a tetracycline-class antibiotic, it works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, effectively stopping bacterial growth. The medication is given intravenously—injected directly into a vein over 30 to 60 minutes by a healthcare professional. Tigecycline is effective only against bacterial infections; it provides no benefit for viral illnesses such as colds or influenza. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on your specific medical condition, current medications, and how your infection responds to treatment. If you're receiving this medication at home, carefully follow all preparation and administration instructions from your healthcare provider. When reconstituting, gently swirl the powder—do not shake vigorously. The mixed solution should appear yellow to orange. Do not use the medication if you observe visible particles or any green discoloration. For maximum effectiveness, maintain consistent dosing intervals throughout your treatment course. Continue taking the full prescribed amount even if symptoms resolve within a few days, as premature discontinuation can allow the infection to return.
What side effects can tigecycline cause?
Mild to moderate side effects commonly reported with tigecycline include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and localized pain or swelling at the injection site. These effects often diminish as your body adjusts to the medication. Contact your healthcare provider if these symptoms persist or intensify. Serious adverse effects requiring immediate medical attention include kidney dysfunction, unusual weakness, severe abdominal pain, hearing loss or changes, irregular heartbeats, unexplained bruising or bleeding, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), and dark-colored urine. Because this list does not cover all possible side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist for comprehensive information about the potential risks and benefits specific to your situation.
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Prices last checked 2026-08-21. Reviewed against FDA and DailyMed official sources — see our review process. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Christopher J. Graber, M.D., MPH, FIDSA, Infectious Disease