Monurol

Introduction

Written by Skyler Todd, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD
Updated on September 21, 2023

Fosfomycin is a generic medication that comes as granules to mix with water and is prescribed for certain urinary tract infections (UTIs). The brand-name version of this drug is Monurol. The cost of fosfomycin with or without insurance can depend on several factors. It might be lowered by using a coupon.

Read on to learn about fosfomycin and cost. You’ll also find available coupons and suggestions for ways to save on your prescription. If you’d like more information about fosfomycin, including its uses, refer to this overview article.

Cost of fosfomycin

Like other medications, the cost of fosfomycin can vary. Certain factors may affect its price, such as:

• your insurance plan, if you have coverage
• the pharmacy you use

To find out how much fosfomycin costs, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. They may be able to suggest ways to save money on your prescription, including those described in this article. To find out what you’d pay using savings coupons, read the “Coupons for fosfomycin” section.

Coupons for fosfomycin

Prescription drug coupons can help you save money by lowering the cost of fosfomycin. The Optum Perks coupons above can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Available app for coupons

To make finding and using these coupons easier, you can download the Optum Perks app. To learn more about this prescription discount app, see this article.

Insurance and other considerations for fosfomycin

Here’s a list of things to consider about the cost of prescription drugs:

• Prior authorization. If you have prescription drug insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers the cost of fosfomycin. In this case, your doctor will communicate with your insurance company regarding your prescription for fosfomycin. The insurance company will decide whether to cover the medication. If a drug requires prior authorization and you begin taking it without this, you may have to pay the full price of the drug.
• Insurance coverage. The cost of your doses will depend on your specific insurance plan. If you have questions about this process, contact your doctor or your insurance provider.

If you have questions about any of these considerations, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Or contact your insurance company and talk with a representative.

If you don’t have a health insurance plan, let your doctor or pharmacist know. They may suggest online pharmacy options you could use. You can also ask them about ways to obtain health insurance coverage.

Generics vs. brand-names

Fosfomycin is a generic medication. The brand-name version of this drug is Monurol.

A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs. And they’re thought to be as safe and effective as the brand-name version.

If your doctor has prescribed fosfomycin but you’re interested in taking Monurol, let them know. They may prefer one medication over the other. Also, check whether your insurance plan covers only one version of the drug.

To learn how the cost of fosfomycin compares with its brand-name version, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You could also contact your insurance company. 

Common questions about fosfomycin and cost

Here are some common questions about fosfomycin and their answers.  

Does fosfomycin cost less than other similar antibiotics?

The cost of fosfomycin and other antibiotics will depend on different factors, such as whether you have insurance and which pharmacy you use.

Fosfomycin may be more expensive than other antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs).

But you usually only need to take one dose of fosfomycin one time compared to other antibiotics, such as nitrofurantoin, where you would take multiple doses per day for multiple days. Fosfomycin is also a good option if you have trouble swallowing pills.

Talk with your doctor about possible alternatives to fosfomycin.

Why are costs different for brand-name drugs vs. generic drugs?

Brand-name drugs can be expensive because of the studies needed to test how safe and effective they are.

Makers of a brand-name drug can sell their drug for up to 20 years. When the patent for a brand-name drug expires, other drugmakers can make and sell generic versions. A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.)

This competition may help keep the costs of generic medications lower. Also, generic medications contain the same active drugs as brand-name medications. So they don’t require the same testing, which can be costly.

If you’d like to know more about the cost differences between brand-name and generic drugs, talk with your doctor.

What to ask about fosfomycin

This article provides cost information related to fosfomycin. It also offers suggestions for ways to save money on your prescription. Above on this page, you’ll find coupons for fosfomycin.

If you have more questions about paying for this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also contact your insurance company.

Here’s a list of questions you may want to ask regarding the cost of your medication:

• Will the cost of fosfomycin be less if I use a coupon or my insurance?
• Are there alternative drugs that cost less than fosfomycin?
• How do I pay for fosfomycin if I don’t have insurance?

Resources

• Fosfomycin tromethamine granule, for solution. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/fc25635d-7449-4853-8a6e-b5b4b53fbd03/spl-doc

Disclaimer: Optum Perks 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.