Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Amphotericin B Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional (Deoxycholate) per vial | $150 – $400 | $50 – $150 |
| Liposomal (AmBisome) per vial | $500 – $2,500 | $100 – $500 |
| Lipid Complex (Abelcet) per vial | $400 – $1,500 | $80 – $300 |
What Affects the Cost
- Brand-name vs. generic availability
- Insurance formulary tier placement
- Pharmacy choice (retail vs. mail-order vs. Costco)
- Manufacturer savings cards and coupons
- Dosage and quantity prescribed
- Geographic location
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Covered under medical benefit for inpatient/infusion use; prior auth required
Most insurance plans use a tiered formulary: Tier 1 (generic) $0-$15 copay, Tier 2 (preferred brand) $25-$75, Tier 3 (non-preferred brand) $50-$150, Tier 4 (specialty) $100-$500+. Prior authorization may be required for certain medications. Step therapy may require trying cheaper alternatives first.
How to Save Money
- Always ask for generic when available — saves 50-90%
- Use GoodRx, RxSaver, or similar discount cards
- Costco pharmacy is open to non-members and often has lowest prices
- Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs offers transparent low pricing
- Manufacturer patient assistance programs provide free medication to qualifying patients
- HSA/FSA funds can cover medication costs tax-free
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Amphotericin B, especially liposomal formulations, is a hospital-administered IV antifungal for life-threatening fungal infections. The lipid formulations reduce kidney toxicity but cost significantly more.
It treats severe systemic fungal infections including aspergillosis, cryptococcal meningitis, and mucormycosis, typically in hospitalized patients.
Common side effects include fever, chills, nausea, and kidney damage. The liposomal form has fewer side effects but costs more.