If you’re considering birth control options, you may want to learn more about Phexxi (lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate) and its cost.

Phexxi is a prescription nonhormonal birth control drug that’s used to help prevent pregnancy in females.*

Phexxi comes as a gel in a prefilled applicator. You apply it inside your vagina just before vaginal sex.

Keep reading for details on Phexxi and cost, and how to save money on prescriptions.

Note: For more details on Phexxi, see this in-depth article.

* In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth. To learn more about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

The price you pay for Phexxi can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage (if you have it), and the pharmacy you use.

To find out how much you’ll pay for Phexxi, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Phexxi and cost.

How much does Phexxi cost with insurance vs. without insurance?

The cost of Phexxi can vary, with or without insurance.

Whether the cost of Phexxi is covered by insurance depends on what insurance plan you have. For example, you may have a copayment (set amount you pay) for brand-name drugs. Or you may have to pay a percentage of the total cost.

The cost with insurance may also depend on whether you qualify for the Phexxi Savings Program. This program can help you save on the cost of Phexxi.

If you don’t have insurance, the cost of Phexxi may depend on the pharmacy you use, how often you use Phexxi, and other factors.

For more information on the cost of Phexxi with and without insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How does Phexxi’s cost compare with costs for other kinds of nonhormonal birth control?

The cost of Phexxi compared with that of other nonhormonal birth control products depends on a few factors. One factor is whether you have insurance that covers the cost of Phexxi.

Other factors that affect cost include the form of nonhormonal birth control you’re using. For instance, an over-the-counter (OTC) nonhormonal birth control product may cost less than Phexxi when paying without insurance. Examples of OTC nonhormonal birth control options include condoms and spermicides.

But some nonhormonal birth control products may cost more than Phexxi. For example, you may pay more for a nonhormonal IUD such as ParaGard (copper IUD). This is because a healthcare professional needs to insert it.

The cost of some kinds of nonhormonal birth control products, including Phexxi, can also depend on how often you use them.

If you have questions about the cost of Phexxi compared with that of other kinds of nonhormonal birth control products, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Phexxi only comes as a brand-name drug. It’s not currently available in a generic version. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name drug.

Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Why is there such a difference in the cost of brand-name drugs vs. generic drugs?

Years of research and testing are needed to ensure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective. This testing can make the drugs expensive.

The drugmaker of a brand-name drug can sell the drug for up to 20 years. After that, other drugmakers can create generic versions. This competition in the market can lead to lower costs for generics. And because generics have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they don’t need to be studied again. This can also lead to lower generic costs.

If you use Phexxi long term, you may be able to lower your costs by using a mail-order pharmacy to get your drugs. Using a mail-order pharmacy might help lower your cost of Phexxi. Plus, you could get your medication without leaving home.

If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need help covering the cost of Phexxi or understanding your insurance, check out these websites:

On these sites, you can find insurance information as well as details on drug assistance programs, savings cards, and other services.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You may also be eligible for a program called the Phexxi Savings Program. You can find out more by going to the program webpage or calling 855-358-6583.

If you still have questions about the cost of Phexxi, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to give you a better idea of what you’ll pay for this drug. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’d pay for Phexxi.

Examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor or insurance provider include:

  • Does the cost of Phexxi depend on how often I use it?
  • What are my options if I can’t afford to pay for Phexxi?
  • Would an over-the-counter nonhormonal birth control product cost less?

Disclaimer: Healthline 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.