Help your patients afford Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone (Cipro HC Otic). A provider's guide to savings programs, generics, and cost conversations.
You've diagnosed acute otitis externa, written the prescription for Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone (Cipro HC Otic), and sent your patient on their way. But what happens when they get to the pharmacy and see the price tag? For brand-name Cipro HC Otic, that number can be $350 to $480 for a single 10 mL bottle — enough to make some patients walk away without filling the prescription.
Medication cost is one of the most significant barriers to treatment adherence. When patients can't afford their prescriptions, they delay treatment, skip doses, or don't fill them at all. For an acute ear infection, this can mean prolonged pain, worsening infection, and unnecessary follow-up visits.
As a provider, you're in a unique position to help. This guide covers the savings programs, alternatives, and strategies you can use to help patients access Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone without breaking the bank.
Here's the current pricing landscape for Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone:
The launch of the first generic in December 2025 was a major development. After 27+ years as a single-source brand product, Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone finally has a more affordable alternative. However, the generic's 180-day CGT exclusivity means Cosette is currently the only generic manufacturer, and prices haven't yet dropped to the levels we'd expect with full generic competition.
Unlike many brand-name medications in more competitive therapeutic areas, Cipro HC Otic does not have a widely advertised manufacturer copay card or savings program. However, there are options:
Novartis, the brand manufacturer, operates a Patient Assistance Foundation that may provide Cipro HC Otic at no cost to qualifying patients. Eligibility criteria typically include:
The application process requires provider involvement — you'll need to complete and sign the prescription section. While this may not be practical for a 7-day ear drop course (given processing time), it's worth knowing about for patients with chronic or recurrent otitis externa.
As the generic manufacturer, Cosette doesn't typically offer direct patient savings programs in the same way brand manufacturers do. However, as additional generics enter the market (expected after Cosette's 180-day exclusivity period ends in mid-2026), prices should drop further.
For most patients, discount cards offer the fastest and most practical savings:
GoodRx is the most widely recognized prescription discount platform. Patients can search for Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone, compare prices at nearby pharmacies, and present a free coupon at the counter. GoodRx prices for Cipro HC have been reported in the range of $130–$350 for the brand, with the generic potentially lower.
SingleCare offers a similar service and is accepted at most major pharmacy chains, including CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. Patients simply show their SingleCare card (physical or digital) at checkout.
Additional options include RxSaver, Optum Perks, BuzzRx, and America's Pharmacy. Each may have different negotiated prices at different pharmacies, so it's worth comparing across platforms.
Provider tip: Consider keeping a QR code or link to GoodRx or SingleCare at your front desk or in your after-visit summary. Many patients don't know these tools exist.
If cost is the primary concern, consider these options when clinically appropriate:
This is the direct generic equivalent, available since December 2025. At $70–$150 retail, it's significantly more affordable than brand Cipro HC and contains the same active ingredients at the same concentrations. Most insurance plans will auto-substitute to generic unless you specify brand-necessary.
For uncomplicated acute otitis externa, Ofloxacin otic is a well-established first-line option at approximately $25–$40 per bottle. It lacks the steroid component, so patients with significant inflammation may have a slower symptom resolution. However, for mild to moderate cases, the cost savings can be substantial.
If a combination antibiotic-steroid is preferred, generic Ciprodex is available at approximately $55–$65 with a coupon. Dexamethasone is a more potent steroid than Hydrocortisone, and Ciprodex also carries an indication for acute otitis media with tympanostomy tubes, offering more versatility.
At approximately $15–$30, Cortisporin is the most affordable option. The trade-off is the risk of ototoxicity from Neomycin if the tympanic membrane is perforated, and a narrower antibacterial spectrum. For patients with intact eardrums and budget constraints, it remains a viable option.
For a detailed comparison, direct patients to: Alternatives to Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone
Cost shouldn't be an afterthought. Here are practical ways to integrate affordability into your prescribing workflow:
A simple question — "Do you have any concerns about the cost of this medication?" — can make a significant difference. Many patients won't volunteer that information, especially in a short visit.
When writing for Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone, ensure your prescription allows generic substitution (this is the default in most states, but double-check your prescribing habits). Specify "brand necessary" only when there's a clinical reason.
Keep a mental (or physical) reference of the approximate costs:
Knowing these numbers allows you to have an informed conversation at the point of care, rather than your patient discovering the cost at the pharmacy counter.
Medfinder for Providers is a tool designed to help clinicians and practice staff check medication availability and pricing. You can verify whether a pharmacy near your patient has Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone in stock before they leave your office — reducing the frustration of multiple pharmacy calls and unfilled prescriptions.
Add a standardized section to your after-visit summary that includes:
This takes minimal effort to set up but can make a meaningful difference for patients navigating the pharmacy experience on their own.
Building a relationship with local pharmacists can help you stay informed about stock issues and pricing. Pharmacists can also help patients find the best price and may suggest therapeutic alternatives within your approved parameters.
The cost of Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone has been a legitimate barrier for patients for years. The December 2025 generic launch by Cosette Pharmaceuticals is a significant step toward affordability, but many patients still face sticker shock — especially those without insurance or with high-deductible plans.
As a provider, you don't need to become a financial counselor. But a few small changes to your workflow — asking about cost, prescribing generics, and pointing patients toward savings tools — can have an outsized impact on treatment adherence and outcomes.
For more clinical resources on this medication, see our provider shortage guide and availability guide for providers.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
Try Medfinder Concierge FreeMedfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We believe this begins with trustworthy information. Our core values guide everything we do, including the standards that shape the accuracy, transparency, and quality of our content. We’re committed to delivering information that’s evidence-based, regularly updated, and easy to understand. For more details on our editorial process, see here.
%2C%20Color%3DOriginal.png)
